Patricia (Penny) Hollman-Grabowski
Sahuarita,AZ
Summary
Creative Founder, passionate about turning innovative ideas into tangible results. Persistent leader eager to lead and grow organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication with good understanding of business principles, project management and team leadership. Collaborative with relentless work ethic.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Director of Activities
Adventures With Friends (Volunteer Position)
01.2020 - Current
- Planned and provided activities for 25+ adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Sahuarita/Green Valley community.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements.
- Formed "Sahuarita Friends" Special Olympics bowling team.
- Participated in community volunteering opportunities - Sahuarita Food Bank, Mobile Meals, a local homeless shelter.
Reading Tutor (PALS)/Substitute Teacher, K-5
Prince William County Schools
10.2012 - 05.2018
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
Professional Development Facilitator
Carnegie Mellon University - Children's School
09.2003 - 05.2004
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training program to increase teacher effectiveness.
- Collaborated with other schools to align training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
- Conducted orientation sessions and organized training for local teachers.
- Organized and edited training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials.
- Spearheaded design and implementation of multiple training courses to other teachers in community.
Preschool Teacher, Psychology Department
Carnegie Melon University - Children's School
08.1998 - 07.2003
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Supervised student teachers to provide objective feedback.
Lead Preschool Teacher
Hug-A-Bug Early Learning Center
08.1997 - 07.1998
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Utilized books, songs and games to engage students.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
2nd Grade Teacher
Richland School District One
08.1986 - 06.1997
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
Camp Counselor/Director (Summer Camp)
Congaree Girl Scout Council - Camp Congaree
06.1980 - 08.1995
- Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
- Led groups of children safely through variety of camp activities.
- Collaborated with other camp counselors to design fun and enriching learning activities for campers.
- Communicated with parents about campers' activities and reported concerns and suggestions to supervisor.
- Implemented rules and regulations to enforce discipline and compliance.
- Documented activities, injuries and accidents to inform parents and maintain consistent records.
- Encouraged team performance to increase camaraderie, trust and rapport.
- Supervised camper activities to address behavioral issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
- Collaborated with other recreation staff in developing new recreational activities.
- Developed and monitored safety policies and procedures to facilitate safety of participants.
- Factored-in abilities, needs and interests of participants in development of events and programs.
Teacher, Pre-First Grade
Florence School District One
08.1985 - 06.1986
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
Education
Master of Science - Elementary Education
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA06.2003
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Columbia, SC06.1995
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC06.1980
Skills
- Balanced Work Ethic
- Industry Expertise - adults with special needs
- Approachable and Outgoing
- Recruiting Clients
- Photographic Editing
- Management Team Leadership
- Executive Leadership
- Manage Programs
- Client Engagement
Timeline
Founder & Director of Activities
Adventures With Friends (Volunteer Position)
01.2020 - Current
Reading Tutor (PALS)/Substitute Teacher, K-5
Prince William County Schools
10.2012 - 05.2018
Professional Development Facilitator
Carnegie Mellon University - Children's School
09.2003 - 05.2004
Preschool Teacher, Psychology Department
Carnegie Melon University - Children's School
08.1998 - 07.2003
Lead Preschool Teacher
Hug-A-Bug Early Learning Center
08.1997 - 07.1998
2nd Grade Teacher
Richland School District One
08.1986 - 06.1997
Teacher, Pre-First Grade
Florence School District One
08.1985 - 06.1986
Camp Counselor/Director (Summer Camp)
Congaree Girl Scout Council - Camp Congaree
06.1980 - 08.1995
Master of Science - Elementary Education
University of Virginia
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Winthrop University
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