Paula Kaestner
Township of Lawrence
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in operational management within nonprofit and educational sectors. Expertise in budgeting, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement drives enhanced service delivery and community engagement. Strong relationships cultivated with partners and teams ensure exceptional client and family experiences.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of I/DD Services
Easterseals New Jersey
Township of Monroe
12.2023 - 04.2026
- Directed day habilitation center operations, including budgeting and resource allocation to meet goals.
- Designed programming addressing behavioral and medical needs, fostering community independence.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to broaden program offerings.
- Led strategic initiatives enhancing community engagement and service delivery effectiveness.
- Implemented data-driven processes and improvements to boost operational efficiency and reduce costs.
- Provided leadership and coaching to direct reports, promoting a high-performance culture focused on improvement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and executive leadership for effective communication and alignment.
- Evaluated employee performance using objective metrics, delivering actionable feedback and coaching.
National Training Specialist
Community Options
Princeton
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs, reducing onboarding time significantly.
- Led a team of 60 trainers to deliver engaging sessions aligned with business objectives.
- Designed virtual training modules to enhance accessibility for remote employees.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to create tailored training materials for various roles.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify skill gaps, developing targeted initiatives.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through surveys, feedback, and performance metrics analysis.
- Managed training budgets, optimizing resource allocation without compromising quality standards.
Director of Supported Employment
Community Options
Lawrenceville
11.2018 - 01.2021
- Oversaw operations encompassing budgeting, resource allocation, and performance management to meet organizational objectives.
- Led strategic initiatives to strengthen community support services.
- Facilitated interdepartmental communication to enhance service delivery efficiency.
- Encouraged team collaboration through open communication channels.
- Provided leadership and guidance to direct reports, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Cultivated relationships with local employers to identify job opportunities and negotiate wage rates.
- Delivered comprehensive job search assistance, including resume writing and interview preparation.
- Created individualized employment plans based on client skill assessments and career goals.
Developing Area Program Administrator
Cultural Homestay International
San Rafael
04.2005 - 08.2019
- Led a team of academic coordinators across four states to ensure operational efficiency.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised personnel for project assignments within program scope.
- Managed hiring processes, including interviews and selection, to build a qualified team.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations across all program aspects.
- Ensured quality control standards met Department of State requirements, supporting program integrity.
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders, including schools and host families, to strengthen partnerships.
- Facilitated communication between host families and international guests, improving program experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute marketing campaigns and business development initiatives.
Career Development Specialist
Advancing Opportunities
Ewing
03.2018 - 11.2018
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate clients' qualifications and career interests.
- Developed personalized employment plans addressing individual client aspirations and needs.
- Assisted clients in crafting professional resumes and cover letters to highlight qualifications.
- Performed mock interviews, providing constructive feedback for interview preparation.
- Collaborated with employers to identify job opportunities aligned with client skills.
- Established partnerships with local businesses, broadening employment options for clients.
- Utilized online job boards and social media to connect clients with potential employers.
- Monitored client progress during job searches, offering ongoing support and mentorship.
Program Specialist
PREVENT CHILD ABUSE NJ
New Brunswick
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Facilitated communication among team members through regular meetings and clear instructions.
- Acted as liaison between home visiting programs and state entities, ensuring alignment with funders.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements for program operations and reporting.
- Managed relationships with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders for seamless collaboration.
- Identified process improvement opportunities and implemented strategies to enhance efficiency.
- Established key performance indicators to measure program success and reported progress.
- Implemented project management methodologies to track progress, identify risks, and mitigate issues.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
Program Supervisor
Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative
Camden
01.2015 - 10.2015
- Supervised team of parent educators, providing guidance and support in daily tasks.
- Collaborated with departments to coordinate services for clients, improving outcomes.
- Developed and delivered training programs to enhance staff skills and knowledge.
- Monitored service quality through regular audits and evaluations.
- Oversaw development of individualized care plans tailored to client needs.
- Provided supervision during crisis situations or high-risk cases to ensure safety.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, progress notes, and service plans.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to provide feedback, address concerns, and set goals.
Parent Educator
Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative
Camden
07.2013 - 01.2015
- Delivered comprehensive support and guidance to families, ensuring needs were met compassionately.
- Collaborated with families to create individualized service plans, defining goals and strategies for positive outcomes.
- Facilitated regular meetings with families to assess progress, address concerns, and adjust service plans as needed.
- Advocated for families within the community, connecting them with resources that enhance overall wellbeing.
- Assisted families in navigating complex systems, including healthcare, education, housing, and social services.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to strengthen support networks for families.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, offering immediate assistance and connecting families with appropriate resources.
- Maintained accurate documentation of interactions with families, including assessments and referrals made.
Education
M.A. - Anthropology
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA06-2028
Bachelor's degree - Anthropology
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA05-2013
A.A. - Foreign Language and Culture
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ05-2005
Skills
- Program development
- Compliance oversight
- Budgeting and planning
- Stakeholder relations
- Strategic decision-making
- Operations and team management
- Team oversight
- Performance optimization
- Process enhancement
- Client relationship building
- Training and coaching
- Leadership and development
- Service coordination
Certification
- Driver's License
- Adult CPR and AED certified
- Crisis management certified trainer
Languages
English
Spanish
French
Timeline
Director of I/DD Services
Easterseals New Jersey
12.2023 - 04.2026
National Training Specialist
Community Options
01.2021 - 12.2023
Director of Supported Employment
Community Options
11.2018 - 01.2021
Career Development Specialist
Advancing Opportunities
03.2018 - 11.2018
Program Specialist
PREVENT CHILD ABUSE NJ
10.2015 - 10.2017
Program Supervisor
Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative
01.2015 - 10.2015
Parent Educator
Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative
07.2013 - 01.2015
Developing Area Program Administrator
Cultural Homestay International
04.2005 - 08.2019
M.A. - Anthropology
Harvard University
Bachelor's degree - Anthropology
University of Pennsylvania
A.A. - Foreign Language and Culture
Camden County College