Michelle Wilkowski
Frazee,MN
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, driving program success through strategic planning and budget management. Proven track record in enhancing service integration and fostering team collaboration, resulting in increased childcare options and improved family outcomes. Skilled in relationship building and project management, committed to empowering communities.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Start Director
MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
02.2018 - Current
- Responsible for oversight of program implementation across five counties to serve several hundred children in home base, family childcare and center base settings
- Facilitated partnerships with local organizations, enhancing service integration and expanding community resource access.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations of six program managers
- Collaborated with stakeholders and managed budgets of multiple funding sources to effectively expand services to families while maintaining financial stability.
- Utilized data analysis to drive continuous improvement in service offerings and outcomes including the increase of full day services and childcare options for infants and toddlers.
- Active involvement in agency Whole Family Approach to support families with education and career goals.
Program Operations Manager
MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
03.2015 - 02.2018
- Managed budget for classroom supplies and childcare expansion grant
- Collaborated with community partners to identify needs and secure new childcare partnerships
- Oversaw project implementation, monitoring progress, and adapting strategies as necessary for success in the implementation of the new childcare partnership grant
- Supervised site coordinators who worked with frontline staff to ensure compliance agency and funder policies and procedures.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of site coordinators and childcare partners.
Center Base Coordinator
MAHUBE-OTWA
02.2002 - 03.2015
- Mentored teaching staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team capabilities.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents to monitor compliance with state licensing and Head Start Performance Standards
- Assisted in recruitment efforts by interviewing and managing onboarding activities for new teachers and teacher assistants
- Conducted onsite observations and provided feedback to teaching teams including CLASS and the Program Quality Assessment tool through High Scope.
- Ensured implementation of the curriculum and developmental assessment with fidelity
Teacher
MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
08.1998 - 02.2002
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards
- Conducted ongoing child assessment
- Supervised two teacher assistants
Home Visitor
MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
01.1998 - 07.1998
- Conducted home visits to assess client needs and develop tailored support to increase parenting skills
- Facilitated workshops on parenting, budgeting, and nutrition for families enrolled in the program
- Collaborated with local agencies to connect families with essential resources and services.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
MN State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN12-1997
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- People and team management
- Strategies and goals
- Budget management
- Project management
- Collaborative Partner
Certification
- Licensed Pre-Kindergarten Teacher- State of MN- Department of Child, Families and Learning
- Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP)- National Community Action Partnership
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate- University of South Florida Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education
Timeline
Head Start Director
MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
02.2018 - Current
Program Operations Manager
MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
03.2015 - 02.2018
Center Base Coordinator
MAHUBE-OTWA
02.2002 - 03.2015
Teacher
MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
08.1998 - 02.2002
Home Visitor
MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
01.1998 - 07.1998
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
MN State University Moorhead
MNMHSA Board Member 2024-Present
Active member of the MN Head Start Association Board of Directors. Currently serving on the Executive Committee as 3rd Chairperson.