Kathleen McAteer
East Windsor,NJ
Summary
Strategic leader with expertise in team management, operations, and program implementation. Skilled in developing effective systems, enhancing communication, and managing complex priorities. Combines leadership and project management experience across diverse industries.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Center Director
Acelero Learning
North Brunswick, NJ
01.2019 - Current
- Managed and collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to meet the highest standards of Head Start and support our commitment to closing the achievement gap.
- Contributed to the development of a new coaching model and curriculum redevelopment. Observed, coached and evaluated the performance of all members of the teaching staff. Used data-driven instruction based on the individual needs of the children to support the team of teachers and aides. Utilized data from child assessments, teacher observations, and performance appraisals to create professional development opportunities for staff. Served as the educational liaison in collaboration with the North Brunswick School District. Ensured the implementation of multiple curricula in district, Head Start and Early Head Start Classrooms.
- Served as a subject matter expert in the family engagement curriculum, Shine on Families; Coordinated and hosted two monthly parent meetings focused on building social capital among families and strengthening parent/child interactions.
- Managed daily operations of the facility to ensure compliance with NJ State Licensing Requirements and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), while monitoring budget expectations alongside the Director of Finance.
Early Learning Inclusion Specialist (Interim Leave Coverage)
Acelero Learning
North Brunswick, NJ
09.2024 - 11.2025
- Led organization-wide professional development, increasing staff competency in inclusive practices and early childhood education
- Supervised and coached multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration in education and family services
- Improved classroom quality and child outcomes through targeted coaching and feedback
- Supported development of individualized learning plans for children with diverse needs
- Collaborated with families to facilitate equitable transitions into public school systems
- Collaborated with leadership to align programming with Head Start standards and inclusion goals
- Developed and implemented systems to enhance accountability, communication, and program consistency across services
Event Manager
Dee Kay Events
NY/NJ Metro, NJ
01.2013 - 06.2023
- Liaised with clients to assess needs and ensured satisfaction throughout event planning and execution
- Managed event timeline and coordinated activities of vendors and contributors to ensure seamless execution
- Proactively identified and resolved issues on event day to maintain operational flow
Developmental Interventionist/Behavior Specialist (Early Intervention)
Classic Rehabilitation
Trenton, NJ
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Implemented a family coaching model that provided families with the skills needed to assist their child
- Developed individualized programs focused on positive behavior supports addressing unique family needs
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to establish tailored family outcomes
- Supported teachers in modifying classroom environments to enhance individual student engagement
- Maintained individualized case notes and data that informed future interventions
Lead Therapist/Supervisor
Reach Educational Services
Mercer County, NJ
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Oversaw service implementation to effectively address the needs of families and students, ensuring quality support and outcomes
- Partnered with families and child study teams to create tailored strategies promoting skill generalization across home and school settings
- Delivered home and center-based ABA therapy to children with Autism, fostering skill development and independence
Surgical Coordinator
Dr. Barry Edison
Eatontown, NJ
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Coordinated surgical scheduling among patients, doctors, and hospitals to ensure timely procedures.
- Verified patient records, referrals, and preoperative documentation for surgical cases.
- Communicated procedure details with patients, families, surgeons, and medical staff.
Executive Assistant
M5 Networks, Inc
Eatontown, NJ
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Reviewed and monitored expenses, processed vendor and facility invoices, negotiated purchases of supplies and furniture, and managed relationships with key service providers to ensure effective operations
- Managed daily office operations, coordinating executive travel and developing training schedules for new hires to facilitate smooth onboarding
- Coordinated travel arrangements, itineraries, and expense records for senior staff.
- Prepared correspondence, reports, and presentation materials using Microsoft Office.
Litigation Paralegal
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Eatontown, NJ
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Researched high-profile cases to support the litigation team with relevant information
- Assisted attorneys throughout the litigation process from discovery to post-trial, attending and supporting during depositions and trials
- Managed case files, correspondence, and document production for complex litigation matters.
Education
Master of Education -
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ01-2009
B.A. - Communication and English
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ01-2004
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Curriculum implementation
- Data driven decision-making
- Program evaluation
- Professional development
- Staff development
- Strategic leadership
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
Timeline
Early Learning Inclusion Specialist (Interim Leave Coverage)
Acelero Learning
09.2024 - 11.2025
Center Director
Acelero Learning
01.2019 - Current
Event Manager
Dee Kay Events
01.2013 - 06.2023
Lead Therapist/Supervisor
Reach Educational Services
01.2013 - 01.2018
Developmental Interventionist/Behavior Specialist (Early Intervention)
Classic Rehabilitation
01.2012 - 01.2019
Surgical Coordinator
Dr. Barry Edison
01.2011 - 01.2013
Executive Assistant
M5 Networks, Inc
01.2010 - 01.2011
Litigation Paralegal
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
01.2004 - 01.2007
Master of Education -
Monmouth University
B.A. - Communication and English
Rutgers University