Solving Client Challenges
Chithalina Coleman, M.Ed.
Senior Consultant, Program Management
Washington,DC
Summary
Dynamic, highly-organized, and growth-focused leader consistently sought-after throughout career to reframe entrenched thinking and uncover breakthrough results through ‘game changing’ end-to-end project solutions. Through problem foretelling distinction, infectious optimism, ingenuity, and a bird’s eye view—ensured consistency in adapting best methodologies, elevating project management for various organizations. Energized project managers as a partner and bridged gaps between diversified branches, advancing project management standards -curtailing project derailments- meeting stakeholder, client, and business expectations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Compliance Coordinator
The Children's Guild, Inc.
Chillum, MD
12.2019 - Current
- Built systems to streamline internal audits and billing.
- Create processes for quality assurance and continuous improvement.
- Educated colleagues by conducting compliance training programs and issuing periodic communications to refresh knowledge of compliant work practices.
- Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to direct compliance issues to appropriate channels for investigation and resolution.
Education Consultant
Ms .K's Special Education Consulting
Washington, DC
05.2013 - Current
- Assist businesses and organizations with developing special education capacity and services.
- Delight clients with successfully mediating Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) violations which has resulted in private school placements and compensatory education services.
- Subject Matter Expert in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), special education programming, and compensatory education.
Director of Compliance, Admissions, and Tutoring
The Kingsbury Center
Washington, DC
07.2015 - 03.2019
- Reported to CEO, brief Board of Directors, and work with the Chief Financial Officer on budget and finance.
- Planned, built, executed, and measured a strategic and tactical recruitment process to increase enrollment by 25% annually.
- Led initiative to create a preschool program to help increase enrollment.
- Skyrocketed school compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—a federal law protecting special needs children—the Office of State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) from 25% to 100%.
- Collaborated with 12 teams on a daily/weekly basis to minimize negative impact to enrollment cycle.
Special Education Consultant
DC Disability Law Group, P.C.
Washington, DC
09.2012 - 02.2015
- Founding member of law firm; assisted with drafting business plan and seeking potential investors.
- Managed 150+ clients and related projects.
- Strategically screened prospective clients; independently judged validity of allegations made and advised attorney on whether to accept case. This resulted in 85% of cases being litigation ready within 3 months of taking on a new case.
- Responsible for day-to-day operations and account management.
- Analyzed strengths and weaknesses to organization; made recommendations for system improvements organizationally and financially.
Special Education Consultant
James E. Brown & Associates
Washington, DC
01.2011 - 09.2012
- Mentored and trained colleagues on education best practices.
- Created systems to effectively track and monitor student progress.
- Conducted client intake, discussed services offered, and provided solutions or possible outcomes.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
The George Washington University
Washington, DC 07.2008 - 08.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Ethnic Studies
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 07.2002 - 05.2007
Skills
Advanced Computer Skills
Excellent Written/Verbal Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Fluency in Social Media
Multi-tasker
Accomplishments
Built profitable special education law firm in Washington, DC.
CEO/Founder of a special education consulting company.
Certification
Early Childhood Special Education (DC, MD, VA)
Interests
Providing VIP Customer Service
Yoga
Traveling
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education (DC, MD, VA)
01-2021
Non-categorical K-12 Special Education (DC, MD, VA)
01-2021
Compliance Coordinator
The Children's Guild, Inc.
12.2019 - Current
Director of Compliance, Admissions, and Tutoring
The Kingsbury Center
07.2015 - 03.2019
Education Consultant
Ms .K's Special Education Consulting
05.2013 - Current
Special Education Consultant
DC Disability Law Group, P.C.
09.2012 - 02.2015
Special Education Consultant
James E. Brown & Associates
01.2011 - 09.2012
Master of Arts - Special Education
The George Washington University
07.2008 - 08.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Ethnic Studies
University of California, Berkeley
07.2002 - 05.2007