Jennifer Westgate
Hot Springs,AR
Summary
Accomplished Executive Nonprofit Director recognized for strong team leadership and ability in delivering mission-critical results. Highly organized, detail-oriented leader skilled in directing high-performing teams that meet the organizations vision and mission.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director Of Nonprofit Ministry
Learn & Play Enrichment Academy
Hot Springs, AR
07.2015 - Current
- Created a nonprofit ministry mission statement, vision and core values
- Increased the organizations enrollment from 37 students to over 240 students through aggressive market strategies.
- Researched, applied and received Federal and State funded grants to help our organization maintain excellence, including grants totaling over $600,000 in 2022.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership, including a board of directors, to strategically affect direction of operations
- Hired and retained a staff of 50 highly qualified teachers and assistants
- Created promotional materials and provided insightful information to social media, websites and print media to educate public
- Promoted mission of organization via successful community outreach and marketing strategies
- Established personnel performance metrics to encourage efforts toward common goals
- Spearheaded successful development initiatives aligned with organizations mission, vision and core values
- Created, managed and executed business plan and communicated the organizations vision, mission and core values to motivate staff
- Upheld sound financial principles to keep program operating within budget levels, maximizing resource utilization while minimizing costs
- Managed payroll preparation, payment processes and financial transactions with banks and other institutions
- Prepared school budget and submitted to school board with recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, cost-saving initiatives
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies and behavior modification
- Maintained safety and security of all students under care.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Monitored and observed child progress, interactions and behavior and reported findings to parents.
- Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Oversaw safety requirements, inspection and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
- Implemented school policies, procedures and systems to promote safe and healthy environment in compliance with state standards.
Ministry Board Member
The Scarlet Thread
Bangkok, Thailand
05.2017 - Current
- During visits to this ministry, I work alongside the current missionaries providing VBS to local children and English classes for local outreach centers, including Compassion International centers.
- I also work with the ministry to provide hope to those rescued from human trafficking, as well as to those still enslaved by providing tangible needs as well as training to help provide alternate ways to earn income.
- While Stateside, I help with fundraising projects and ministry donor support.
OWNER, DIRECTOR & TEACHER
Early Childhood Education Center, Magic Mountain Learning Center
Quarryville, PA
09.1998 - 08.2014
- Determined business plan, mission statement and vision
- Sourced initial funding to get business up and running while planning initial structure
- Established and administered annual budget with effective controls to prevent overages and support sustainability objectives
- Learned and remained updated on state requirements and regulations
- Established school policies and communicated to parents to ensure well-coordinated and high-quality daily operations
- Developed educational curricula that promoted development in key behavioral and educational areas
- Recruited new students for admission through marketing and events
- Upheld commitment to educational excellence and fostered atmosphere of mutual respect and trust
- Fostered meaningful relationships among students through student field-trip retreats and team-work community service projects
- Met with parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues
- Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time each day.
Mission Trip Leader & Board Member
Prince of Peace Home for Girls
Guatemala City, Guatemala
10.2007 - 04.2011
- Volunteered with several medical and outreach missions in villages outside of the city.
- Created, directed and implemented VBS day camps for 60 students with 30 volunteers.
- Led off campus field trips.
- Taught Bible studies, English classes and provided counseling for the girls at the home.
- Spent extended periods of time relieving the full-time directors so that they could return to the states for personal leaves. During these times I would host and manage the incoming mission teams
- Led groups of 10-25 volunteers on community service missions through impoverished areas to share the love of Jesus.
- Worked with fundraising, donations and the ministry’s child sponsorship program
- Served on the Board of Directors before resigning due to my adoption of my two of the girls from the ministry.
CRISIS PREGNANCY COUNSELOR, Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services
Lancaster, PA
01.2007 - 08.2009
- Conversed with individuals in crisis which called or texted hotline for assistance
- Delivered individualized counseling services to clients working through issues such as unplanned pregnancy and teen parenting
- Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with patients and address concerns
- Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated agreements between parties in order to reach win-win solutions to disagreements and clarify misunderstandings.
Education
Associate of Science - Early Childhood
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHBachelor of Science - Psychology & Christian Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VACertified Christian Life Coach New Life Coach Inc -
Children’s Program Administrator Certificate | Early Childhood Education - undefined
Arkansas State University, State University
Skills
- Recruiting & Staffing
- Early Childhood Education Program Implementation
- Curriculum Creation & Implementation
- Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly Budget Reconciliation
- Staff Management & Training
- Fundraising Planning & Implementation
- Budget Planning & Implementation
- Conflict Resolution
- Team Development & Goal Setting
- Records Organization and Management
- Program Optimization
- Human Resources & Payroll
- Tuition Receiving & Accounting
- Administrative Office Personnel Management
- Strategic Planning
- Executive Leadership
- Team Leadership & Planning
- Policy and Procedure Adherence
- Grant Submissions
- Child Advocacy
- Board of Directors Support & Meetings
- Mission and Vision
- Children's Ministry
- Ministry Outreach Activities
- Missionary Partner Support & Partnerships
- After Hour Ministry Activities & Outreach Events
- Graduations & Holiday Parties
- Coordination of All Grant Projects
- Creating Informational Newsletters
- Creation of Monthly Board Meeting Updates
Affiliations
Board Of Directors ~ Prince of Peace Home for Girls, Guatemala City, Guatemala. 2010-2012
Board of Directors ~ The Scarlet Thread, Bangkok, Thailand. 2018 ~ Present
Missions Board ~ New Providence Church of God, New Providence, Pennsylvania. 2007~2009
Operation Christmas Child Collection Center ~ New Providence Church of God, New Providence, Pennsylvania. (2 years)
Hobbies
One of my hobbies is traveling. I love to travel and as my children were growing up, I loved taking them to other countries so they could learn about other cultures and lifestyles.
I also love to go on mission trips. Again, as my children were growing up, I felt is was very important to take them on mission trip to help them learn how to serve others and share the love of Jesus with those who were less fortunate. It was through God's call on my life to "Go" that He led me to my 2 adopted daughters from Guatemala, then my now husband that I met while on a mission trip in Guatemala! It led me to our now God-Designed family of 9 grown children and 1 granddaughter!
I love visiting my friends in the mission field in Thailand and helping them in their ministry.
I love pouring into nonprofits that ultimately point people to Jesus.
I also love to read and listen to Christian podcasts.
Timeline
Ministry Board Member
The Scarlet Thread
05.2017 - Current
Executive Director Of Nonprofit Ministry
Learn & Play Enrichment Academy
07.2015 - Current
Mission Trip Leader & Board Member
Prince of Peace Home for Girls
10.2007 - 04.2011
CRISIS PREGNANCY COUNSELOR, Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services
01.2007 - 08.2009
OWNER, DIRECTOR & TEACHER
Early Childhood Education Center, Magic Mountain Learning Center
09.1998 - 08.2014
Associate of Science - Early Childhood
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science - Psychology & Christian Counseling
Liberty University
Certified Christian Life Coach New Life Coach Inc -
Children’s Program Administrator Certificate | Early Childhood Education - undefined
Arkansas State University, State University
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