Dedicated, compassionate, and reflective educator transitioning into counseling, with a strong foundation in supporting diverse individuals and families. Committed to client-centered care, lifelong learning, and evidence-based practice to promote emotional well-being, and resilience.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Educator and Director
Kinderhaus German Immersion Preschool
San Francisco, CA
06.2017 - Current
Developed an inclusive multicultural preschool community to enhance mental health and well-being via tailored plans.
Advocated for diversity and inclusion, fostering community engagement initiatives.
Provided mentorship to staff, facilitating professional growth and development.
Ensured compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures across all operations.
Collaborated with occupational therapists and psychologists to create individualized learning goals.
German Educator
AltSchool
San Francisco, CA
01.2016 - 08.2017
Developed inclusive language programs to enhance student diversity and social-emotional growth.
Assessed individual progress, delivering feedback on academic achievements and well-being.
Fostered a collaborative and innovative learning environment tailored to unique educational needs.
Created a German curriculum integrating project-based themes across the school.
Localization QA Linguistic Tester (Croatian)
Apple
Cupertino
01.2013 - 06.2016
Ensured cultural accuracy in global products to support equitable access to technology.
Collaborated with project managers to create Croatian translation tests.
Trained translators and interpreters on specialized field terminologies.
Head Teaching Assistant, German Language & Culture
University of Wisconsin-Madison
01.2005 - 01.2012
Managed daily tasks such as grading papers and preparing instructional materials.
Assisted teachers with lesson preparation and curriculum implementation.
Encouraged student exploration of study abroad opportunities through personalized guidance.
Led seminars to promote cultural understanding of European culture.
Participated in faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and required conferences.
Education
Child Development Site Supervisor Permit -
City College of San Francisco
01.2018
Ph.D. Preliminary Exam - German Literature
University of Wisconsin-Madison
01.2007
M.A. - German Literature
University of Arkansas
01.2004
B.A. - German & English Literary and Linguistic Studies
University of Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia
01.2002
Skills
Empathy-driven communication
Inclusive leadership
Advocacy for neurodiverse learners
Social skills and behavior management
Community engagement
Program design
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Adaptability and crisis management
Hobbies and Interests
Mental health advocacy
Outdoor education
Arts for wellness
Dance
Yoga and meditation
Languages
English (Near-native)
German (Near-native)
Croatian (Native)
French (Intermediate)
Spanish (Beginner)
Timeline
Early Childhood Educator and Director
Kinderhaus German Immersion Preschool
06.2017 - Current
German Educator
AltSchool
01.2016 - 08.2017
Localization QA Linguistic Tester (Croatian)
Apple
01.2013 - 06.2016
Head Teaching Assistant, German Language & Culture
University of Wisconsin-Madison
01.2005 - 01.2012
Child Development Site Supervisor Permit -
City College of San Francisco
Ph.D. Preliminary Exam - German Literature
University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.A. - German Literature
University of Arkansas
B.A. - German & English Literary and Linguistic Studies