Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Erin Colago

Kentwood,MI

Summary

Mission-driven with experience in organizational leadership elements and successful in creating an inspirational environment. Accomplished in overseeing and building positive community culture and events that represent the ethos of the College and facilitate growth in the student population. Highly welcoming and accomplished in developing and shepherding new and existing students. Excellent and fair disciplinarian with a compassionate, analytical approach to addressing and solving behavior issues. Skilled in overseeing daily activities and planning special events.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Campus Pastor | Student Resources Coordinator

Northpoint College
Wyoming, MI
02.2021 - Current
  • Provided leadership for the spirituality of the campus community by hosting guest speakers, leading Bible studies, and offering resources to deepen understanding of spiritual formation.
  • Served on the President of College's executive leadership team, responsible for creating, communicating, and implementing consequences for disciplinary infractions of the student code of conduct.
  • Served on the academic excellence committee at the College, with the responsibility of providing guidance toward the development of key assessments, curriculum, and the hiring of new faculty.
  • Facilitated conversations between students in conflict and worked to bring resolution.
  • Implemented innovative approaches for spiritual formation, incorporating contemplative practices and experiential learning in small group settings.
  • Created customized care plans for students experiencing emotional challenges, working with local counselors to assess and meet individual needs.
  • Developed the ethos for the student life department in conjunction with the overall ethos of the College, and worked to implement the ethos into all aspects of the department. Including events such as fall student orientation, and training staff and student leaders to operate within the ethos to bring cohesion and growth to the student life department and College.
  • Utilized school management software system to report and track student disciplinary actions.
  • Mentored and developed student leaders in various capacities, such as worship team members and life group leaders; equipped them with essential skills needed for future leadership positions within their respective communities postgraduation.
  • Served as liaison between college administration and the student life department, effectively communicating needs and concerns while fostering mutual understanding.
  • Evaluated and assessed program effectiveness by gathering data through yearly surveys, entrance and exit interviews, and observations in order to make informed decisions and improve future initiatives.
  • Fostered a supportive atmosphere by providing pastoral care to students, faculty, and staff facing personal challenges.
  • Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to student life at the College and managed daily operations within the student life department.
  • Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, as well as general liability.
  • Served as the lead, developed, and oversaw key student life events such as weekly chapel services, life group leader training, new student orientation, monthly community nights, life groups, days of prayer and fasting, evening worship, the Christmas party, and communion.

Associate Professor

Northpoint College
09.2017 - Current
  • Mentoring junior faculty members and sharing best practices.
  • Championed diversity within the department through recruitment efforts, inclusive curriculum design, and community outreach events.
  • Established industry connections for students by organizing guest speaker events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
  • Assisted in accreditation processes by gathering necessary documentation, preparing reports, and participating in site visits as needed.
  • Implemented effective time management strategies while balancing teaching responsibilities with research pursuits.
  • Ensured curriculum alignment with academic standards through regular course review and updates.
  • Shifted between informal and formal methods of teaching to create multi-layered web of learning incorporating experiments, practical activities, discussions, and projects into lessons.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Graded tests and assignments and uploaded to school database.
  • Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
  • Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
  • Provided students with constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.

Admissions Coordinator

Northpoint College
03.2018 - 02.2021
  • Organized successful campus visit events, contributing to a positive impression of the institution among prospective students.
  • Streamlined the admissions process by improving the online application system.
  • Worked with the communications and recruitment department to streamline the language used and communication style between departments and prospective students, in-process applicants, and accepted students.
  • Created positive weekly touchpoints with prospective and in-process applicants and the College.
  • Created the acceptance package sent to all accepted students.
  • Met weekly with the academic dean to update the department on current data from the admissions department.
  • Supported the development of alumni volunteer programs to engage former students in recruitment and admissions efforts.
  • Assisted in developing new admissions policies that aligned with institutional values and priorities.
  • Maintained accurate records of applicant data, ensuring timely decision-making and reporting.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations of applicant credentials, ensuring fair consideration of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Conducted interviews with prospective students as part of the holistic review process to ensure well-rounded admission decisions.
  • Provided exceptional customer service during phone and email interactions with prospective students and their families, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.

Elementary Teacher, Grades 5-6

Living Stones Academy
08.2016 - 06.2018
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs and field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
  • Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Elementary Teacher, Grades 6-7

New Harvest Christian School
08.2012 - 06.2016
  • Collaborated with teachers to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Mentored new teachers within the school community by sharing knowledge, providing guidance on instructional strategies and offering ongoing support during their transition into the profession.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Implemented engaging hands-on activities to reinforce fundamental concepts, resulting in increased student motivation and participation.
  • Improved student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques customized for diverse learning needs.
  • Served as a liaison between the school administration and families during parent-teacher conferences, ensuring clear communication about expectations and areas of improvement for each child.

Education

Doctorate of Ministry - Spiritual Formation

Western Theological Seminary
Holland, MI
04.2026

Master of Arts - Practical Theology

Northpoint Bible College
Haverhill, MA
05.2022

Master of Arts - Education

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
12.2018

Bachelor of Arts - English

Biola University
La Mirada, CA
12.2015

Skills

  • Organizational Leadership
  • Ministry development
  • Discipleship training
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Biblical Knowledge
  • Multicultural Sensitivity
  • College Ministry
  • Pastoral Care
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Operational Reporting
  • Operations Management
  • Spiritual leadership

Timeline

Campus Pastor | Student Resources Coordinator

Northpoint College
02.2021 - Current

Admissions Coordinator

Northpoint College
03.2018 - 02.2021

Associate Professor

Northpoint College
09.2017 - Current

Elementary Teacher, Grades 5-6

Living Stones Academy
08.2016 - 06.2018

Elementary Teacher, Grades 6-7

New Harvest Christian School
08.2012 - 06.2016

Doctorate of Ministry - Spiritual Formation

Western Theological Seminary

Master of Arts - Practical Theology

Northpoint Bible College

Master of Arts - Education

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Arts - English

Biola University
Erin Colago