Julia Rodgers
Deerfield,IL
Summary
I am someone who brings tremendous passion, creativity, and drive to all that I do. Over the past 30 years, I have had the privilege of working hands on with people from all walks of life, across many different backgrounds, many different ages, and have formed genuine connections and relationships doing so. My experience in the field of education as well as photography has given me the ability to quickly and effectively problem solve, learn, create, adapt, and effectively collaborate with colleagues, students, and clients. I bring positivity, curiosity, excitement, and effort into my work and I am very much looking forward to finding a position where I will be able to utilize these skills.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
Lunch Solutions
09.2023 - Current
- Supervise program staff, managing and evaluating performance provide high-quality services to program participants.
- Train staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
- Provide ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Deliver outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
- Establish strong partnerships with internal and external colleagues for collaborative problemsolving.
- Maintain and update project related documents.
Program Co-creator
American Montessori Academy
09.2020 - 04.2022
- Worked collaboratively to create fully-functional online at-home Montessori program
- Created, edited, and presented visual media content for students and families
- Led quality assurance initiatives that resulted in higher product standards and reduced defect rates among manufactured items or services completed.
- Spearheaded product development initiatives, incorporating user feedback to create offerings tailored to market needs.
- Championed continuous improvement efforts within the organization, identifying areas for enhancement and implementing changes where necessary.
- Delivered outstanding customer service, addressing client concerns promptly and ensuring satisfaction with products or services provided.
- Debugged and tested website features to support quality assurance requirements.
- Collaborated with website designers, teachers and testers to ensure quality product delivery.
- Developed a high-performing team culture by fostering open communication, recognizing individual achievements, and providing opportunities for growth and development.
Photographer
Karen Rodgers Photography
09.2018 - 07.2020
- Developed strong relationships with clients through clear communication and professionalism.
- Captured stunning images by utilizing various lighting techniques and creative compositions.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision, ensuring the final product met or exceeded expectations.
- Delivered high-quality images under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management skills.
- Took photos from different angles and perspectives to capture perfect images.
- Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
- Scheduled and booked locations for photo shoots, working collaboratively with clients and contacts.
- Utilized natural and artificial lighting to capture desired images and maintain quality.
- Optimized workflow efficiency by implementing photo editing software tools like Lightroom and Photoshop.
- Leveraged camera gear and equipment to express creative vision.
- Delivered high-quality images under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management skills.
- Mentored aspiring photographers through workshops and one-on-one training sessions, sharing valuable knowledge and experience.
Director/Lead Montessori Teacher
Northbrook Montessori School
09.2007 - 08.2018
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication by holding regular meetings, discussing student performance, concerns, and areas for improvement.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Fostered strong relationships between faculty members through effective communication channels and team-building events.
- Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects, promoting holistic understanding of various subjects among students.
- Mentored junior teachers, sharing best practices and providing constructive feedback to improve their teaching techniques.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, performance, and progress to ensure transparency and effective communication with parents.
- Supervised administrative support staff members, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship that contributed to their professional growth and development.
- Troubleshot employee concerns and recommended corrective actions to resolve issues.
- Managed human resources functions, including hiring, onboarding, and employee evaluations for optimal team performance.
- Evaluated operational practices and identified improvement opportunities to develop revisions for systems and procedures.
- Drove marketing initiatives to increase brand recognition, facilitate promotion and boost revenue.
- Met with parents of prospective students to discuss student needs and school offerings.
- Fostered positive relationships among teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders through effective communication strategies.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities that promoted student growth in academics, arts, athletics, and leadership skills outside of the classroom setting.
- Supervised, assessed and mentored teachers and paraprofessionals.
- Prepared classroom and materials according to montessori pedagogy and needs of children.
- Greeted parents and children at arrival and departure times to make families feel welcomed into environment.
Education
Psychology
Barat College
Lake Forest, ILAssociate of Applied Science - Montessori Teacher Education
Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center
Evanston, ILSkills
- Innovation and Creativity
- Problem-Solving
- Dependability and Cooperation
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Customer Relations
- Creative artistic vision
- Collaborative Attitude
Timeline
Program Director
Lunch Solutions
09.2023 - Current
Program Co-creator
American Montessori Academy
09.2020 - 04.2022
Photographer
Karen Rodgers Photography
09.2018 - 07.2020
Director/Lead Montessori Teacher
Northbrook Montessori School
09.2007 - 08.2018
Psychology
Barat College
Associate of Applied Science - Montessori Teacher Education
Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center