Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Coursework
Timeline
Generic
Chrissa Apostolopoulos

Chrissa Apostolopoulos

Lead Preschool Teacher
Chicago,IL

Summary

Dynamic and versatile professional with extensive experience in communication, time management, and customer service across diverse roles as a project manager, teacher, and barista. Proven track record in problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, ensuring successful outcomes in fast-paced and changing environments. Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong interpersonal skills, adept at building positive relationships and effectively managing stress. Dedicated to delivering excellence and fostering collaboration, seeking to leverage a broad skill set in a challenging new role.



Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
2022
2022
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
1
1
Language

Work History

Lead Preschool Teacher

L&L Academy and Preschool
10.2024 - Current
  • Creating Engaging Lesson Plans - Design age-appropriate, play-based lesson plans that incorporate early literacy, numeracy, sensory activities, and social-emotional learning to support holistic child development
  • Incorporating Hands-On Learning - Develop interactive and exploratory activities using arts, music, storytelling, and movement to enhance cognitive and motor skills while fostering creativity and curiosity
  • Differentiating Instruction - Adapt teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles, developmental levels, and special needs, ensuring an inclusive and supportive classroom environment
  • Assessing and Adjusting Curriculum - Implement ongoing observational assessments to track student progress, identify learning gaps, and refine curriculum strategies to optimize early childhood learning outcomes

Pre Award Administrator

University of Chicago
08.2024 - 10.2024
  • Proposal Development and Submission: Collaborates with faculty and research teams to develop and review grant proposals, ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements, university policies, and deadlines
  • Coordinates with internal departments for approvals and supports submission processes
  • Budget Preparation and Financial Planning: Develops and finalizes detailed budgets and financial projections for grant proposals, ensuring accurate allocation of resources, salaries, equipment, and other expenses
  • Assists with justifications and ensures budgets meet sponsor and institutional guidelines
  • Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: Ensures that all pre-award processes adhere to federal, state, and institutional regulations, including IRB, IACUC, and financial conflict of interest policies
  • Maintains documentation and guides researchers on compliance requirements, policies, and procedures
  • Liaison with Funding Agencies and Stakeholders: Acts as the primary contact with funding agencies to address questions, provide clarifications, and interpret guidelines
  • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with proposal requirements and institutional priorities
  • Training and Support for Researchers: Provides training sessions, resources, and guidance to faculty and research staff on proposal preparation, budgeting, and compliance procedures
  • It also supports researchers in navigating systems, such as electronic research administration platforms, for a streamlined application process

Sponsored Research Project Manager

Northwestern University
05.2022 - 10.2023
  • Strategic Project Management: Spearheaded successful execution of critical projects, proposals, and policies in alignment with organizational goals
  • Partnership Leadership: Established a groundbreaking Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with City Colleges of Chicago, fostering valuable partnerships and driving educational initiatives
  • Efficient Logistics Coordination: Managed the Vice President's calendar, international travel arrangements, and budget oversight, ensuring streamlined operations and cost-effective solutions
  • Administrative Excellence: Delivered top-tier administrative support, including document preparation, meeting facilitation, and meticulous record-keeping
  • Strategic Contribution: Collaborated cross-functionally, offering strategic insights and recommendations to align departmental activities with long-term objectives

Executive Board Member Project Manager

American College of Surgeons
05.2021 - 04.2022
  • Autonomous Administrative Support: Provided confidential administrative support, independently contributing to innovative education programs, including large-scale in-person meetings and conferences
  • Board Communication & Coordination: Facilitated weekly conference calls with board members, ensuring effective communication
  • Efficient Reporting: Managed educational and quality reports, maintaining a strong focus on data accuracy and post-activity surveys
  • Comprehensive Meeting Records: Maintained up-to-date meeting records, covering participant registration, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, and meeting revenue
  • Effective Project Management: Successfully managed diverse administrative projects, utilizing project tracking tools to support education programs and committees

English Teacher

North Lawndale College Prep Highschool
08.2019 - 05.2021
  • Curriculum Development and Delivery: Designed, organized, and presented instructional activities that fostered active learning experiences, both within and beyond the classroom environment
  • Resourceful Instruction: Curated and provided a diverse array of learning materials and resources to enhance the comprehension and retention of course subjects and objectives
  • Objective Clarity: Established and effectively communicated clear learning objectives, ensuring student understanding and alignment with academic goals
  • Customized Instructional Approach: Thoughtfully selected diverse instructional resources and methods to cater to the distinct learning needs of students, promoting inclusivity and accessibility

Barista

Starbucks
05.2016 - 08.2019
  • A Starbucks Barista creates high-quality beverages, provides excellent customer service, maintains store cleanliness, and manages inventory
  • They handle transactions accurately, engage with customers, and ensure a welcoming environment
  • Baristas also adhere to health and safety standards, work well in a team, and continually learn about Starbucks products and techniques

Education

Masters - Women and Gender Studies

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Arts - English Studies

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Agile Leadership - undefined

Northwestern University

Skills

  • MS Office
  • Time Management
  • Customer Service
  • Problem-Solving
  • Teamwork

  • Adaptability
  • Organization
  • Stress Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Interpersonal Skills

Certification

CITI Program Chicago Research Administration

Coursework

Agile Leadership, Northwestern University, 2023, Leadership: Essential for inspiring and guiding the project team towards achieving goals, making decisions, and resolving conflicts effectively. Communication: Crucial for conveying information clearly and effectively to stakeholders, team members, and clients, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed. Time Management: Key for prioritizing tasks, managing deadlines, and ensuring the project stays on schedule.

Timeline

Lead Preschool Teacher

L&L Academy and Preschool
10.2024 - Current

Pre Award Administrator

University of Chicago
08.2024 - 10.2024

Sponsored Research Project Manager

Northwestern University
05.2022 - 10.2023

Executive Board Member Project Manager

American College of Surgeons
05.2021 - 04.2022

English Teacher

North Lawndale College Prep Highschool
08.2019 - 05.2021

Barista

Starbucks
05.2016 - 08.2019

Bachelor of Arts - English Studies

Illinois State University

Agile Leadership - undefined

Northwestern University

Masters - Women and Gender Studies

Loyola University Chicago
Chrissa ApostolopoulosLead Preschool Teacher