Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
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Leah Allen

Elkridge,MD

Summary

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in arts education and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals. Passionate about the importance of equity in arts education for our youth.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Dance Faculty

Baltimore School for the Arts
08.2022 - Current
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.

Dance Department Program Manager

Baltimore School for the Arts
08.2021 - Current
  • Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams.
  • Conducted comprehensive program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.

Company Managing Director

Jenny's Dance Centre
06.2016 - 12.2020
  • Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
  • Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
  • Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
  • Fostered an inclusive work environment by championing diversity initiatives and empowering employees at all levels.
  • Cultivated high-performance organizational culture by implementing robust talent management and development program.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty by developing and implementing comprehensive customer service excellence program.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Enhanced team productivity with implementation of agile methodologies, fostering culture of continuous improvement.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.

Dance Instructor

Jenny's Dance Centre
08.2007 - 12.2020
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Fostered a supportive learning environment by promoting positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
  • Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
  • Worked in team-based environment to uphold quality and continuity of service to clients.
  • Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
  • Implemented injury prevention strategies during warm-ups and cool-downs, ensuring safe practice for all participants.
  • Communicated with students and parents in person, via email, and by phone to resolve issues and answer questions.
  • Established strong rapport among peers by actively participating in staff meetings and contributing valuable insights towards program development.
  • Regularly evaluated student progress through assessments, adjusting teaching methods accordingly for optimal results.
  • Tailored each class to meet student needs and abilities and allow dancers to progress at comfortable pace.
  • Promoted inclusivity by adapting lessons for individuals with varying physical abilities or limitations without sacrificing rigor or quality of instruction.
  • Assisted studio owners in boosting class enrollment through effective marketing and promotional efforts.
  • Maintained open communication channels with parents, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
  • Recognized and adapted to different learning styles to productively communicate and teach materials to all students.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Dance

University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
05-2002

Skills

  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Dependable and responsible
  • Multitasking
  • Excellent communication
  • Critical thinking

Additional Information

I am fortunate to have held a role as student, professional artist, managing director, program manager, and teacher in the arts. I am passionate about equity in arts education and its ability to change lives. I have seen first hand how arts education can transform and provide opportunities to our youth through passion, patience, and opportunity, I whole heartedly believe in the importance of providing access to arts education to our young artists.

Timeline

Dance Faculty

Baltimore School for the Arts
08.2022 - Current

Dance Department Program Manager

Baltimore School for the Arts
08.2021 - Current

Company Managing Director

Jenny's Dance Centre
06.2016 - 12.2020

Dance Instructor

Jenny's Dance Centre
08.2007 - 12.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Dance

University of Arizona
Leah Allen