Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Learning Director
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
04.2020 - Current
Managed movement from a part day Legally Licensed Exempt a full day full year Registered Ministry.
Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Head Start Center Director
Family Development Services, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2020
Managed center budget for optimal resource allocation and financial stability.
Increased staff productivity with regular training sessions, clear expectations, and constructive feedback.
Achieved accreditation requirements by ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Developed strong community relationships to support center programs and initiatives.
Oversaw daily operations, streamlining processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
Coordinated fundraising efforts, securing essential resources for program expansion and improvement.
Led team of educators in creating innovative curriculum that aligned with state standards and promoted student success.
Collaborated with parents to enhance communication channels, strengthening the home-school partnership for improved student outcomes.
Established partnerships with local businesses for internships or job placement opportunities for students.
Maximized grant funding opportunities by researching potential sources diligently and submitting well-crafted proposals, securing crucial financial support for center programs.
Kept facility in compliance with all applicable standards and laws.
Sparked imagination, built self-esteem and helped children make exciting discoveries daily.
Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
Head Start/Early Childhood Collaboration Specialist
Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral
01.2015 - 01.2016
Created an alignment of the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the Indiana Early Learning Foundations
Provided oversight for the distribution of $500,000 in capacity building grants to early childhood programs in five Indiana counties
Provided technical assistance to local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies so they could better understand and work with Head Start organizations
Provided training and support to the Consumer Education Office and Infant/Toddler Specialists on the new Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grants and how best to work with the early childhood programs involved
Participated in the Early Learning Advisory Committee’s Provider Participation and Advancement workgroup.
Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
Conducted thorough research to identify trends and inform decision-making for business growth initiatives.
Organized large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution of logistics, registration, catering, and venue management.
Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
Listened and responded to customer requests and forwarded necessary information to superiors.
Accreditation Coach
Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
01.2009 - 01.2015
Facilitated cohort of 16 Head Start sites through successful NAEYC accreditation
Maintained a 90% success rate for Paths To Quality rating visits with no insufficiencies with a caseload of 130 early childhood facilities
Maintained a 95% success rate for successful accreditation visits
Assisted Center Directors in completing the Early Education Matching Grant RFP
Provided orientation and training to new coaches
Completed C.L.A.S.S
Observations and feedback for classroom teachers and Center Directors.
Ready To Learn Coordinator
WFYI
01.2003 - 01.2009
Partnered with LEAs, Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Homes, Head Start agencies and local businesses to educate parents and Early Childhood educators
Planned community events with multiple partners
Planned A Place of Our Own Provider of the Year Awards in partnerships with the Indiana Pacers
Built the Ready To Learn program from 20 workshops a year to 120 a year through the creation of a Train-the-Trainer system
Wrote grants to fund the Ready To Learn Program.
Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes.
Developed comprehensive reports for senior management, enabling informed decision-making based on data-driven insights.
Contributed to business growth by identifying opportunities for process improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
Managed budgets skillfully by tracking expenses diligently and allocating resources appropriately based on priority needs.
Center Director
Day Nursery Association
01.1996 - 01.2003
Ball State University Professional Development School: attended meetings with all partner school administrators and supervised Education students
Successfully completed NAEYC re-accreditation
Managed center budget for optimal resource allocation and financial stability.
Promoted a positive learning environment by fostering collaboration among staff members and addressing conflicts professionally.
Infant Toddler Director
Corporate Family Solutions
01.1995 - 01.1996
Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Worked closely with organizational leadership and families to guide operational strategy.
Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
Family Child Care Director/Resource and Referral Specialist
Marine Corps Air Station New River
01.1993 - 01.1995
Developed the Family Child Care program and the Child Care Resource and Referral program to meet Marine Corps Child Development Services guidelines
Created a Microsoft Access resource and referral database
Provided training, guidance and inspections for all Family Child Care Homes on the Air Station
Created a lending library.
Enhanced child safety by implementing updated policies and procedures for Family Child Care.
Developed strong relationships with family child care providers, fostering trust and collaboration between the center and home environments.
Maintained accurate financial records, ensuring responsible budget management for the project's operations.
Assistant Center Director/Training and Curriculum Specialist
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
01.1991 - 01.1993
Assisted in hiring process by conducting interviews for potential candidates contributing towards the development of a skilled and dedicated team.
Kept facility in compliance with all applicable standards and laws.
Stayed current on guidelines to maintain compliant program operations.
Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
Evaluated existing curricula and made recommendations for revisions, resulting in improved learning outcomes.
Advised on classroom management techniques that promoted positive behavior and created a supportive learning environment.
Enhanced staff performance through consistent coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
Oversaw budget management and financial reporting for the center, maintaining fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Collaborated with the Center Director on strategic planning initiatives, aligning goals with organizational objectives.
Coordinated staff schedules to maximize productivity while maintaining a positive work environment.
Championed student success by fostering a supportive learning environment focused on individualized growth and achievement.
Home Visitor
CARS Head Start
01.1989 - 01.1991
Connected families with community resources, increasing access to essential services such as healthcare, housing assistance, and educational opportunities.
Assessed child progress using standardized tools, identifying areas of concern and adjusting interventions accordingly.
Documented all interactions accurately in case files following agency protocols, ensuring data integrity for reporting purposes.
Enhanced family well-being by conducting regular home visits and providing personalized support.
Strengthened parent-child relationships through modeling effective communication and interaction techniques.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement comprehensive service plans for families.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development And Family Studies
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
12.1991
Skills
Extensive knowledge of early childhood best practice
Extensive knowledge of early childhood systems and PreK models, including LEAs, Head Start and Early Head Start
Extensive knowledge of Quality Rating Systems and national accreditations
Operations Management
Project Coordination
Staff Development
Staff Management
Contract Management
Project Management
Strategies and Goals
Crisis Management
Creativity and Innovation
Rules and Regulations
Regulatory Compliance
Corporate Communications
Leadership Development
Non-profit Management
References
References available upon request.
professional highlights
Partnered with Annie E. Casey Foundations, LEAs, IACCRR, IAEYC, Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis Public Library and local child care directors to hold and produce a show highlighting best practices in early literacy for WFYI.
Timeline
Early Learning Director
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
04.2020 - Current
Head Start Center Director
Family Development Services, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2020
Head Start/Early Childhood Collaboration Specialist
Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral
01.2015 - 01.2016
Accreditation Coach
Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
01.2009 - 01.2015
Ready To Learn Coordinator
WFYI
01.2003 - 01.2009
Center Director
Day Nursery Association
01.1996 - 01.2003
Infant Toddler Director
Corporate Family Solutions
01.1995 - 01.1996
Family Child Care Director/Resource and Referral Specialist
Marine Corps Air Station New River
01.1993 - 01.1995
Assistant Center Director/Training and Curriculum Specialist
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
01.1991 - 01.1993
Home Visitor
CARS Head Start
01.1989 - 01.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development And Family Studies