SHANNON COOLEY
Washington,DC
Summary
Accomplished education and program operations leader with 25 years of experience in supporting children, families, and educators in Washington, DC. Proven expertise in program development, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, and community collaboration. As Assistant Director at Rehoboth Baptist Church Child Development Center, oversee daily operations and ensure alignment with educational standards. Additionally, serve as a Professional Development Specialist, fostering growth and evaluation of early childhood educators pursuing credentials.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Professional Development Specialist – Infant/Toddler
Council for Professional Recognition
08.2025 - Current
- Reviewed professional practices, assessed educator competencies, observed learning settings, and guided candidates through reflective discussion while upholding early childhood quality standards.
- Assisted educator growth and workforce readiness by supporting consistent instructional quality and professional practice expectations.
- Supported educators in pursuing the Child Development Associate credential through professional development guidance.
- Responded to educator questions about training requirements and renewal steps.
Community Support Worker
Umbrella Therapeutic Services
Washington, DC
01.2024 - Current
- Provided community-based support to children, youth, adults, and families facing social, emotional, educational, employment, and housing-related challenges. Collaborated with individuals and families to identify goals, strengthen support systems, locate community resources, enhance communication and problem-solving skills, and eliminate barriers to stability and personal development.
- Documented, coordinated, advocated, and monitored progress while communicating with families, schools, community organizations, and multidisciplinary support teams. Gained insights into how housing, family systems, mental health, economic opportunity, education, and access to community resources influence individual success academically and professionally.
- Collaborated with case managers to develop and implement care plans and coordinate services effectively.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities and therapeutic routines in a supportive environment.
- Documented client progress in therapeutic services records.
Direct Support Professional
GT Independence
Washington, dc
04.2017 - Current
- Delivered individualized support to promote independence and increase community participation. Assisted with daily needs and maintained documentation to facilitate community integration while actively communicating with families.
- Assisted with personal care, grooming, and bathing using respectful, person-centered methods.
- Supported individuals with daily living tasks through self-directed care plans at GT Independence.
- Prepared meals and served snacks according to client preferences and dietary needs.
Assistant Director | Education & Program Operations Leadership
Rehoboth Baptist Church Child Development Center
Washington, DC
11.2000 - Current
- Over more than two decades with Rehoboth Baptist Church Child Development Center, I have progressed from a School-Age Teacher into senior program administration and leadership. As Assistant Director, I help lead the daily academic and operational functions of the organization while supporting educators, students, families, and administrative staff. I provide leadership in staff supervision, classroom quality, professional development, enrollment, student services, program planning, regulatory compliance, family engagement, and continuous program improvement.
- Oversaw and supported enrollment processes, subsidy documentation, attendance and timekeeping procedures, program records, licensing requirements, health and safety documentation, CACFP requirements, grant-related activities, staff scheduling, and communication with families and outside agencies. Collaborated with DC government agencies, education partners, community organizations, staff members, and families to resolve issues and ensure program quality.
- Collaborated with teaching teams to establish expectations for classroom performance, student engagement, lesson implementation, documentation, and professional conduct. Coordinated staff development activities, provided guidance and coaching, and identified areas for improvement. Supported educators in creating developmentally appropriate learning environments that fostered student participation, social-emotional development, communication, independence, and academic readiness.
- Supported youth employment initiatives and school-age programming, assisting young people in developing workplace expectations, accountability, communication skills, and professional readiness. Gained extensive experience balancing educational quality with operational systems to deliver programs consistently and effectively.
Host / Guest Services
College Park Marriott Hotel
02.2023 - 11.2025
- Delivered professional guest service in fast-paced hospitality environment, collaborating across departments to enhance customer experiences. Strengthened communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and service recovery skills while adapting to changing operational priorities.
- Welcomed guests with a friendly smile and professional demeanor at the dining area. at College Park Marriott Hotel dining area with professional courtesy.
- Assigned tables to guests based on their reservations and preferences for an organized dining flow. according to reservations, table availability, and special requests.
- Oversaw waitlists for dining guests, ensuring accurate tracking of arrivals and seating times. and updated arrival times for dining room guests.
General Manager
Day and Night Cereal Bar
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Oversaw daily business operations, ensuring effective management of employees, customer service, scheduling, workflow, inventory, and operational priorities. Led staff supervision, addressing performance issues and fostering employee development while maintaining service standards to support seamless daily operations. This management experience strengthened my ability to lead teams, allocate resources, solve operational problems, and maintain accountability in a high-volume environment.
- Managed daily operations for cereal bar dining room, kitchen, and service flow.
- Coordinated staff shift schedules to ensure adequate coverage. and coordinated coverage for Day and Night Cereal Bar.
- Educated team members on guest service and food handling procedures. on guest service, drink preparation, and food handling.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development
Unviresty of The District of Columbia
Washington, DC01-2018
Associate of Arts - Education
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC01-2010
Skills
- Program management
- Enrollment management
- Program evaluation
- Staff supervision
- Early childhood education
- Staff supervision
- Staff supervision
Personal Information
Title: Education & Program Operations Leader | Academic Leadership | Staff Development | Community Engagement
Certification
Professional Development Specialist – Infant/Toddler, Council for Professional Recognition, Director's Credential, Project Management Training, OSSE Subsidy Certification, Mandated Reporter Training, CPR Certification, Food Handler Certification, Narcan Training – DC Department of Health, Addiction Counseling Education / CAC II Professional Development Pathway
LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS
- Educational Program Leadership
- Staff Supervision & Coaching
- Professional Development
- Curriculum & Instructional Support
- Program Operations
- Performance Management
- Student & Family Engagement
- Workforce Development
- Community Partnerships
- Regulatory Compliance
- Quality Improvement
- Enrollment Management
- Data & Documentation
- Budget & Resource Coordination
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Youth Development
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Communication
Timeline
Professional Development Specialist – Infant/Toddler
Council for Professional Recognition
08.2025 - Current
Community Support Worker
Umbrella Therapeutic Services
01.2024 - Current
Host / Guest Services
College Park Marriott Hotel
02.2023 - 11.2025
General Manager
Day and Night Cereal Bar
01.2021 - 01.2023
Direct Support Professional
GT Independence
04.2017 - Current
Assistant Director | Education & Program Operations Leadership
Rehoboth Baptist Church Child Development Center
11.2000 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development
Unviresty of The District of Columbia
Associate of Arts - Education
University of the District of Columbia