Laura Henneha
Seminole
Summary
Dynamic education leader with expertise in team management, strategic planning, and program evaluation. Proven ability to enhance staff performance and optimize educational outcomes through effective training and mentoring.
Overview
1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Education/Literacy Manager
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Head Start
Seminole, OK
11.2008 - 04.2026
- Developed and implemented educational programs for children, enhancing developmental outcomes.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Managed budget allocation, optimizing resource use across multiple classrooms.
- Coordinated staff training sessions, improving team performance and service delivery.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through data analysis, informing strategic improvements.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Interviewed and hired employees
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones (Individual Professional Development Plans).
- Developed detailed policies and procedures based on broad guidance and direction for educational purposes.
- Monitored and maintained files.
Head Start Director
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Head Start
Seminole, OK
03.2021 - 06.2022
- Led strategic planning and implementation of early childhood education programs.
- Developed partnerships with community organizations to enhance resources and support for families.
- Oversaw compliance with federal, state, and local regulations in early childhood education initiatives.
- Mentored and trained staff to improve teaching practices and program delivery.
Head Start Interim Director
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Head Start
Seminole, OK
08.2018 - 03.2021
- Directed program operations to enhance early childhood education initiatives for diverse communities.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop strategic plans aligning with federal and state regulations.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation to maximize program efficiency and effectiveness.
- Implemented staff training programs, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to expand services and support for families in need.
- Evaluated program outcomes, utilizing data-driven insights to refine educational strategies and curricula.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
Head Start Teacher
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Head Start
Seminole, OK
10.2003 - 11.2008
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards.
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment to enhance social and emotional development of students.
- Collaborated with families to support children's learning and development through regular communication and engagement activities.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and tailor instructional strategies accordingly.
- Advocated for children's needs within the educational framework, ensuring compliance with federal Head Start guidelines.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
- Improved classroom management through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and clear expectations.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment that encouraged academic success.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, performance data, and other relevant information for reporting purposes.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication by maintaining open lines of communication via newsletters, conferences, and progress reports.
- Promoted social-emotional development in students by incorporating character education lessons into daily curriculum.
- Increased student participation by implementing interactive and hands-on learning activities.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to meet individual needs.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
Child Care Provider
Special Care Daycare II
Wewoka, OK
10.1998 - 11.2003
- Supervised daily activities to ensure safety and engagement for children in care.
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate educational activities fostering child development.
- Monitored children's progress, providing feedback to parents and adjusting plans as needed.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in childcare, enhancing team performance.
- Managed classroom environments, ensuring cleanliness and organization of learning materials.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Developed age-appropriate activities and crafts to engage children.
- Maintained clean facilities by following sanitation protocols, ensuring a healthy environment for all children.
- Facilitated learning through play, stories and outdoor activities for successful child outcomes.
- Supported emotional well-being by addressing individual needs and providing a nurturing environment for growth.
- Administered first aid when needed, adhering to established protocols to ensure child safety and wellbeing.
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Managed behavior issues effectively using positive reinforcement techniques, fostering a respectful atmosphere within the childcare setting.
- Led children in creative, athletic, and educational activities while maintaining safe and orderly group.
- Ensured child safety through vigilant supervision, maintaining proper ratios during indoor and outdoor activities.
- Introduced children to educational games and activities to boost learning.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to children during difficult times.
- Assisted children in developing fine motor skills through play-based learning activities such as puzzles and stacking blocks.
- Fostered creativity with various arts and crafts projects, stimulating imagination and selfexpression.
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
- Assisted in potty training and other daily hygiene activities to support child development.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child''s achievements or concerns while offering guidance on home-based support strategies.
- Provided nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary guidelines, promoting overall health among the children in care.
Child Care Provider
First Baptist Church Early Childhood Center
Wewoka, OK
10.1994 - 10.1998
- Collaborated with parents to address concerns and promote positive child behavior strategies.
- Organized special events and field trips to enrich children's experiences and social skills.
- Worked with children to develop good cognitive, physical and language skills.
- Oversaw smooth drop-off/pick-up transitions by maintaining open communication with parents and ensuring a safe environment for children.
- Enhanced children''s social skills by organizing group activities and promoting positive interactions.
- Implemented daily routines to establish consistency, helping children transition smoothly between activities.
- Improved language development through engaging storytelling sessions and age-appropriate book readings.
- Fostered safe and nurturing environment, maintaining strict safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Enhanced children's social skills by organizing group activities and games.
- Developed strong relationships with families, providing regular updates on child progress and establishing trust.
- Strengthened children's early literacy and math skills with engaging, educational activities.
- Implemented creative arts and crafts sessions to stimulate children's creativity and motor skills development.
- Implemented daily routines and activities to stimulate and engage children.
Education
Master of Education - Master of Education: Special Education
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK12-2024
Master of Science - Masters of Early Intervention
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Science (Early Care)
East Central University
Ada, OK05-2014
Skills
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Complex Problem-solving
- Staff training and development
- Staff management
- Task delegation
- Goal setting
- Documentation and reporting
- Strategic planning
- Operations management
Certification
CDL-Class B
First Aid/CPR
CLASS Reliable
Oklahoma Director's Credential (Platinum Level)
Professional Development Ladder (Level 11)
Timeline
Head Start Director
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Head Start
03.2021 - 06.2022
Head Start Interim Director
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Head Start
08.2018 - 03.2021
Education/Literacy Manager
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Head Start
11.2008 - 04.2026
Head Start Teacher
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Head Start
10.2003 - 11.2008
Child Care Provider
Special Care Daycare II
10.1998 - 11.2003
Child Care Provider
First Baptist Church Early Childhood Center
10.1994 - 10.1998
Master of Education - Master of Education: Special Education
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Master of Science - Masters of Early Intervention
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Science (Early Care)
East Central University