MARIA L. ORTIZ
Chicago,IL
Summary
Mission-driven professional with a strong background in education, case management, and program coordination. Skilled in building relationships, leading teams, and managing projects in people-centered environments. Actively expanding my experience in areas like data management, strategic planning, and event coordination. Eager to apply my adaptable skill set and leadership potential in a mission-aligned role beyond traditional education.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Development Specialist
Monarch Thrift Store
Chicago, IL
06.2024 - Current
- Designed, implemented, and continuously improved a certificate-based training program to equip students with essential workplace skills.
- Developed engaging course content, coordinated hands-on retail training experiences, and supported participants in their professional growth.
- Create a comprehensive curriculum focusing on four key workplace skills: Effective Communication, Dependability & Consistency, Problem Solving, and Creativity & Curiosity.
- Develop interactive class sessions and materials to teach these skills.
- Mentor and guide participants in applying their skills in both professional and personal contexts.
- Monitor student progress and address any challenges to ensure successful outcomes.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the training program through student performance and feedback.
- Implement changes to enhance learning outcomes and workplace readiness.
Development and Database Support
FHSR
Chicago, IL
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Database Management: Participate in training and support the use of DonorPerfect, including regular data entry, gift processing, and reporting to senior leadership.
- Ensure accurate data tracking, maintain donor records, and process documentation.
- Build and optimize reports within DonorPerfect for efficient information management.
- Fundraising Support: Conduct prospect research to identify and align potential donors with FHSR's mission.
- Assist in various fundraising tasks to support the Foundation's needs and personal learning goals.
- Remote Collaboration: Engage with senior staff and board members remotely to support FHSR's fundraising initiatives.
Marketing Manager
Royal Rentals LLC
Milwaukee, WI
02.2025 - Current
- Managed daily content creation and curation for Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp, aligning with brand voice and marketing goals.
- Identified potential opportunities for collaborations between the company and other organizations.
- Created and optimized promotional publications and related materials.
- Crafted visual designs and brand messaging elements for consistency across digital advertising and marketing platforms.
- Performance Tracking (Engagement, Reach, Conversion)
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
08.2022 - Current
- Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with a wide range of disabilities, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations (IDEA, FAPE, LRE).
- Provide differentiated instruction in inclusive and self-contained settings, using evidence-based strategies to meet diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
- Monitor student progress through data collection, formative assessments, and collaboration with service providers; adjust goals and strategies as needed.
- Lead and facilitate IEP meetings, ensuring family engagement, student participation (when appropriate), and alignment with post-secondary transition plans.
- Established and enforced administration policies and rules governing student behavior.
Special Education Case Manager
Milwaukee Public Schools
Milwaukee, WI
08.2019 - 05.2022
- Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with a wide range of disabilities, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations (IDEA, FAPE, LRE).
- Serve as case manager for students receiving special education services, coordinating services among general education teachers, therapists, counselors, and families.
- Provide differentiated instruction in inclusive and self-contained settings, using evidence-based strategies to meet diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
- Monitor student progress through data collection, formative assessments, and collaboration with service providers; adjust goals and strategies as needed.
- Lead and facilitate IEP meetings, ensuring family engagement, student participation (when appropriate), and alignment with post-secondary transition plans.
- Maintain accurate documentation and timely communication regarding student services, progress reports, and annual reviews.
- Collaborate with school-based teams to support student success, including MTSS, 504 teams, and crisis intervention teams.
- Established and enforced administration policies and rules governing student behavior.
Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE - Exceptional Education, Transitional And Adult Services
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MILWAUKEE
05.2025
Certificate - Nonprofit Management
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI05-2025
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Special Education Cross-Categorical, Autism Spectrum Disorder, English as a Second Language
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MILWAUKEE
05.2020
Skills
- Spanish
- Event coordination
- Intervention strategies
- Curriculum Development
- Resource Coordination
- Time Management - Strategic Task Planning
- Care Plan Development
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Teamwork
- Database Management & Entry
- Group Facilitation
- Project Coordination
- Reporting and Analytics
- Disability Advocate
- Goal Setting & KPI Tracking
- Resource Allocation
- Budget Management
Community Leadership And Volunteering
ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER, ESPERANZA COMMUNITY SERVICES, Chicago, IL, 01/01/24, Present,
- The associate board is a powerful engagement tool to ensure the longevity of Esperanza., Through advocacy, marketing, fundraising, and more, the board works to support adults and children with developmental disabilities., Event planning duties include organizing and coordinating events, managing budgets, timelines, and logistics, and ensuring smooth operations.
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBER, SEMBRA, Chicago, IL, 06/01/24, Present,
- Develop marketing strategies, manage social media, and collaborate with media and community partners to promote DEI training programs., Organize and coordinate events as a committee, manage budgets, timelines, and logistics, ensuring smooth operations., Execute fundraising strategies, cultivate donor relationships, and coordinate campaigns and events.
Timeline
Marketing Manager
Royal Rentals LLC
02.2025 - Current
Program Development Specialist
Monarch Thrift Store
06.2024 - Current
Development and Database Support
FHSR
05.2024 - 05.2025
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Special Education Case Manager
Milwaukee Public Schools
08.2019 - 05.2022
MASTER OF SCIENCE - Exceptional Education, Transitional And Adult Services
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MILWAUKEE
Certificate - Nonprofit Management
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Special Education Cross-Categorical, Autism Spectrum Disorder, English as a Second Language
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MILWAUKEE
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