Hi, I’m
Tamula Dunmeyer
Summerville,SC
Summary
**Professional Summary**
Dynamic and dedicated Parent Advocate with 15 years of experience leveraging social work skills to support families and enhance student outcomes in educational settings. Skilled in community engagement and outreach, fostering strong relationships between parents, educators, and community organizations to create a collaborative support network. Expertise in advocating for equitable access to resources, including special education services, mental health support, and enrichment programs. Proficient in developing and implementing workshops and informational sessions that empower parents with knowledge and strategies to effectively support their children's educational journeys.
Demonstrated success in fundraising and resource development, identifying and securing funding opportunities to support school initiatives and family support programs. Strong ability to navigate educational policies and systems, ensuring families are informed about their rights and available services. Committed to creating inclusive and supportive school environments that recognize and celebrate diversity. Passionate about enhancing community engagement efforts, driving initiatives that strengthen ties between schools and the families served. A proactive problem-solver with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, dedicated to empowering parents as vital partners in the educational process.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Charleston County School District
Parent Advocate
2006.09 - Current (18 years)
Job overview
- Visited homes of families and maintained appropriate contact as directed by agency procedures.
- Collaborated with families to assist in growth, development, and education to increase potential.
- Managed heavy caseload using well-developed time management, organizational, and task prioritization skills.
- Observed security measures to maintain confidentiality and restrict access by unauthorized individuals.
- Identified available community resources and programs for families.
- Developed and implemented programs to support families' and children's mental health and well-being.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Planned, promoted and managed parent workshops on assisting children in attaining academic success.
- Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
- Assisted families in navigating social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Intervened in crisis situations, emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.
- Maintained accurate records of all absences, truancy issues, and disciplinary actions.
- Developed exceptional time management, relationship building, and organizational skills from working in busy school setting.
- Called parents and guardians to inquire about late or truant students.
- Processed and scanned files into electronic databases.
- Accessed and used computer software applications to update and maintain records.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Assisted with business communications via email, social media and mailings.
- Delivered high-level administrative support to board during regular operations and special meetings.
- Conducted analysis of community needs and resources to support strategic plans.
- Developed classes and events fostering loyalty and educating groups about offerings.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Implemented strategies to increase public awareness of social and community service programs.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Coordinated with community stakeholders for successful implementation of social and community service initiatives.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Advocated for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocate for client needs and resolve roadblocks.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
- Managed volunteer programs focused on providing community services to underserved populations.
- Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.
- Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
- Researched best practices and developed strategies to improve program outcomes.
- Conducted outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs.
- Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to support social and community service initiatives.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff.
- Created and managed budgets, efficiently allocating resources for social and community service projects.
Charleston Mentor
Human Resources Manager
2024.05 - 2024.07 (2 months)
Job overview
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations and diminished financial discrepancies through expert program management.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset.
- Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
- Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires bolstering position knowledge and skillset.
- Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
- Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
- Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
- Recruited top talent to maximize profitability.
- Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
- Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
- Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
- Distributed employee engagement surveys to identify areas of improvement.
- Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members.
- Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 120 employee company.
Education
Johnson C Smith University , Charlotte, NC
Master of Science from Social Work
05.2025
Walden University , Minneapolis, MN
Bachelor of Science from Psychology
04.2014
Trident Technical College , Charleston, SC
Associate of Applied Science from Elementary Education
06.2012
Skills
- Communication Skills**: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to effectively convey information and advocate for families' needs.
- Cultural Competence**: Understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, particularly those of low-income families, to build trust and rapport.
- Conflict Resolution**: Skilled in mediating disputes and facilitating constructive dialogue between parents, educators, and school administrators.
- Resource Navigation**: Proficient in identifying and connecting families with community resources, including healthcare, food assistance, and educational services.
- Knowledge of Educational Systems**: Familiarity with local, state, and federal education policies, IEP processes, and advocacy strategies for students with special needs.
- Empowerment Strategies**: Ability to empower families through education and skill-building, helping them to advocate effectively for their children's educational rights.
- Networking and Collaboration**: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with school staff, community organizations, and social services to create a support network for families.
- Organizational Skills**: Excellent organizational abilities to manage multiple cases, track progress, and follow up with families and support services.
- Workshops and Training Facilitation**: Experience in developing and leading workshops aimed at improving parental engagement and understanding of educational processes.
- Data-Driven Advocacy**: Ability to utilize data and feedback to inform advocacy efforts and address systemic issues affecting low-income families in the education system.
Timeline
Human Resources Manager
Charleston Mentor
2024.05 - 2024.07 (2 months)
Parent Advocate
Charleston County School District
2006.09 - Current (18 years)
Johnson C Smith University
Master of Science from Social Work
Walden University
Bachelor of Science from Psychology
Trident Technical College
Associate of Applied Science from Elementary Education
Similar Profiles
Jessica Roe-CollinsJessica Roe-Collins
4th Grade ELA/SS Teacher at Charleston County School District4th Grade ELA/SS Teacher at Charleston County School District
Cherelle BurnsCherelle Burns
Kaleidoscope After School Counselor at Charleston County School DistrictKaleidoscope After School Counselor at Charleston County School District
Charlene Barbot BSN, RNCharlene Barbot BSN, RN
School Nurse at Charleston County School DistrictSchool Nurse at Charleston County School District