KATE BAKKER
Winona Lake,IN
Summary
Dynamic leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in program management, child development, and organizational leadership across diverse sectors. Proven track record in building and managing high-performing teams, developing evidence-based policies and procedures, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Renowned for exceptional interpersonal skills and creative problem-solving, effectively communicating organizational vision and mission to inspire action. Adept at training, mentoring, community outreach, and leveraging modern technology to enhance program quality and support for families and participants.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Counselor
Au Pair in America
04.2019 - 12.2023
- Provided localized support specialist services to host families and au pairs in designated geographic areas, ensuring compliance with federal J-1 visa program regulations and agency standards
- Conducted comprehensive in-home evaluations and assessments of host family suitability, documentation, and adherence to child care safety protocols
- Delivered program orientation sessions and ongoing guidance to au pairs on cultural integration, U.S. regulations, employment rights, and troubleshooting family dynamics
- Managed complex relationships between au pairs and host families by addressing concerns, mediating conflicts, and providing culturally sensitive counseling
- Monitored program participant compliance and reported findings to national office; maintained detailed records of visits, assessments, and communications
- Educated families on proper au pair employment regulations, work hour limitations, compensation standards, and safe childcare practices
- Facilitated cultural exchange by organizing community events and activities to integrate au pairs into local communities
- Responded to emergency situations involving au pairs and families with professionalism and sensitivity
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Supervised meetings with family members to help create support system for clients.
Assistant Manager
Romp n' Roll
07.2015 - 05.2017
- Supervised staff of instructors and membership desk associates by providing support, training, and communication of upcoming events, promotions, and policy updates
- Participated in management meetings and marketing dialogue, including community event planning and sales strategies
- Managed growing client base by providing service-driven customer service, engaging on social media, and responding to feedback
- Taught music, art, and movement classes using progressive curriculum; facilitated parent-inclusive programs, drop-off classes, and summer camp
- Engaged with community by providing membership support and facilitating activities at local events to market programs
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to employees.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
Professional Nanny
Sandine Family
07.2011 - 01.2015
- Managed daily routine and schedule for two children from birth to four years old, including feeding, napping, and recreation activities
- Coordinated weekly playdates and educational outings to parks, libraries, museums, farms, and gardens
- Planned age-appropriate developmental activities to encourage cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth
- Created and implemented theme-based lesson plans for reading, writing, math, social studies, science, and art
- Taught children everyday skills and language.
Children's Ministry Coordinator
River City Church
08.2012 - 01.2013
- Provided continuous training and support to volunteer staff via quarterly meetings, weekly huddles, curriculum training, and monthly email updates
- Organized department resources, screened volunteers, coordinated volunteer schedules, and participated in weekly staff meetings
- Created policies and procedures for volunteer screening, secure check-in systems, and mobile classroom setup
- Coordinated curriculum and lesson plans for children from infancy to fifth grade; managed secure, trained-volunteer-led childcare environment
- Utilized various check-in and management software for secure check-in, attendance tracking, and parent-volunteer communication
- Adapted classroom plans to support needs of children with special learning requirements.
- Identified and recruited potential volunteer workers.
- Hired, mentored and supervised instructors and volunteer staff to carry out program goals.
- Kept program children safe and secure at all times with proactive monitoring strategies.
- Directed pre-school, toddler and infant services to provide comprehensive family support.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Education
Accredited Certificate - Children's Ministry
Rhema College
Tulsa, OK01.2002
Skills
- Team leadership and development
- Relationship management
- Program administration
- Developmental assessment expertise
- Proficient in project and social media management
- Fluent in English with foundational Spanish communication skills
Certification
Pending certification for Connected Families as a Family and Parent Coach. A Connected Families parent coach serves as a guide and mentor who:
- Walks alongside parents for a defined coaching season to help them transform frustration, anger, and despair into patterns of calmness, wisdom, and joy
- Provides one-on-one coaching sessions (typically 60 minutes each) to parents and caregivers
- Teaches practical parenting tools using the Connected Families Framework—a biblically-based model centered on four core messages
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Community Counselor
Au Pair in America
04.2019 - 12.2023
Assistant Manager
Romp n' Roll
07.2015 - 05.2017
Children's Ministry Coordinator
River City Church
08.2012 - 01.2013
Professional Nanny
Sandine Family
07.2011 - 01.2015
Accredited Certificate - Children's Ministry
Rhema College
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- 2009-present: Writer for The Inspired Woman, a women's blog with over 1,000 followers globally
- 2014: Media Contributor for Passion Academy, Richmond, VA
- 2010-2013: Partnered with Youth Life Foundation to provide monthly character-building programs for inner-city children
- 2012: Organized community children's library and distributed school supplies to local schools during missions trip to Urraco, Honduras
- 2006: Administrative Assistant for Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- 2005: Served with Zoe International in Chiang Mai, Thailand for five months, teaching children, leading outreach activities, and delivering supplies to tsunami-affected communities
- 2003-2005: Volunteered as Children's Ministry Director for Twin City Life Church, Champaign, IL