Nichole Allen
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic, mission-driven leader with 10+ years in education, program management, and regulatory investigation. Proven success in designing culturally responsive programs, managing cross-functional teams, and leading strategic initiatives in both nonprofit and corporate sectors. Passionate about community engagement, intergenerational learning, and creating inclusive environments where diverse populations can grow, connect, and thrive.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
01.2011 - Current
- Lead in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), ensuring compliance with IDEA and ADA, and promoting equity for diverse learners
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (parents, teachers, social workers, external agencies) to assess and support students with disabilities
- Conduct data-driven analysis of student outcomes, identifying disparities, and developing interventions to improve academic success for marginalized groups
- Facilitate professional development for staff on compliance, differentiated instruction, and inclusion practices, promoting awareness of systemic inequities
- Monitor and documented progress, producing reports aligned with federal and state guidelines
- Support families in understanding their rights under IDEA, and connected them to local and citywide resources for long-term educational and care planning
- Advocate for dignity, access, and inclusive opportunities for individuals across all age groups.
- Engage collaboratively with educators, administrators, and central office departments to ensure transparent, ethical, and effective support systems for families.
Education Program Coordinator
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Designed and managed supplemental educational programs, ensuring resource allocation to underserved populations
- Conducted assessments and evaluations to ensure program effectiveness and address barriers to equal access
- Maintained documentation in compliance with Illinois Department of Education standards
- Liaised with parents, providers, and external stakeholders to advocate for student needs
Site Director
Edison Learning
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Directed after-school enrichment programs, including outreach to families of color and recruitment efforts to ensure equitable participation
- Supported data tracking and reporting to identify and address participation gaps
Specialist, Special Investigator
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Conducted investigations into systemic compliance issues; reviewed policies and presented findings to executives and legal teams
- Assessed institutional practices for equity and compliance; led data analysis and stakeholder interviews
- Coordinated with external stakeholders and law enforcement at hearings and served as liaison to internal regulatory departments
- Supervised investigations related to securities violations, financial misconduct, and supervisory failures
- Collaborated with enforcement attorneys and wrote evidence-based reports supporting legal action
- Led cross-departmental into systemic compliance issues, accessed policies and and
- Delivered training and served as subject matter expert on compliance practices and examination protocols
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
National Louis University
Chicago, IL01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Business Economics
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL01.1995
Skills
- Program Design & Evaluation,
- Strategic Planning & Operations
- Cross-Sector Stakeholder Engagement
- Community Outreach
- Intergenerational Programming
- Regulatory Compliance & Investigations
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Curriculum & Content Development
- Technology Integration (Zoom, Office 365, Google Suite)
Affiliations
- National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
- Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Member since 1992
Professional Development
- Assistive Technology & Augmentative Communication
- Transition Planning for Adolescents with Disabilities
- ADA/504/IDEA Legal Compliance
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Gradual Release of Responsibility Framework
- Family and Community Engagement in Education
Timeline
Education Program Coordinator
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
01.2012 - 01.2015
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
01.2011 - Current
Site Director
Edison Learning
01.2009 - 01.2010
Specialist, Special Investigator
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
01.1999 - 01.2008
Master of Arts - Teaching
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts - Business Economics
Eastern Illinois University
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