Nora Cooper
Bellingham
Summary
Results-driven Emergency Operations professional with expertise in leading teams during crisis situations. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and project implementation, successfully coordinating resources to enhance community safety and operational efficiency.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Consultant
Guidepoint
Remote
11.2024 - Current
- Provides solutions in 1:1 consultations with clients on machine learning, disaster mitigation and response, and community organization strategies.
- Performs client screenings and conducts topical to identify trends and insights for client projects.
- Engages clients in active problem-solving while maintaining discretionary best practices.
Severe Weather Shelter Lead Attendant
Whatcom County Health and Community Services
Bellingham, WA
10.2025 - 04.2026
- Assisted shelter guests with daily onsite activities and provided behavioral health support, CPR/AED support, and crisis de-escalation as needed.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in service areas and ensured operational effectiveness during severe weather events.
- Coordinated on-call and volunteer staff for activation periods and provided administrative support via county databases, including HMIS.
- Served as community representative during onsite tours of shelter facilities, ensuring public transparency regarding shelter operations.
Program Specialist
United Way of Northern California
Chico, CA
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Coordinated writing and implementation of large state and federal-level grants, including narratives, budgets, documentation, narrative and fiscal reports, and contracts.
- Identified and contracted strategic local and regional partnerships for successful grant implementation and future grant opportunities.
- Coordinated emergency operations during active wildfires, including 211 activation, evacuation information, American Red Cross support, and direct aid to Local Assistance Centers.
- Conducted multilingual outreach at events focusing on disaster preparedness, climate change, public health, and homelessness.
Data Analyst
Laudando & Associates
Chico, CA
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Streamlined and synthesized data collection and complex machine learning object notation data for better agricultural outcomes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define data requirements and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Conducted and documented experiments using machine learning to identify scaling options for agricultural genetic research.
Emergency Operations Manager
ALERTCalifornia/ALERTWest
Chico, CA
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Hired, trained, and supervised a 24-7 emergency dispatch center to provide critical support to first responders during active wildfires.
- Identified key partnerships between local, state, and federal fire personnel, key utility companies, research universities, and public safety organizations (eg, CAL FIRE, USFS, Washington DNR, PGE, etc.) and served as main point of contact for all convergent organizations and stakeholders.
- Managed user database of 2,700+ first responders and provided critical technical assistance and support in compliance with proper fire/hazard jurisdictions.
- Oversaw compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining high safety standards across operations.
- Identified and researched points of key technological benefit and advancement in order to lower incident response times.
Humanities Tutor
PAPER Tutoring
Remote
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Developed personalized lesson plans to address individual student needs and learning goals.
- Trained partner schools on maximizing effective use of digital learning platforms.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor student progress and adapt instructional strategies accordingly.
- Contributed to curriculum development for Mandarin courses.
Site Supervisor/After-School Teacher
Yu Ming Charter School
Oakland, CA
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Fostered a warm, bilingual learning environment in Mandarin and English for primary school students and implemented effective lesson plans.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to communicate student achievement and learning progress.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with school safety standards and protocols.
English & History Teacher
Fusion Academy
Berkeley, CA
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Designed and executed engaging lessons aligning with California State learning standards and diverse student needs.
- Developed assessments to measure student progress and comprehension effectively.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for curriculum improvement and support initiatives.
- Maintained strong lines of communication with parents through regular progress reports, promoting collaboration in supporting each child's education journey.
Lead Educator
WonderTree School
Beijing, China
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Facilitated engaging, bilingual learning environment in Mandarin and English for young learners aged 3-5.
- Collaborated with parents and community stakeholders to foster student engagement and support.
- Evaluated student performance data to inform teaching practices and improve educational outcomes.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary projects that integrated arts, science, and technology into lessons.
Lead Educator
EF Education First
Beijing, China
05.2018 - 01.2020
- Created and implemented detailed bilingual lesson plans for primary and secondary school students.
- Developed and maintained a digital reading library to improve student access to learning materials and resources.
- Mentored junior educators, providing guidance on lesson planning and classroom strategies.
- Led team in developing engaging curriculum materials, resulting in increased student interest and understanding of subject matter.
Visitor Experience Agent
New-York Historical Society
New York, NY
10.2017 - 07.2018
- Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively addressing concerns and fostering a positive experience throughout all interactions.
- Facilitated accessible public use of NYHS exhibits, libraries, and archives.
- Updated and maintained NYHS membership database, visitor guides, and accessibility devices for ease of guest use.
Museum Educator
Queens Museum
New York, NY
08.2017 - 03.2018
- Developed and implemented educational programs for diverse audiences, enhancing visitor engagement.
- Collaborated with curatorial staff to create interactive exhibits that fostered learning experiences.
- Facilitated workshops and guided tours, promoting appreciation for art and cultural heritage.
- Mentored junior educators, providing insights on best practices in museum education and audience engagement strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Historical Studies
Bard College
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY06-2017
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Project Implementation
- Team leadership & development
- Client relationships & CRM
- Public speaking
- Multilingual outreach
- Emergency Management
- Advanced Software Proficiency: MS Office, Asana, Jira, Salesforce, Foundant
Certification
- First Aid & CPR/AED: Exp. Oct 2027
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention: Exp. Oct. 2027
- WA State Food Handlers Card: Exp. Oct 2027
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
Full Professional
Spanish
Limited Working
Swedish
Limited Working
Timeline
Severe Weather Shelter Lead Attendant
Whatcom County Health and Community Services
10.2025 - 04.2026
Independent Consultant
Guidepoint
11.2024 - Current
Program Specialist
United Way of Northern California
01.2024 - 12.2024
Data Analyst
Laudando & Associates
08.2023 - 10.2024
Emergency Operations Manager
ALERTCalifornia/ALERTWest
06.2022 - 08.2023
Humanities Tutor
PAPER Tutoring
10.2021 - 06.2022
Site Supervisor/After-School Teacher
Yu Ming Charter School
08.2021 - 11.2021
English & History Teacher
Fusion Academy
10.2020 - 06.2021
Lead Educator
WonderTree School
01.2020 - 08.2020
Lead Educator
EF Education First
05.2018 - 01.2020
Visitor Experience Agent
New-York Historical Society
10.2017 - 07.2018
Museum Educator
Queens Museum
08.2017 - 03.2018
Bachelor of Science - Historical Studies
Bard College