Karri Whitten
Arkadelphia,AR
Summary
Highly motivated, energetic, diversely experienced employee with a strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Quickly masters new skills and effectively works unsupervised. Committed to meeting company and client needs with consistent and ethical practices. Skilled in working under pressure and enhancing the lives of those served and the organization.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Recreational Therapy
Millcreek of Arkansas
Fordyce, AR
04.2024 - 11.2024
- Devised personalized treatment plans for children with severe behavioral, developmental, and emotional challenges, in conjunction with each client's interdisciplinary team and executed the objectives according to their individual goals.
- Provided overall management of all recreational activities and department responsibilities, center activities, functions, and special events.
Vice President, Director, Coordinator, QDDP
Rainbow Of Challenges, Inc.
Hope, AR
01.1999 - 09.2024
- Managed overall programming, operational, financial, training, recruitment/retention, and team practices, procedures, and activities for the best possible service provision for children and adults with developmental, psychological, and socio-economic challenges.
- Cultivated a culture of cohesive collaboration among all levels of employees to facilitate cross-functional project execution and healthy, positive work environments in all service areas.
- Reviewed reports from functional areas to assess progress towards organizational goals.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to employment and programming practices.
- Oversaw grant spending and reporting for compliance.
- Led startup and creation of operational procedures and workflow planning.
- Orchestrated successful team and client/family events to drive engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.
- Created multiple strategies to promote new managers from within, leading to a cohesive leadership structure.
- Emphasized and required people-centered leadership to promote employee value and respect.
- Determined appropriate budgets and administered expenditures.
- Balanced organizational, employee, and client needs when developing and executing fair and equitable human resources policies.
- Created and implemented successful programs focused on the expansion of opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Drove business development by pursuing partnerships, funding and revenue streams.
- Developed strategies for improving organizational culture through enhanced leadership practices.
- Prepared presentations outlining strategies for successful team dynamics and conflict resolution.
- Advocated for diversity and inclusion within corporate structures at all levels of the organization.
- Provided feedback and guidance on leadership performance issues.
- Conducted team building activities to foster collaboration and communication.
- Organized and managed training programs for all levels of employees.
- Created individualized action plans for clients to help them reach their goals.
- Mentored emerging leaders to help them hone their skillsets.
- Mentored rising managers on best practices for leading through change initiatives.
- Assisted in designing leadership development curricula tailored to each program's needs.
- Monitored progress of clients' goals, providing ongoing support as needed.
- Facilitated group discussions focused on developing effective problem-solving techniques.
- Mentored new team members, helping individuals hone talents and skills to become more invested in organization and its mission.
- Coached staff on policies, procedures and performance strategies.
- Coached and empowered employees by creating and sharing motivational vision plans.
- Trained and mentored administrative staff members in company policies, daily task execution and industry best practices.
- Created and offered additional materials to enhance training.
- Coordinated recruitment and placement of training program participants.
- Devised programs to develop executive potential among employees in lower-level positions.
- Suggested and offered specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Used role-playing, lectures, and simulations to present information in variety of instructional techniques and formats.
- Executed in-depth investigations of injuries, accidents, abuse, misconduct, etc. Addressed all findings according to the policies, laws, and standards governing the agency.
Program Coordinator, QMRP
Arkadelphia Human Development Center
Arkadelphia, AR
11.1997 - 01.2024
- Developed Individual Program Plans for those served, and ensured such plans were executed accordingly.
- Worked closely with staff, clients, and families to effectively advocate for the provision of individualized and quality services.
Education
Master of Science - Community Counseling
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR12-1995
Bachelor of Science - Recreation Therapy
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR05-1994
Skills
- Budget Management
- Advocacy and Client Care
- Project Coordination
- Staff Development
- Operations Management
- Business Administration
- Creativity and Innovation
- Issues Resolution
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Verbal and written communication
- Cross-functional and creative team leadership
- Expert facilitator of happy, healthy work environments
- Hiring and Retention
- Crisis Management
- Corporate Communications
- Charismatic Leadership
- Strategic Planning
Personal Information
- Karri is the mother of three brilliant, highly energetic, and beautifully unique boys, Staton (22), Donovan (20), and Walker (14). She is also the daughter of a veteran of VietNam who was a quadriplegic and a retired art teacher who cared for she and her father until his passing in 1990.
Timeline
Director of Recreational Therapy
Millcreek of Arkansas
04.2024 - 11.2024
Vice President, Director, Coordinator, QDDP
Rainbow Of Challenges, Inc.
01.1999 - 09.2024
Program Coordinator, QMRP
Arkadelphia Human Development Center
11.1997 - 01.2024
Master of Science - Community Counseling
Henderson State University
Bachelor of Science - Recreation Therapy
Henderson State University
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