Desere Baker
Akron
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience, excelling in strategic planning and relationship building. Proven track record in enhancing community health outcomes through equity-centered initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in data analysis and public speaking, fostering collaboration across diverse sectors to drive impactful change for children and families.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Children With Special Needs
Wayne County Public Health
Wayne County, NY
08.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented public health initiatives to enhance community health outcomes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline operational processes and improve service delivery.
- Analyzed data trends to inform strategic decision-making and prioritize health programs.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on best practices in public health operations and compliance.
- Built and sustained trusted partnerships with diverse stakeholders including state agencies, school systems, healthcare organizations, providers, families, and community advocates.
- Led cross-functional initiatives advancing early childhood access, family support systems, educational equity, and integrated service delivery.
- Designed and facilitated statewide and regional convening's, leadership trainings, stakeholder roundtables, and professional learning communities.
- Synthesized field trends, local insights, and policy developments to guide strategic priorities and organizational decision-making.
- Developed tools, frameworks, and technical assistance strategies that strengthened local partner capacity and improved outcomes.
- Represented organizations in public forums, collaborative networks, advisory groups, and interagency planning spaces.
- Managed complex projects in fast-paced virtual and hybrid environments while maintaining strong communication and accountability systems.
School Principal
Erie 1 BOCES
Erie County, NY
01.2022 - 06.2023
- Developed and implemented comprehensive school improvement plans aligned with educational standards.
- Led faculty professional development workshops to enhance instructional practices and student engagement.
- Fostered a positive school culture through effective communication and collaboration with staff, students, and parents.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify trends and inform targeted interventions for at-risk populations.
- Facilitated listening sessions and stakeholder engagement processes to center community voice in planning and decision-making.
- Strengthened organizational effectiveness through process improvement, relationship strategy, and performance management.
- Maintained data systems, stakeholder records, and project documentation to support transparency and strategic learning.
School Principal
Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center
Erie County, NY
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Oversaw curriculum development initiatives ensuring alignment with state regulations and best practices in education.
- Managed budgetary allocations effectively while maintaining high-quality educational programs and resources.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to strengthen partnerships that support student learning and well-being.
- Extensive experience supporting families navigating education, health, and developmental systems.
- Strong knowledge of early childhood intervention, preschool transitions, family-centered planning, and child development systems.
- Advocated for equitable access to services for historically underserved children and communities.
- Trained multidisciplinary teams in collaborative practice, inclusive systems, and family engagement strategies.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership And Management
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY05-2020
Master of Science - Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Nazareth College
Rochester, NY05-2010
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Nazareth College
Rochester, NY05-2006
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- State Policy & Advocacy Strategy
- Early Childhood & Family Systems Policy
- Cross-State Learning Networks
- Coalition Building & Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Planning & Systems Change
- Public Speaking & Executive Communication
- CRM Documentation & Knowledge Management
- Virtual Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Community Engagement & Movement Building
Timeline
Director Children With Special Needs
Wayne County Public Health
08.2025 - Current
School Principal
Erie 1 BOCES
01.2022 - 06.2023
School Principal
Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center
01.2020 - 12.2021
Master of Science - Educational Leadership And Management
University of Rochester
Master of Science - Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Nazareth College
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Nazareth College