Donna Barrow

• Led transformation of failing program to state exemplar with innovative mental health strategies, inclusive high-quality early childhood programming, and effective staff development initiatives.
• Managed $2.5M budget to provide high-quality services for children and families
• Developed professional development programs for early childhood educators
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
• Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
• Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
• Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
• Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
• Navigated program through periods of significant change, maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals.
• Elevated program reputation in community and industry by spearheading comprehensive rebranding initiative.

• Prepared engaging curricula for child development and early childhood education courses
• Developed new learning materials for online learning experiences
• Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including self reflection, audio/video lectures, discussions, and group activities.
• Provided extra help during office hours or through additional tutoring sessions to ensure all students had access to necessary resources for success.
• Worked closely with academic advisors to identify at-risk students early in the semester and develop targeted intervention strategies for increased retention rates.
• Worked one-on-one with struggling students to optimize classrooms for non-traditional students and students with special education needs.
• Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
• Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.

• Prepared course materials for a 2-week intensive international course during the COVID pandemic
• Taught engaging early childhood education curricula for 50 international students.
• Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
• Designed and implemented various educational activities and programs to meet student needs.

• Taught traditional, online, and hybrid courses to undergraduate and graduate students in Psychology, Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and Infant Toddler Mental health.
• Evaluated and graded students’ classwork, assignments, and papers.
• Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
• Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
• Ensured curriculum alignment with academic standards through regular course review and updates.
• Increased course relevance by incorporating real-world examples and case studies into lesson plans.
• Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
• Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
• Developed innovative teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and success rates.
• Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
• Mentored and supervised graduate students, providing valuable guidance for thesis work, research projects, and professional development.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive studies and generate valuable insights.
• Improved overall learning experiences by developing and implementing comprehensive early childhood curriculum.
• Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
• Applied ethical considerations throughout all stages of the research process, safeguarding participant welfare and data integrity.

• Faculty-level research associate implementing a multi-university research study applying a social-emotional/play curriculum for children with autism
• Provided training, support, and technical assistance on implementing the curriculum in public school classrooms.

• Developed accessible materials for Parent Interaction Project, a pilot parent training curriculum for parents with intellectual disabilities.
• Enhanced research quality by conducting thorough literature reviews and synthesizing findings.
• Assisted in manuscript preparation, contributing to the publication of influential articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to high-quality standards.
• Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
• Worked as member of integrated project team in highly collaborative work environment.

• Mentored and supervised team of 6 Masters and Phd level consultants to provide educational consulting services to the norther region of California
• Developed and designed individual and school-wide special education initiatives including positive behavior support systems, full inclusion models, and individual child interventions via teacher consultation.
• Trained consulting team on consultation theory and implementation through workshops, coaching, performance management.
• Leadership team member participating in strategic planning, budget management,
• Piloted special innovative initiatives including school/home/community behavior intervention and natural learning interventions for children with autism.
• Partnered with California State University for hybrid paraprofessional training model.
• Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing process reviews, employee engagement initiatives, and open channels of communication.
• Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency by identifying areas of improvement and implementing necessary changes.
• Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
• Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.

• Contracts with community organizations towards leadership skill building, enhanced outreach, improved management systems.
• Special education training and advocacy to organizations and families including review of special education plans, education/resources, and in-person advocacy with educational teams.
• Facilitated community team meetings
• Developed and delivered leadership planning and team building retreats.
• Supported leadership. in fund development strategies.
• Coordinated meetings for team members and facilitated educational groups for community organization leaders.
• Offered strategic feedback to direct Executive leadership teams in operational decision-making and long-term planning.
• Developed customized training modules for clients, resulting in improved organizational effectiveness.
• Facilitated workshops on communication skills, conflict resolution, and team collaboration to enhance overall productivity.
• Increased client satisfaction through the delivery of tailored coaching sessions addressing individual challenges and goals.

Clients included: The Family School Project, Vector Theater Company, Pine Tree Society, Spectrum Center for Educational Development, Individual Clients.