Hi, I’m
Melissa Bayless
Pikeville,TN
Summary
Talented Training Coordinator with twenty-plus years of experience managing daily activities and achieving organizational goals while working closely with leadership. Well-versed in supporting and overseeing programs, projects, curriculum creation, research and development, all state-mandated training, data analysis, and scaling using learning management systems. Decisive and proactive leader with an adaptable approach. Highly organized and detail-oriented professional with a strong work ethic and dedication to achieving goals. Skilled at developing and maintaining critical school district relationships and relationships with the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Education. Experienced in many documentation/databases including Skyward, SPSS, REDCap, Basecamp, and Google Suite; managing calendars, preparing reports, and collaborating with 1/3 of Tennessee School Districts as the state trainer for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health, and the Department of Education. Knowledgeable in project management principles, business processes, and customer service best practices. Knowledgeable in making complex concepts easier to understand. Well-qualified at planning and implementing both onsite and remote training and professional development for teachers, staff, and psycho-educational groups for students k-12; including teaching, curriculum development, grading rubrics, assessments, etc... The position of Technical Assistant must meet all grant requirements, and hold monthly state calls and two in-person regional meetings. One of the largest duties is driving to all the districts covered in Region 4 and making weekly agendas for training sessions as well as compiling data for monthly newsletters, social media, teacher training, in-service training for employees, and leadership training for program directors.
Overview
19
years of professional experience
1
Certificate
Work History
Volunteer Behavioral Health
Technical Assistant Coordinator (Trainer)
04.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Works with leadership team and school districts to assess needs and determine best courses of action.
- During my supervision, the liaison program has tripled in size (15 positions to 70 as of current).
- Manages filing systems for electronic and hard copy documents to keep organized records (Google Suite)
- Maintains employee records and conducts data analysis, scaling, and Learning Management Systems.
- Attends and chairs monthly state meetings as well as weekly staff meetings. Works with school staff and parents regarding consent and attends special events. Interacts with families, school districts, and mental health organizations - I currently work with 1/3 of TN school districts, 60 individual schools, students, staff, and multiple mental health agencies.
- Evaluate project documents and obtain additional information from stakeholders and submit data reports monthly, quarterly, and annually.
- Gather and extract data to enter for generated reports and dashboards, and produce tracking in Skyward, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, SPSS, Formstacks, Basecamp and REDCap databases.
- Prepare agendas and chair two in-person regional meetings archiving proceedings for state grant requirements. (Weekly and Monthly)
- Gather and organize materials to support operations, and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
- Coach/Train employees in day-to-day work and complex problemsolving, as well as all formal training for new employees within the program for multiple mental health agencies as required by the grant, (using train-the-trainer modalities).
- Create workshops and in-service meetings to enhance personal growth and professional development for teachers, school staff, and mental health employees.
- Collect and analyze business data from various departments to prepare reports and presentations for management and other stakeholders.
- Manage and motivate employees to be productive and engaged in their work.
- Accomplish multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Cross-train existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Communicate clearly with employees, suppliers, and stakeholders to keep everyone on the same page and working toward established business goals.
- Evaluate employee performance and convey constructive feedback to improve skills using a rubric for measurability and monitoring of the program.
- Recruit, interview, and hire employees, and create and implement mentoring programs to promote positive feedback, enhanced learning, and engagement.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention as well as building relationships with 1/3 of Tennessee's school districts.
- Manage/route approximately 20-plus calls per day.
- Streamlined technical processes for improved productivity through meticulous documentation and organization of procedures.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex technical challenges, driving business growth.
- Facilitated effective communication between technical and non-technical staff members by translating complex concepts into easily understandable terms.
- Participated in ongoing professional development activities such as workshops, conferences, or webinars to stay current on industry best practices.
- Lead training sessions for team members on various topics related to technology use within the workplace environment, fostering an atmosphere of continued learning amongst staff.
- Provided technical guidance and support to team members.
- Liaised with customers, communicating and resolving problems and concerns.
- Trained and supervised employees on office policies and procedures.
- Proofread and edited documents for accuracy and grammar.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to per our grant scope of services.
- Developed comprehensive reports for senior management, enabling informed decision-making based on data-driven insights.
- Spearheaded volunteer programs that positively impacted local communities while showcasing the company''s commitment to social responsibility.
Volunteer Behavioral Health
School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison/Instructor
12.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Supervised program staff, managing and evaluating performance to provide high-quality services to program participants.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations and data collection for state grants.
- Developed and implemented program goals and objectives, establishing specific and measurable outcomes aligned with the organization's overall mission.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones weekly.
- Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement, and prevent waste, fraud and abuse.
- Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
- Coordinated budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
- Maintained and updated project related documents and data in Google Suite.
- Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle program demands.
- Created and enforced programming standards, policies, and procedures, to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Monitored programming schedules, conformance to guidelines, and quality.
- Evaluated the success of training programs and recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
- Trained staff during demonstrations, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Conducted orientation sessions organizing on-the-job training for all new hires.
- Reviewed and edited all training materials for accuracy and company policy compliance.
- Processed new hire paperwork and documents.
- Verified timekeeping records and handled any discrepancies with employees.
- Maintained payroll information by calculating, collecting, and entering data.
- Updated employee files with new details such as changes in address or salary levels.
- Maintained employee privacy and protected payroll operations by keeping all information confidential.
- Processed timecards and payroll data for teams.
- Managed approximately forty calls per day for two school-based grants following HIPAA guidelines.
- Supervised program staff, managing and evaluating performance to provide high-quality services to program participants.
- Increased stakeholder satisfaction with proactive communication and timely issue resolution.
- Managed cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional program outcomes within budget and time constraints.
- Optimized resource allocation, ensuring the successful completion of multiple concurrent projects.
- Established strong partnerships with stakeholders for collaborative problem-solving.
- Established effective communication channels between departments by organizing and facilitating cross-functional meetings.
- Served as primary point of contact, fostering strong relationships between internal teams and external partners.
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods and materials.
- Enhanced classroom collaboration through the implementation of group projects and team-building activities.
- Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Assisted in curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices for effective instruction.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing valuable insights and strategies for classroom success.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall academic achievement and promoting a positive school culture.
- Strengthened parent-teacher relationships through regular communication, updates on student progress, and involvement in school events.
- Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Promoted classroom safety, collaboration and best practices.
- Tested students to assess progress and adapted learning plans in alignment with performance.
- Oversaw curriculum development and implementation in alignment with best practices.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Prepared quizzes, tests, and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Optimized resource allocation, effectively balancing priorities and managing competing demands.
- Delivered high-quality results by setting performance metrics and monitoring progress against targets.
Cleveland State Community College
College Professor
12.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-world examples and case studies in lectures, especially important for high school students participating in dual enrollment programs.
- Lab - Offered a lab with certain courses to offer students a different real-world hands-on approach to learning objectives.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary courses, fostering a comprehensive learning experience for students.
- Published and presented at conferences, elevating the institution's academic reputation.
- Established strong rapport with students through open communication and availability during office hours, fostering positive relationships for academic support.
- Developed innovative teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and understanding.
- Implemented effective assessment strategies to track student progress throughout the semester, adjusting instruction as needed.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on pedagogical trends and enhance teaching practices further.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts by participating in college fairs and conducting campus tours for prospective students, promoting the institution's programs effectively.
- Evaluated student performance through regular examinations, quizzes, and assignments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Organized guest speakers from various industries related to course topics to provide real-world insight into career possibilities after graduation.
- Introduced new resources such as software applications or online platforms that enhanced the classroom experience for both students and faculty members alike, (Covid ensured we had no choice in this matter, with us all learning Zoom and Fuze platforms).
- Reviewed updated textbooks and other educational materials making informed decisions regarding adoption use within the curriculum.
- Partnered with local businesses organizations to create internship opportunities for students, facilitating hands-on learning and networking with potential future employers.
- Contributed to the campus community participating in initiatives such as fundraisers, volunteer projects, and cultural celebrations, demonstrating commitment both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, and asking open-ended questions to track student participation.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject-matter discussion with students.
- Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
- Researched and selected course texts and supplemental learning materials.
- Shifted between informal and formal methods of teaching to create a multi-layered web of learning incorporating experiments, practical activities, discussions, and projects into lessons.
- Used a variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate the learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Provided students with constructive, encouraging, and corrective feedback.
- Developed a diversified course curriculum to meet regulatory standards and support learning objectives.
- Conducted ongoing program assessment, enrollment, and retention tracking.
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class following stated course objectives.
- Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
- Created a positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
- Impartially evaluated papers, projects, and homework assignments of students, delegating grading to teaching assistants when appropriate.
- Manage dozens of emails and calls daily from students.
State Of Tennessee
Parole Officer
04.2013 - 12.2016
Job overview
- Coordinated and worked closely with law enforcement, social service agencies, and mental health providers.
- Facilitated in-service training for the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex (BCCX), the largest facility in TN.
- Facilitated all pre-parole classes for hundreds of inmates each year as well as teaching Pro-Social Life Skills and CBT classes.
- Conducted all parole hearings and parole releases for the BCCX facility.
- Served as court liaison by attending court hearings and presenting reports and recommendations.
- Developed case reports detailing inmate history and likelihood of recidivism (committing another crime) with predictive modeling.
- Reported violations of parole conditions to appropriate authorities and maintained a record of case activity.
- Performed routine home inspections and drug tests for offenders on parole.
- Arranged substance abuse rehabilitation for offenders.
- Conducted pre-sentence investigations by doing in-depth research and compiling police reports and criminal records from NCIC - (National Criminal Information Center).
- Provided court testimony to support court decisions.
- Monitored inmates' progress using questionnaires and psychological testing, needs assessments, and data compiling using SPSS, NCIC, and other databases.
- Translated difficult-to-understand legal terminology to more relatable terms for juries.
- Oversaw parole hearings and parole releases at the largest prison facility in the State of Tennessee. Handling the largest caseload in the prison facility.
- Lab - consists of taking fingerprints and DNA of convicted felons to send to the TBI for verification and logging for future case evidence processes.
- Attended the Parole Academy, receiving the Superintendent's Award - the highest honor offered.
Southeast TN Human Resource Agency
Program Manager & Probation Officer
08.2005 - 03.2012
Job overview
- Monitored defendants' compliance and progress in treatment by reviewing reports from counseling agencies.
- Conducted investigations into violations and other allegations.
- Built relationships with defendants and offenders, assessing living conditions and case background information.
- Employed appropriate incentives and sanctions to achieve desired behaviors and outcomes.
- Maintained organized offender records and documentation in compliance with department and legal standards and laws.
- Wrote progress reports and testified under oath at court hearings to the accuracy of data and reporting.
- Evaluated persons on probation using predictive models to determine best course of rehabilitation.
- Adhered to legal requirements by performing office, home and employment visits.
- Determined appropriate supervision levels by conducting risk and needs assessments.
- Supervised offenders to reduce risk to community.
- Initiated crisis intervention by following official crisis communication plans and training.
- Referred felony and misdemeanor offenders to necessary community resources.
- Maintained compliance with all legal statutes, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinated community and job placement resources.
- Suggested bail recommendations to the court to aid with case outcomes.
- Managed a caseload of 150 clients with monthly reporting data.
- Timekeeping recording and scheduling for the entire team of employees.
- Hiring, interviewing, and training new employees.
- Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
Education
Esoteric Interfaith Theological SeminaryCottonwood, AZ
Ph.D. from Pastoral Counseling
05.2024
Bethel UniversityMckenzie, TN
Master of Science from Criminal Justice Administration
10.2015
Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga, TN
Associate of Science from Secondary Education
05.2013
South UniversitySavannah, GA
Bachelor of Science from Crime Scene Investigation
12.2012
Skills
- Lesson Preparation
- Skilled at Maintaining Records
- Instruction and Delivery
- Positive Reinforcement Methods
- Critical Thinking
- Client Correspondence
- Adobe Pro
- Project Management
- Prioritizing Tasks
- Data Analysis / Evaluation
- Microsoft Suite
- Google Suite
- SPSS
- REDCap
- Basecamp
- Formstacks
- Paycom (Payroll Software)
- Blackboard
- D2L
- Travel 75%, Work from Home 25%
- Social Perceptiveness
- Time Management
- Curriculum Research & Design
- Staff Development
- Manage Budgets
- Excellent Phone Demeanor
- Lesson Plan Development
- Judgment and Decision-Making
- Course Materials and Supplies
- Clear Verbal Communication
- Instructional Techniques
- Zoom; Fuze; Microsoft Teams
- Public Speaking
- Negotiation
- Monitoring
- Student Rapport-Building
- Staff Rapport-Building
- Online-Based Education
- Computer Technology
- Video Conferencing - Zoom, Fuze, Microsoft Teams and Google Meets
- Customer or student assistance
- Technical Guidance
- Student Engagement
- Subject matter expertise
- Project-based learning
- Mentoring
- Program implementation
- Training delivery
- Content Research & Development
- User Support
- Accessibility Compliance
- Collaboration tools
- Learning Management System Expertise
- Blended Learning
- Performance Testing
Accomplishments
Member of School Counselors Association; Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, Secretary of Alpha Phi Sigma, South University, Mu Lota chapter; National Criminal Justice Honor Society; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Alpha Beta mu Chapter; National Society of Collegiate Scholars; Dean's list; Bradley County Human Trafficking Task Force Chair; Farm Bureau Member since 1998; Recipient of the Superintendent's Award for Tennessee Corrections Academy,
Timeline
Technical Assistant Coordinator (Trainer)
Volunteer Behavioral Health
04.2023 - Current
School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison/Instructor
Volunteer Behavioral Health
12.2021 - Current
College Professor
Cleveland State Community College
12.2019 - Current
Parole Officer
State Of Tennessee
04.2013 - 12.2016
Program Manager & Probation Officer
Southeast TN Human Resource Agency
08.2005 - 03.2012
Esoteric Interfaith Theological Seminary
Ph.D. from Pastoral Counseling
Bethel University
Master of Science from Criminal Justice Administration
Chattanooga State Community College
Associate of Science from Secondary Education
South University
Bachelor of Science from Crime Scene Investigation
Certification
Building Strong Brains Trainer for the State of Tennessee
6-Pillars of Education Trainer for the State of Tennessee
Youth Mental Health First Aid - to be completed May 2024
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist Certification
Nuerolinguistic Programming Certification
Certified Life Coach
CPR Certification
Notary Public
Ordained Minister