Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Academic Committees
Board Affiliations
Awards Publications
Professional Highlights
Training
www.lycya.org
Gardening
Timeline
Generic

LATUNJA ADAMS CASTER Ph D

Satsuma,AL

Summary

Conscientious professional with extensive experience advocating for social and economic well-being of individuals and families. Compassionate and energetic professional specializing in higher education and instructional facilitating with over 20 years of combined experience in EHS training, community outreach, educational consulting and research application. Highly recognized for innovative mind-set and ability to trouble shoot and solve problems. Dedicated candidate eager to leverage knowledge in social services and program development. Collaborative and committed to addressing social issues to improve quality of life in marginalized communities.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Middle School Intervention Specialist

Chickasaw Middle School
08.2023 - Current
  • Effectively addressed behavioral challenges by implementing proactive classroom management strategies, fostering improved focus on learning tasks.
  • Contributed to the creation of a positive school culture by actively participating in team meetings, committees, and extracurricular activities as needed.
  • Utilized a variety of assessment tools to monitor student growth and provide targeted feedback for improvement in specific areas.
  • Collaborated with 20 teachers and administrators to identify students in need of additional support and develop individualized learning plans.
  • Improved communication among school staff by serving as a liaison between general education teachers, parents and special education services.
  • Provided ongoing feedback to students regarding their progress, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey.
  • Developed detailed documentation of student progress, ensuring comprehensive understanding of individual needs for all stakeholders involved.

Executive Director of Community Outreach

LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUTH ASSOCIATION
05.2022 - Current
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for theorganization.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
  • Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
  • Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Advocated for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
  • Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.

Lead Teacher

Genesis Academy
06.2021 - 06.2022
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.

Independent Educational Consultant- 2022-2023

  • Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
  • Designed lesson plans for teaching staff and worked closely with administration for compliance with state curricula.
  • Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
  • Oversaw work of teaching team to optimize student education.
  • Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
  • Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
  • Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.

Research Practitioner

Next Level Consulting Group, LLC
01.2021 - 06.2022
  • Gathered and organized information for research purposes for private, nonprofit and for profit clients, community outreach, minority own business startup, extramural funding and educational consulting.
  • Wrote research papers, reports, reviews, and summaries regarding Educational Consulting, Dissertation Research Basics, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Safety Train the Trainer, Non-Profits Funding, the Professional Effects of the Black Infant and Maternal Health Crisis, Behavior Intervention and Classrooms to include the 8 Multiple Intelligences. Garden Therapy, youth sports and STEM clubs and Community Sanity, Kinship/Foster Care Phenomenon, and etc.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive studies and generate valuable insights and make assessments.
  • Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and to provide valuable contributions.
  • Determined areas of research to increase knowledge in particular field.
  • Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
  • Interpreted data analysis results to draw inferences and conclusions using SPSS and NVivo.

Industrial Organizational Psychologist- 2021-present

  • Served as a trusted advisor to management on matters related to employee engagement and organizational culture, providing insightful feedback that informed decision-making processes.
  • Served as a bridge between management and staff, effectively communicating organizational initiatives and feedback from employees to relevant parties.
  • Developed strong relationships with external partners, resulting in mutually beneficial collaborations and increased funding opportunities.
  • Collaborated with leadership on the development and execution of company-wide initiatives, promoting a cohesive organizational vision.
  • Streamlined organizational processes for increased efficiency, implementing new project management strategies.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by regularly analyzing internal processes and identifying areas for optimization.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven assessments, making informed recommendations for future improvements.

OSHA VPP Safety and Chemical Manufacturing Representative

Olin Chemical
03.1997 - 03.2020
  • OSHA VPP EHS Officer/Internal Auditor/Behavior-Based Site Champion
  • Developed Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) initiatives for the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) for all employees and senior management- Southeastern Regional sites and sister VPP Sites
  • Reduced incident rates through conducting regular risk assessments and implementing corrective actions.
  • Conducted thorough investigations into accidents or incidents, identifying root causes and implementing appropriate preventive measures.
  • Supervised the safety committee and provided instruction, regulatory training requirements, and course material to complete EPA, OSHA, American Chemistry Council (ACC), and Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) requirements
  • Developed custom-tailored workplace safety campaigns resulting in increased employee engagement around safe work practices.
  • Examined internal and external departmental audits for distribution and filing for quality assurance and compliance purposes
  • Worked directly with OSHA as Special Government Employee to assist with federal certify and audit sites for approval
  • Provided consultation and coaching recommendations to improve facility safety and for VPP approval
  • Acquired certification, approvals, and clearances from local, state, and federal agencies to enhance risk management, reduce risks, and maintain accreditations
  • Produced hazard recognition stats, trend data, and injury and behavior-based safety reports for team members and executive management to submit to company stakeholders
  • Successfully accomplished "Goal is Zero," the company-wide safety motto that encourages all sites to reduce injury recordable to zero by creating a tracking system monitoring programs that identify potential and at-risk behaviors and created rewards for those programs that supported the initiative
  • Reduced accident rates with consistent monitoring of employee compliance to safety protocols.
  • Provided guidance and resources to employees to maintain safety procedures and enhance protection.
  • Increased employee awareness of potential hazards by creating informative signage throughout the facility.
  • Lab Analyst/Compliance Officer-2017-2020
  • Improved lab efficiency by streamlining sample processing and data analysis procedures.
  • Contributed to a safe working environment by adhering to safety guidelines and promoting best practices among colleagues.
  • Assisted in troubleshooting complex issues by conducting root cause analysis and identifying areas for improvement or corrective action.
  • Trained new team members on laboratory techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols to maintain a high level of productivity.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for consistent performance across all lab tasks and personnel.
  • Conducted thorough research to support product development and improvements in laboratory processes.
  • Assisted in grant writing or proposal development to secure funding for research projects, equipment upgrades, or staff expansion.

Business Consultant

Who's Behind the Makeup
12.2015 - 12.2018
  • Equipped young entrepreneurs with leadership skills, resources, and strategies to develop and operate a successful business by facilitating educational workshops, lectures, and masterclasses
  • Generated leads and developed community partnerships by joining networking groups to increase brand awareness and company mission
  • Managed annual marketing budget
  • Developed and assessed effectiveness of marketing and promotional campaigns
  • Successfully assisted new and existing businesses to acquire loans and grants by restructuring business plans and operation strategies which resulted in media coverage across the Gulf Coast and received award-winning recognition within the community
  • Significantly improved outreach activities by 75% utilizing social media campaigns to engage audience, create brand loyalty, and increase awareness.

Professional Industrial Trainer and Behavior Specialist

Endorsed Hands
12.2015 - 12.2018
  • Supported school counselors and clients with professional coaching, training, and educational programs that identified performance needs and improved academic outcomes and professional goals
  • Supervised a behavior-based action school program that monitored and managed individual students with ADHD and their academic goals to increase instructional time and decrease undesired behavior episodes
  • Provided advanced levels of training, resume writing, job-search strategies, and career assessments to program participants
  • Equipped students with tools for time management, interview preparation, and career transition assistance
  • Designed course curriculum in compliance with career readiness initiatives approved by local, state, and federal agencies and schools
  • Created an incentive program that rewarded participants who exemplified positive behavior with desirable and success parties which in turn reduced injuries and allowed teachers and students to review program progress
  • Recognized for facilitating educational workshops and networking events that helped clients identify personal goals and prepare for career opportunities.

Member & Recording Secretary

International Association of Aerospace and Machinist Workers I.A.M.
01.2013 - 06.2017
  • Served as company representative at grievance hearings, arbitration, and labor relations meetings
  • Provided expert feedback and pertinent data to support research findings for litigation and arbitration proceedings
  • Ensured plant regulations, policies, and best practices were met by recording and documenting labor relations activity and tracked changes
  • Facilitated labor trainings and workshops pertaining to labor relation issues, cases, and solutions
  • Negotiated the Collective Bargaining Agreements
  • Successfully applied data and research to develop recommendations to close labor relations cases in a timely manner
  • Reduced case numbers by developing F.A.Q
  • Communication and marketing materials prior to cases being filed
  • Enriched claims experience by conducting a deep and fair analysis and providing insight during proceedings.

Adjunct Professor

ITT Technical Institute
05.2010 - 12.2012
  • Facilitated and developed lesson plans covering General Science, Psychology, Public Speaking, Interview Skills, Time Management and Learning Techniques
  • Distributed syllabi, assigned coursework, homework, quizzes, and exams to monitor student progress and ensure course objectives were met
  • Actively monitored and evaluated student progress utilizing an automated reporting system and leveraging data
  • Researched and implemented a variety of teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and identify performance gaps
  • Recommended effective study practices through coaching, mentoring, and setting academic goals
  • Delivered course materials via online and handouts
  • Collaborated with outside agencies for career opportunities and curriculum development for students
  • Provided supplementary instruction to improve outcomes for students with learning deficiencies by creating an action plan consisting of objectives, time frame, tasks, and resources
  • Successfully integrated technology into the classroom to enhance learning experiences, lectures, and instructional formats to support multiple students simultaneously.

Education

Doctorate - Industrial Organizational Psychology

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
01.2020

Master of Arts - Teaching

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
01.2010

Emergency Medical Technician -

University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
01.2006

Bachelor of Science - General Studies

University of Mobile
Mobile, AL
01.2005

Skills

  • Curriculum Development
  • Microsoft Office Applications
  • Classroom Management
  • Online Instruction
  • Blackboard & LMS
  • Performance Review
  • Train-the-Trainer
  • Video Conferencing
  • Behavior-based Safety Strategies
  • Risk Management Process & Analysis
  • HazMAT Technician
  • OSHA, ADEM, EPA, NIOSH
  • Data & Gap Analysis
  • ISO
  • Quality Assurance
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • IEP development
  • Autism spectrum understanding
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Site safety inspections
  • Public Safety Awareness
  • OSHA Compliance
  • NVivo proficiency
  • SPSS Software

Accomplishments

  • Increased effectiveness of intervention program by developing key improvement strategies.
  • Awarded a Scholarship to Harvard for Project Zero Classroom to join other recognized thought leaders
  • Collaborated with team of 20 African American Women in the development of The Mourning After Project: The Personal and Professional Effects of the Black Infant & Maternal Health Crisis.
  • Author of Secret Ingredients of the Green Thumb: Plant, Pray, and Produce Guidebook
  • Achieved Best Practice Innovation for 100% Employee Participation for New Hazardous Recognition program.
  • Created Clever Scientist Summer Camps for undeserved children in marginalize communities (sponsored by BASF, other communities and LYCYA).
  • Started a community farmers market and sensory "Sow Good" community garden in McIntosh.
  • Awarded $60,000 grants for community outreach efforts for local organization in need of community funding for BSA Troop, children pantry, and youth sports league.

Certification

  • The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), 2019
  • Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), 2019
  • Environmental Protection Agency Freon, 2013
  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), 2006
  • Voluntary Protection Program Auditor, 1997

Academic Committees

  • Member - PHI CHI (2015 - Present)
  • Member - University of Mobile Alumni Association (2005 - Present)
  • Member - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (1995 - Present)
  • Member - Phi Theta Kappa (1994 - Present)
  • Member - Olin Community Outreach Committee (2010 - 2019)
  • Life Coach - Business Network International (BNI) (2016 - 2018)

Board Affiliations

  • Member - Children's Diabetes Foundation (2005 - Present)
  • Member - American Breast Cancer Society (2010 - Present)
  • Member - March of Dimes (1998 - Present)
  • Board Member-Giving Totes for Foster Children
  • Board Member- Bearapy- healing the hearts and minds of kids with books and stuff animals
  • Board Member- Future Business Leaders of the America
  • Board Member- Love Your Community and Youth Association
  • Member-American Notaries
  • Member-Sweet Grown Alabama


Awards Publications

  • Walden University Alumni Magazine, How I did It (2012)
  • Women of Distinction Alliance Honoree (2019)

Professional Highlights

  • Awarded a 2024 Scholarship to Harvard's Project Zero Classroom
  • Received the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Office of Minority Business Enterprise for The State of Alabama by Governor Kay Ivey (certified as a minority woman-owned business in the State of Alabama),
  • Created a "learner's pledge" and recognition program that helped students identify effective habits and behaviors to help them succeed and increased student attendance to 100%. The program's success led to the institution adopting the program for future use. - ITT Technical Institute
  • Won Best Practice Award for VPP presentation on hazardous conditions track and trending programs which resulted in 100% participation from over 300 employees. - Olin Chemical
  • Introduced a five-year plan to implement SMART Goals to set and identify opportunities for growth and utilized the SWAT analysis to assist with business plans and business goals. - Who's Behind the Makeup

Training

  • Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Training, 2021
  • Proctor, 2021
  • HazMat Technician, 1998-2020
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 1998-2020
  • Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), 1997-2020
  • RC14001 Stage 1 & II Audit Implementation/Design Team, 2010-2018
  • Homeland Security, 2017
  • Building Healthy Habits, Aubrey Daniels Safety Training, 2015
  • Kronos, 2015
  • Behavior Modification Training, 2009
  • Supervisor Development Trainee, 2007
  • IAM Steward, 2007
  • Standard Office Procedures (SAP), 2005
  • Contract Language Negotiation, 2001
  • People Soft, 2000
  • Department of Transportation, 1997
  • Ciba Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT), 1997

www.lycya.org

In 2018, Dr. Latunja Caster started the W.E. One Project, an outreach program to focus on supporting healthy habits spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally while creating a thriving family environment for all communities by providing resources and products to relieve stress and anxiety through gardening and training. Hence, the Casters believed being active could be used as a tool to help children build character and develop leadership skills. With this goal in mind, Dr. Marcus and Dr. Latunja Caster founded Love Your Community & Youth Association in 2022—a nonprofit organization dedicated to building communities by providing support resources and events to engage community involvement and reduce crime and obesity in rural areas. LYCYA is dedicated to help provide educational and technical training, therapeutic recreation, youth sport leagues, mentoring, life coaching, community gardens and market place events throughout rural counties located in Alabama.
Today we are thriving thanks to our dedicated volunteers who give their time freely so that more children in our communities can enjoy the benefits of outreach programs like ours!

Gardening

Secret Ingredients of the Green Thumb: Plant, Pray, and Produce is on Amazon.

Timeline

Middle School Intervention Specialist

Chickasaw Middle School
08.2023 - Current

Executive Director of Community Outreach

LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUTH ASSOCIATION
05.2022 - Current

Lead Teacher

Genesis Academy
06.2021 - 06.2022

Research Practitioner

Next Level Consulting Group, LLC
01.2021 - 06.2022

Business Consultant

Who's Behind the Makeup
12.2015 - 12.2018

Professional Industrial Trainer and Behavior Specialist

Endorsed Hands
12.2015 - 12.2018

Member & Recording Secretary

International Association of Aerospace and Machinist Workers I.A.M.
01.2013 - 06.2017

Adjunct Professor

ITT Technical Institute
05.2010 - 12.2012

OSHA VPP Safety and Chemical Manufacturing Representative

Olin Chemical
03.1997 - 03.2020

Doctorate - Industrial Organizational Psychology

Grand Canyon University

Master of Arts - Teaching

Walden University

Emergency Medical Technician -

University of South Alabama

Bachelor of Science - General Studies

University of Mobile
LATUNJA ADAMS CASTER Ph D