Literacy Specialist with a proven track record at FPDS, managing student support programs and improving student outcomes. Known for enthusiasm in collaborative approach and reliability in meeting changing needs.
Demonstrates proficiency in conflict resolution and program development, excelling in curriculum design and instructional leadership. Skilled in fostering teamwork and collaboration, significantly enhancing student services. Demonstrated success in staff leadership and student advocacy, driving academic and developmental progress.
Results-focused student services professional with a robust background in student affairs and academic support. Demonstrated ability to foster team collaboration and drive student success through effective communication, strategic planning, and program development. Adaptable and reliable, skilled in conflict resolution, student counseling, and program implementation. A strong advocate for student well-being and development, ensuring a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Student Services
FPDS
08.2022 - Current
Supervise and coordinate all student services programs, resources, and personnel K5-6th grade by supporting the leadership team, principals, teachers, and parents
Develop and outline long-range plans for the student services department
Partner with each family to provide the necessary academic support to ensure student success
Work with the principals, curriculum director, student services therapists, and personnel to develop or choose quality curriculum and best instructional practices
Review educational testing reports and meet with parents and teachers to explain the testing
Coordinate with students, parents, and classroom teacher/teachers to develop an individualized Student Service Plan (SSP) that outlines specific accommodations for each qualifying student
Meet with teachers and parents to review Student Service Plans
Coordinate and attend Student Service Plan conferences with all teachers K5-6th grade teachers in October, January, and May to track students' progress
Observe students in the classroom and resource setting
Test and screen students in reading and foundational literacy
Collaborate to develop reading readiness screeners
Assist in professional development and teacher training
Attend curriculum and instruction workshops/conferences
Supervise K5-1st grade intervention programs
Coordinate, facilitate, and attend parent/teacher conferences
Coordinate, create the agenda, facilitate, and lead the Department Student Services Meetings
Assist teachers in writing emails to parents, completing evaluation forms, narratives, or other written forms of documentation
Developed graphic organizers for documentation for teachers to track progress and collect data for interventions
Provide parents with outside and in-house resource information and contacts
Communicate with area schools, agencies, and professionals concerning student services provided at FPDS
Supervise all dyslexia therapy services, Dyslexia Immersion Program, and Academic Coaching
Facilitate and supervise after-school tutoring and Academic Coaching
Work one-on-one with students for remediation and dyslexia therapy
Worked one-on-one with ELL learners
Developed 2024-2025 Teacher Expectations
Coordinate and supervise the Annual Dyslexia Day
Serve on the Student Support Team, Leadership Team, MAIS Accreditation Team, Grade Chair Team, Spelling Bee Pronouncer for MAIS District Spelling Bee, and Mentor teacher
Second Grade Dyslexia Immersion Teacher
FPDS
08.2017 - 05.2022
Collaborated with FPDS dyslexia therapists and Head of School in researching, planning, developing, and founding the FPDS Dyslexia Immersion Program, which provides explicit, systematic, multisensory dyslexia therapy to students diagnosed with dyslexia led by a licensed Dyslexia Therapist who is also a certified teacher, trained to meet the students’ unique learning styles
Developed and implemented differentiated curriculum and instruction and challenged high-achieving learners with independent projects
Taught all second-grade subjects, facilitated daily dyslexia therapy, and led differentiated reading groups based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, which combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic
Communicated with parents concerning their child’s progress in dyslexia therapy
Attended parent conferences to provide student progress updates
Presented at the Mississippi College Dyslexia Symposium
Served as Grade Chair
Authored and executed informational presentations for parents and teachers regarding the Science of Reading, Dyslexia, learning differences, and best practices
Managed classroom effectively using positive discipline techniques and behavior management plans tailored to individual student needs
Utilized data-driven instruction to identify growth areas for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps
Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, providing timely feedback for improved academic performance.
Developed strong relationships with colleagues, parents, and students through consistent communication
Mentored new Immersion teachers
Second Grade Teacher
FPDS
08.2008 - 05.2017
Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students
Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict resolution, critical thinking, and communication
Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning
Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in the educational process
Differentiated instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student, ensuring all students could access the curriculum successfully
Incorporated hands-on activities and interactive games into lessons
Managed classroom effectively using positive discipline techniques and behavior management plans tailored to individual student needs.
Utilized data-driven instruction to identify growth areas for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, providing timely feedback for improved academic performance.
Developed strong relationships with parents through consistent communication, leading to increased parental involvement in their child's education.
Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
Implemented a positive reward system to motivate students and reinforce good behavior, resulting in a more productive classroom environment.
Organized and executed field trips
Provided after-school tutoring sessions for struggling learners
Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices
Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff
Provided a warm, supportive environment for academic, social, and emotional growth
Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using various teaching techniques to appeal to multiple learning styles within assigned grade levels
Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards, and policies to prepare students for higher grade levels correctly
Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings
Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments
Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to the next grade level
Initiated and implemented a second-grade book club and a Spanish Club
Served as a mentor teacher, served on the Accelerated Reading Committee, Technology Committee, Sunshine Committee, Curriculum Committee
Teacher
Rankin County School District
08.1997 - 05.2003
Taught Second and Third grades at Rouse Elementary
Built strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment
Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences
Enhanced classroom engagement through interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and multi-sensory activities
Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child's educational journey.
Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current with educational trends
Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum
Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them successfully adapt to their new roles
Served as Grade Chair and on numerous school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, and community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the school climate.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood And Elementary Education
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Master of Dyslexia Therapy -
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS
08-2017
Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Student Advocacy
Curriculum Design
Classroom management
Instructional leadership
Professional development planning
Behavior management
Staff leadership
Responsible and dependable
Student assessment
Timeline
Director of Student Services
FPDS
08.2022 - Current
Second Grade Dyslexia Immersion Teacher
FPDS
08.2017 - 05.2022
Second Grade Teacher
FPDS
08.2008 - 05.2017
Teacher
Rankin County School District
08.1997 - 05.2003
Master of Science - Early Childhood And Elementary Education
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Medicine at Children's of MississippiPediatric Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Medicine at Children's of Mississippi