Sarah Clarke
Frederick,MD
Summary
Experienced Scrum Master with proven track record of successfully leading teams in developing high-quality software solutions on time and within budget. Skilled in multiple Agile methodologies, stakeholder management and project development. Highly organized in managing complex projects with multiple deadlines.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Scrum Master
NiSource
05.2022 - Current
- Improved team efficiency by implementing Agile and Scrum methodologies for GIS Transformation project.
- Collaborated with Product Owner to refine requirements and ensure alignment with business goals for optimum delivery of value
- Collaborate with PMO, team members, and other scrum masters to define solutions and drive progress. within the IT transformation program at NiSource
- Coach 3 cross-functional teams on Agile principles, leading to increase in successful value deliveries.
- Conduct daily stand-up meetings, sprint planning sessions, and sprint reviews, ensuring effective communication among various team members with the program.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives through regular retrospective meetings with team.
- Work closely and listen to team members' feedback to identify issues and resolve conflicts across different teams.
- Coach 3 teams in Agile practices and provide necessary training to create positive mindset to Agile methodologies.
- Encourage cross team cohesion, overcoming impediments, and hurdles to productivity.
- Identify potential risks early in project lifecycle and implement mitigation strategies accordingly utilizing RAID log for optimal visualization.
- Optimize resource allocation by identifying and addressing bottlenecks in project workflows, leading to reduced time-to-market for product releases.
- Boost customer satisfaction scores by providing regular updates on product enhancements resulting from feedback provided during sprint review meetings and other customer centered engagements.
- Developed custom Scrum boards as needed for better task tracking and transparency within team.
- Facilitate seamless integration of 12 new team members in 2 years into existing projects without compromising productivity levels.
- Implement key performance metrics to track team progress and identify areas of improvement consistently throughout projects'' lifecycles.
- Assess and report progress to stakeholders regularly, maintaining transparency throughout project lifecycle.
- Research current trends to stay knowledgeable in Scrum methods.
- Reduce technical debt by actively identifying areas requiring refactoring or architectural improvements during sprint planning sessions.
- Communicate project updates to stakeholders at all levels.
- Lead cross-functional teams to successfully complete IT projects.
- Create and implement contingency plans to address potential risks with project stakeholders and vendors.
- Coordinate with external vendors to deliver value at different levels feature deployment.
- Collaborate with project controller to manage project budgets to meet goals.
Curriculum Specialist/Case Manager
Housing Authority Of The City Of Annapolis
07.2019 - 05.2022
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans for a diverse range of subjects, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
- Led curriculum review committees in evaluating potential textbook adoptions, ensuring high-quality resources were selected for instruction.
- Oversaw selection process for new instructional materials aligned with curriculum objectives across multiple disciplines.
- Implemented data-driven instructional strategies to meet the unique needs of each student population.
- Assessed over 40 student performance data to inform instructional decisions, leading to higher test scores and overall success.
- Maintained rigorous academic standards while providing differentiated instruction tailored to students'' individual learning styles.
- Partnered with various community organizations to create relevant real-world learning opportunities for students.
- Enhanced curriculum effectiveness by collaborating with teachers and administrators to identify areas of improvement for students within the program
- Collaborated with fellow educators to design engaging learning experiences that fostered growth and achievement to help bridge already existing learning gaps.
- Coordinated cross-curricular projects that encouraged interdisciplinary connections and enriched student understanding at various levels within the housing authority.
- Conducted professional development workshops for 6 staff, enhancing their pedagogical skills and knowledge.
- Reached out to vendors to evaluate available opportunities for the afterschool program and associated materials.
- Researched and incorporated current trends and data into standard curriculum for students within the program during and after school.
- Designed course materials and supported implementation of youth services continued learning during and after the pandemic
- Contributed to development of comprehensive employee training courses.
- Empowered families to navigate complex systems of care, providing information and guidance on available resources.
- Demonstrated ongoing commitment to professional development by attending relevant trainings, workshops, conferences; shared knowledge/insights with colleagues/team members.
- Promoted positive youth development through targeted skills-building activities and educational workshops.
- Delivered evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs, addressing risk factors while building upon strengths identified in assessments.
- Maintained a safe and supportive environment for residents, encouraging open communication and trust-building among youths members from the different HACA communities
- Ensured timely access to services for residents by maintaining accurate records and efficient referral processes.
Project Coordinator
Vericore Technologies
09.2015 - 07.2017
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
- Supervised projects from project start through delivery by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve seamless collaboration in achieving project objectives.
- Prepared meeting agendas and minutes for distribution and record keeping.
- Played active role in brainstorming sessions held for the purpose of generating innovative ideas/solutions which could potentially be incorporated into existing/new projects being undertaken by the company.
- Facilitated frequent progress reports and presentations to keep management informed about ongoing activities within their respective domains.
- Tracked hours and expenses to keep project on task and within budgetary parameters.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular meetings, fostering a positive work environment for increased productivity.
- Liaised between departments to facilitate communication and keep appropriate parties updated on project developments.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define clear project goals, leading to consistent alignment with expectations throughout the process.
Education
Master of Science - IT-Project Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
Online09.2026
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Lagos Akoka.
Lagos, Nigeria01.2008
Associate of Arts - Mass Communication
Federal Polytechnic Oko.
Anambra State, Nigeria01.2002
Skills
- Agile Coaching
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Customer interaction
- Development team trainings
- Project Planning
- Risk Management
- Coaching and Mentoring
- MS Office
- Client Relations
- Customer Service
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 18 in the development of and successful delivery Mobile Mapping Phase 1 an IT Transformation Project.
- Supervised 4 team with over 50 members and 3 vendors to resolve and create a working dependency plan for transformation project.
Quote
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Certification
- Certified Agile leader - Six sigma Global Institute- 2023
- Certified Scrum Master - Scrum Alliance - 2021
- Professional Scrum Product Owner - Scrum.org -2023
- Kanban System Design - Kanban University - 2023
Affiliations
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Timeline
Scrum Master
NiSource
05.2022 - Current
Curriculum Specialist/Case Manager
Housing Authority Of The City Of Annapolis
07.2019 - 05.2022
Project Coordinator
Vericore Technologies
09.2015 - 07.2017
Master of Science - IT-Project Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Lagos Akoka.
Associate of Arts - Mass Communication
Federal Polytechnic Oko.
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