Justine Keil

I work with families trying to navigate special education in NYC public schools and give them the tools to better access services to which their student is entitled. • I have been the Parent Member at IEP meetings, helped families prepare in advance, and advised on follow-up communication. • I have made sure families know where to seek help when their students’ needs are not being met. • I have brought together multiple stakeholders to focus on the timely provision of services.

Ran PTA Special Education Committee from Aug 2020 - June 2022. • Successfully campaigned for a VP of Special Education to be added to the PTA board. • Facilitated monthly meetings with school administration, listened to parent concerns, and sought urgent responses from the AP of Special Education and the Principal. • Ensured issues of concern for SWD/supporting data were discussed at PTA/SLT meetings and incorporated into the CEP. • By encouraging parent advocacy, helped to facilitate: the appointment of a permanent AP and college counselor exclusively for SWD; the introduction of ICT classrooms; regular town halls with key administrators, student representatives, and guest speakers; a SWD handbook and special events.

Collaborated on environmental and cosmetic upgrades to the building. • Managed owner and staff concerns.

Published weekly e-newsletter/daily updates for 1500 families • Managed fundraising campaigns.

Gained expertise in communications platforms. • Wrote thousands of letters and texts. • Deepened understanding of local and state politics.

Advised on matters relating to SWD and the operation and staffing of ICT classrooms. • Facilitated problem-solving on schoolwide issues. • Wrote Smart Goals for the CEP including measurement criteria.

Collaborated with various stakeholders to design and implement communications strategy and marketing materials for three annual fundraising galas featuring Broadway actors and students.

Worked one-on-one with underserved elementary students to improve reading skills. • Helped prepare students in grades 3-5 for NYS assessments. • Collaborated with teachers and guidance counselor.

Collaborated with school librarian on running the library. • Managed production of the annual art project.

Nature Publishing Group (division of Macmillan)

Jan 2001 - April 2001

• Evaluated the Nature Publishing Group’s online presence. • Provided analysis and strategic recommendations to improve access/interface/content for users. • My report led to a launch decision and a new print/online hybrid offering.

Royal College of Nursing

Jan 2000 - Apr 2000

• Promoted RCN’s policy objectives with multiple stakeholders. • Wrote for The Nursing Standard.

Merck Sharp & Dohme

Aug 1999 - Dec 1999

• Provided product support PR. • Developed and implemented patient groups' issues management campaigns. • Wrote for the internal publication.

World Cancer Research Fund

Jan 1999 - Mar 1999

• Raised the UK and EU profile of the organization through the promotion of key research.

Weber Shandwick

Jan 1997 - Mar 1997

• Launched parliamentary campaign for the College of Optometrists.

Lead consultant for the Community Pharmacy Action Group's campaign on OTC pricing.

Government affairs for Smith & Nephew. • Parliamentary column for the Pharmaceutical Times.

Provided strategic advice for Virgin Radio. • Raised political awareness of schizophrenia for Janssen.

Public affairs, media, and community relations for Richard Branson’s Lottery Foundation.

Coordinated parliamentary campaign against tobacco advertising for ASH.

Reporter for: The Times of London; Today; Express Newspapers and Cosmopolitan.