Data driven educator skilled in training groups of individuals with diverse capabilities and skill bases. Able to develop focus content with embedded supports for differentiated instruction. Sensitive to the needs of culturally diverse organizations. Over 20 years of experience and a deep passion combine for a hands-on creative training style.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certificates
Work History
Teacher-Special Education
St.Johns/Duval/Virginia Beach Public Schools
St Augustine/ Virginia Beach, FL/ VA
09.2018 - Current
Modified and developed curriculum for neurodiverse students based on required standards, integrating professional teaching strategies with current technology.
Managed caseloads up to 45 students.
Earned "Highly effective" ratings (highest possible) on evaluations from administrators and am rated as "highly qualified" teacher
Mastered creating and utilizing informal and formal assessments to measure real-time knowledge within acceptable margins of error.
Delivered effective and differentiated classroom and online instruction to wide range of neurodiverse students.
Provided mentoring, training and consultation to other teachers on laws and proper provisions of appropriate accommodations through embedded instructional models.
Collaborated with educational team to provide individualized educational plans.
Developed data collection techniques for documentation used in progress monitoring, accountability and data-driven growth planning based on required standards.
Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning and activity organization
Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals
Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies
Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed general students as well as those with individualized 504 plans as part of integrated classroom
President and Co-founder (non-profit Organization)
Excalibur Olympic Dreams Fund
Virginia Beach, Virginia
01.2011 - 01.2019
Headed legal creation of non-profit organization
Collaborated with team of parents and business owners to create fund-raising organization Olympic and elite athletes; helped support training and travel expenses for 3 international Olympic athletes and team of elite level and college-bound athletes.
Trained volunteers on duties and responsibilities, led volunteers in exceeding set expectations and compliance with non-profit laws.
Planned and implemented structure for fundraising events, coordinating volunteers, budgets and resources.
Worked with local media to raise awareness of Olympic Dreams Fund.
Facilitated creation of by-laws and election of officers.
Shared responsibility for monitoring and accounting of funds raised and donated to support athletes training and competition expenses.
Creation of social media page
Gymnastics Events Staff and Coach
Excalibur Gymnastics
Virginia Beach, Virginia
01.2014 - 03.2018
EVENTS STAFF
Event committee lead for largest international gymnastics meet on East Coast, with over 3500 international and local athletes and visitors, multiple years in a row.
Managed and supported over 50 volunteers throughout event
Responsible for public relations
Management of exceeding standards as representatives of host gym and trouble-shooting challenges throughout annual 3-day event.
Member of post-collaborative team to ensure continued successes and plan solutions for future events based on feedback and observations.
Member of Summer Gymnast Development Camp programs; including coaching, leading field trips, communications with parents and implementing all safety protocols required.
Member of in-house meets staff responsible for set-up and tear down of events and volunteer management.
COACHING STAFF:
Implemented exercise programs and training strategies to bolster individual and team performance.
Developed creative lesson plans and routines for individual students to meet personal goals and abilities.
Led students in special events and performances
Cultivated community and media relations through social media and other communication channels to support program.
Coordinated with other instructors and coaches to determine student advancement and progress.
Staff/parent/athlete liaison.
Participated in fundraising events, helping team bring in funds to pay for travel and other expenses
Maintained equipment, facilities and inventory to avoid accidents, mishaps and damage
Owner, Kari's Kandies
Self-employed
Virginia Beach, Virginia
11.2007 - 07.2010
Managed day-to-day small business operations
Aligned sales strategies with varied client goals; corporate client goals included corporate recognition gifts for large government contractor, client gratitude gifts for representative of major pharmaceutical company, realty company and small home cleaning business. Private clients requested candy for private events.
Networking with local contacts to expand word-of-mouth client prospects
Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts and costs.
Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
Event Coordinator
Self-employed
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2000 - 07.2006
Managed event logistics and operations.
Targeted clientele for maximum success for host and guests
Planned well attended art exhibits, with over $25,000 in sales
Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking and event promotions.
Generated client retention by accurately organizing and executing repeat watercolor art shows and events.
Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
Strategized long-term business needs while driving attendee feedback for process improvements.
Selected and ordered décor and event materials.
Coordinated schedules and timelines for events. Launched events for large medical practice, award-winning watercolor artist, candy company start-up, catering business and athletic team gatherings
Teacher/Graduate Research Asst/Grad Teaching Asst
Old Dominion University/Virginia Beach Schools
Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA
09.2000 - 06.2004
Led university History courses independently with minimal oversight from professors.
Checked assignments, proctored tests, and provided grades according to university standards.
Maintained atmosphere of academic learning and advancement to facilitate learning and development of critical thinking skills through socratic seminar.
Participated in research support for faculty publication
Editing and pre-publication review of journal articles
11th grade US History teacher at local high school
Education
Post-baccalaureate (Master's Equivalent) - Special Education General
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
08.2017 - 05.2019
Master of Arts - History
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
08.2003 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - History
John Carroll University
Cleveland, OH
08.1992 - 04.2000
Skills
Data tracking
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Affiliations
Girls on the Run : Assistant Coach, Heart and Sole Lead Coach, SoleMate Fundraiser
Additional Information
Florida Department of Education Professional Teaching License
Virginia Department of Education Professional Teaching License
Timeline
Teacher-Special Education
St.Johns/Duval/Virginia Beach Public Schools
09.2018 - Current
Post-baccalaureate (Master's Equivalent) - Special Education General
Old Dominion University
08.2017 - 05.2019
Gymnastics Events Staff and Coach
Excalibur Gymnastics
01.2014 - 03.2018
President and Co-founder (non-profit Organization)
Special Education Teacher at Virginia Beach City Public Schools; Washington County Public SchoolsSpecial Education Teacher at Virginia Beach City Public Schools; Washington County Public Schools
Music Teacher - Vocal/Choral/Piano Instructor at Virginia Beach City Public SchoolsMusic Teacher - Vocal/Choral/Piano Instructor at Virginia Beach City Public Schools