Shakela Strawberry
PHILADELPHIA,PA
Summary
Experienced educator, advocate, and entrepreneur with extensive experience in founding and managing businesses, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities. Proven track record in creating and implementing effective business strategies, fostering team collaboration, and driving growth. Known for adaptability and results-focused approach, excelling in dynamic and fast-paced environments and tackling challenges in various situations, always aiming to make a positive impact.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
FOUNDER/CEO
A.D.E. (Audacity to Dare to Educate)
01.2021 - Current
- Non-profit formulated to close the equity gap in Special Education One Unique Mind at a Time.
- Plan, teach, and implement engaging training for parents, learners, and organizations to educate and empower underprivileged communities addressing Special Education needs through quarterly Speaking In SpED forums. Our forums have grown from 4 to 50 attendees at our most recent IEBack To School workshop.
- Provide tutoring for learners with language-based learning disabilities
- Collaborate and develop strong partnerships with community associations and organize activities to garner support for our underrepresented youth in Special Education.
- Deliver exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONIST
SOUTHWEST LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL
01.2021 - Current
- Specifically work with scholars in tier three of the Multi-tiered System of Supports Program (MTSS)
- Utilize research-based curriculum to address academic shortfalls
- Work with teachers, parents, and administrators to address the goal of phasing students out of MTSS or guiding in the process of Special Education identification
- Teach students in smaller groups than their normal classroom sizes
- Comply with all school regulations and policies
- Quarterly data meetings with administration, teachers, and climate staff to address concerns with learners as well as growth and implement strategies for success
- Compile diagnostic and prescriptive power goals regarding all students
- Work One on One as a Dyslexia Specialist with students identified with language-based learning differences
- Successfully introduced scientifically proven testing to the school administration used to identify students that may have Dyslexia
- Work with the Director of Special Education and Special Education teachers to ensure IEP specifically addresses Dyslexia research-based strategies and goals to assist students as well as proper accommodations for these students
- Advanced 100+ students out of Tier 3 MTSS in 2021-22 school year and 43 students in the first trimester of 2023-2024.
PROMOTED TO INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER SUPERVISOR
COMMONWEALTH OF PA - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Managed interactions with clients and 10+ employees to ensure the appropriate level of support is provided efficiently while ensuring quality, 95% accuracy, and customer service of TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and LIHEAP benefits
- Provided advocacy and identified community services and resources
- Benefit screenings were conducted to identify services available and member eligibility for these benefits within in community
- Revitalized intercommunication by introducing electronic file transfer that decreased errors while improving client submittal times by 80%
- Established long-term goals and connected families and individuals with resources needed to be successfully self-sufficient
- Problem-solved challenging cases out of compliance; completed investigative reports for cases with suspected fraud and recouped state and federal funding fraudulently obtained
- Provided expertise and leadership in Public Welfare policy
- Successfully helped transition workers with 50+ crisis caseloads into stable home environments within 24 hours daily
- Attended bi-weekly meetings with the Executive Director of the Philadelphia County Assistance Office and Directors of Operations providing recommendations and advice on improving systems and processes in respective departments
- Designed, developed, and facilitated a training program for 150+ workers
- Managed day-to-day operations of employees and implemented Work Plans for struggling workers inclusive of benchmarks, increased quality control and performance evaluations as well as completed yearly Performance Evaluations for unit assigned.
INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER
COMMONWEALTH OF PA - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Managed interactions with clients and 10+ employees to ensure the appropriate level of support is provided efficiently while ensuring quality, 95% accuracy, and customer service of TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and LIHEAP benefits
- Provided advocacy and identified community services and resources
- Benefit screenings were conducted to identify services available and member eligibility for these benefits within in community
- Revitalized intercommunication by introducing electronic file transfer that decreased errors while improving client submittal times by 80%
- Established long-term goals and connected families and individuals with resources needed to be successfully self-sufficient
- Problem-solved challenging cases out of compliance; completed investigative reports for cases with suspected fraud and recouped state and federal funding fraudulently obtained
- Provided expertise and leadership in Public Welfare policy
- Successfully helped transition workers with 50+ crisis caseloads into stable home environments within 24 hours daily
- Attended bi-weekly meetings with the Executive Director of the Philadelphia County Assistance Office and Directors of Operations providing recommendations and advice on improving systems and processes in respective departments
- Designed, developed, and facilitated a training program for 150+ workers
- Managed day-to-day operations of employees and implemented Work Plans for struggling workers inclusive of benchmarks, increased quality control and performance evaluations as well as completed yearly Performance Evaluations for unit assigned.
Education
CERTIFICATE IN DYSLEXIC STUDIES -
Antioch University
New England05.2021
MASTER OF ARTS - ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Eastern University
St. David's, PA05.2015
BACHELOR OF ARTS - BIBLICAL STUDIES & THEOLOGY
Eastern University
St. David's, PA05.2002
Skills
- Organizational Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Entrepreneurial and Innovative
- Strategic Thinking
- Seminar Planning
- Training Development
- Emotional Intelligence
- Quality Control and Assurance
- Ethics
- Program Development
- Contracts Management
- Case Management
Accomplishments
Through consultations, teaching in conference sessions, and facilitating workshops, Shakela has been recognized for bringing Awareness to, Addressing, and De-stigmatizing special education while empowering our families with the information they need to embrace and understand their unique learners.
Volunteer Experience
- Overbrook West Neighborhood Association, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 01/01/18 - Present
- Pennsylvania Chapter of the International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 01/01/23 - Present
- Sister 2 Sister Connection, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 01/01/10 - Present
- Education Reform Alliance (ERA) – Student Committee Chairperson, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 01/01/24 - Present
- Parent/Guardian Engagement Task Force for the Council Member Phillips of Philadelphia (August 2024-January 2025)
Timeline
FOUNDER/CEO
A.D.E. (Audacity to Dare to Educate)
01.2021 - Current
ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONIST
SOUTHWEST LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL
01.2021 - Current
PROMOTED TO INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER SUPERVISOR
COMMONWEALTH OF PA - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
01.2011 - 01.2013
INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER
COMMONWEALTH OF PA - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
01.2005 - 01.2011
CERTIFICATE IN DYSLEXIC STUDIES -
Antioch University
MASTER OF ARTS - ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Eastern University
BACHELOR OF ARTS - BIBLICAL STUDIES & THEOLOGY
Eastern University
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