Analyze birth to grade 12 legislation, policy, practices and regulatory oversight.
Translate complex policies and positions into evidence-based responses.
Provide recommendations to decision-makers on strategic planning, policy development and program evaluation.
Data-informed project management across sectors using innovative solutions.
Co-Founder and Co-Teacher
a 2 z Academie
Created kindergarten readiness program from idea stage to state licensure; received perfect score on initial license review.
Designed Montessori-based curriculum aligned with Indiana Pre-k Foundations that exceeds IDOE requirements.
Marketed program to recruit children and families; achieved full enrollment during year one.
Embedded program within the community; specialization in self-regulation and behavioral development.
Graduated students as curious, confident learners well prepared for community, classmates and further education.
Site Enrichment Coordinator, 21st Century Scholars Program
Lake Ridge School District
Supervised all aspects of after-school enrichment program – budget, compliance, schedule, staff, outcomes, quality.
Designed and operationalized curriculum of enrichment sessions for high school students.
Differentiated instruction to support outcomes for students with IEP/504 plans (approximately 60% of enrollment).
Provided direct supports to high-needs students; coached teachers and parents on behavioral supports and interventions.
Curated enrichment course roster to match a wide range of student abilities and interests.
Established routes and resources to ensure students safe return home from school.
Liaised with principals, counselors, deans, Teachers of Record, and teachers regarding student issues.
Coordinated and implemented wrap-around services to meet students individualized needs.
Compiled data, created reports and produced documentation to support grants that funded program.
Tutor and Classroom Teacher Assistant
AmeriCorps, United Way of Porter County
Fulfilled role of Lead Tutor specializing in Math instruction.
Provided student supports and behavioral interventions as guided by Teachers of Record, and informed by IEP/504 plans.
Participated in IEP reviews; contributed to solutions plan; collaborated with school staff to address issues.
Assisted in classrooms by using behavioral techniques to promote self-regulation and improve academic outcomes.
Coordinated school-wide before and after school tutor program serving 600 students.
Supervised AmeriCorps and Valparaiso University Tutors assigned to tutor program (staff of 15).
Pitched free snack idea that was approved by middle-school Principal; worked with Food Services Manager to implement.
Maintained student participation and performance data to support grants that funded programs.
Senior Class College Coordinator
SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Utilized knowledge of the college admissions process to provide 500+ senior class, parents, and faculty assistance with the college search, application, and admissions processes.
Liaised between students, parents, and college representatives concerning college planning, eligibility, admission, applications, athletics programs, military academies and financial aid.
Specialized in guidance for students seeking colleges with strong special learning needs supports and programs.
Planned and executed numerous on-site college fairs, and special events for students and families.
Career Specialist
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Coordinated Regional Occupational Program classes, services, and opportunities at public middle and high schools.
Worked directly with students, parents, Teachers of Record, multiple agencies, and school faculty/administrators.
Conducted intake meetings, needs assessments, observations, and case reviews gathering specifics to create goal plans.
Curated and created differentiated resources aligned to students’ individualized needs and goals.
Ensured all stakeholders remained focused on student-centered best practices, and students remained engaged/active.
Communicated regularly with all stakeholders; promptly responded to all case needs.
Guided students to achieve academic, social and personal goals that ensured successful grade/attendance outcomes.
Collaborated across agencies to coordinate wraparound services, supports and interventions.
Maintained records, documents, communications and case review requirements in compliance with all agencies.
Senior Account Administrator
IBM CORPORATION
Provided administrative solutions to support engineering and marketing team with annual sales of $50 million.
Logistics facilitation – plant, carriers, customers, team.
Installations project management/lead.
Earned several promotions; recognized as Regional Team Lead.
Ranked at highest category for skillset; achieved regular merit incentives.
Awarded numerous achievement recognitions; received exceeds expectations performance evaluations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Youth Services
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
Chicago, Illinois
Master of Education - Early Childhood Concentration
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
Cincinnati, Ohio
Skills
Policy analysis and development
Legislative review
Stakeholder engagement
Grant and project management
Communications and Outreach
Committee Work
Best practices research
Subject Matter Expert Early Childhood
Organizing and connecting across sectors
Adaptability
Regulatory and legal compliance
Leadership Experience
Member, Regional Advisory Council, Indiana Service Delivery Area 1, (inaugural year Chair)
Vice President, North Western Region Chapter, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Member, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, Public Policy Forum
Member, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, Membership and Leadership Committee
Member, Governor’s Early Learning Advisory Committee (CCDF)
Member, First Things First Porter County Early Learning Collaborative
Member, Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Early Learning Standards Review Committee
Member, Indiana Department of Education, High Quality Curriculum Review Committee
Advisory Board Member, Purdue University Lake County Extension
Collaboration
Panelist, Diving Deep into Continuous Quality Improvement: Multiple Early Childhood Perspectives
Panelist, How Shine is Transforming Quality Improvement for Better Care
Panelist, Provider Appreciation Night, North Western Region, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Panelist, Café Chat, Health and Nutrition, North Western Region, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Coordinator, Peer Learning Group, North Western Region, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Coordinator and Facilitator, Science of Reading Made Easier, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Sponsor, Building Blocks, Early Relational Health, PBS Series and Podcast Launch
Host and Organizer, Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning Listening Tour, Valparaiso University
Organizer, Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, Early Childhood Day at the Statehouse
Timeline
Co-Founder and Co-Teacher
a 2 z Academie
Site Enrichment Coordinator, 21st Century Scholars Program
Lake Ridge School District
Tutor and Classroom Teacher Assistant
AmeriCorps, United Way of Porter County
Senior Class College Coordinator
SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Career Specialist
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Senior Account Administrator
IBM CORPORATION
Policy, Advocacy and Consulting
Early is Essential
Bachelor of Arts - Youth Services
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
Master of Education - Early Childhood Concentration
