Experience

ChildServ

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Early Childhood Programs

  • May 2015 - Present

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:• Oversee four program catchment areas in Chicago, Elgin, Lake County, and the Cook County suburbs.• Directly manage four supervisors who collectively regulate twenty-four field staff over four distinct programs.• Lead implementation of all program-related activities, including: budgeting, staffing, quality improvement, program evaluation, contract monitoring and compliance, funding opportunities, program direction and supervision, recruitment and retention, orientation and training, policy and procedure development, and employee relations.• Coordinate Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives and activities to shape the Agency’s Strategic Planning process and meet accreditation benchmarks.• Command expertise in contractual requirements of public and private funding sources.• Work collaboratively within and outside ChildServ to ensure community partnerships strengthen and support avenues of access for young children and families.• Monitors evaluative data to recommend and implement policy and procedure changes affecting program operations.• Maintains active working relationship with ISBE, DFSS, MIECHV, IDHS and other external organizations • Provides ongoing supervision, training, and development of staff• Collaborates with VP of Programs and finance department to develop, implement and monitor budget; works closely with supervisory and direct service staff to ensure appropriate management and utilization of resources• Stay current in population specific competencies, as well as, early childhood home visiting and home daycare trends

• Health Coordinator

  • Dec 2012 - May 2015

  • Implemented ChildServ’s health education and monitoring program, Healthy Homes• Assisted Chicagoland families and young with limited access build healthier lives• Assessed health needs through screening and informational interviewing • Co-created individualized health education sessions with client to address knowledge and skills gaps, including hands-on cooking sessions, interactive games, and well-designed tutorials• Supported clients in enrolling in an insurance plan and establishing a medical home• Conducted monthly group-sessions on a wide range of health and hygiene topics• Facilitated a train-the-trainer educational session on childhood obesity and prevention in Chicago for other home visitors• Evaluated clients’ satisfaction with program and short-term behavior changes through qualitative means• Collaborated with grant writers to procure an additional $15,000 to address food and financial security in families served• Coordinated with two other community-based organizations to build 16 raised bed gardens and conduct four gardening trainings• Gained National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) accreditation for ChildServ’s foster care group homes• Directed group home staff to devise NSLP and SBP menu and enforced its applications• Designed and disseminate monthly newsletter for home visitors, parents, and children• Supervised dietetic interns



Birthing Project USA

• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Public Health Intern

  • Oct 2011 - Jun 2012

  • Gained 300+ hours of Master’s level practicum experience working with a community-based doula program operating in post-Katrina New Orleans, LA • Utilized survey methodology and qualitative research to create and conduct a community needs assessment survey • Synthesized survey findings into comprehensive data-based report, including S.W.O.T. analysis, for the Birthing Project’s Advisory Board • Coordinated with other interns to initiate desired emergency preparedness communication and action plan for the national organization • Created two multi-level lesson plans on nutrition for group learning and relationship building sessions



Peace Corps

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Community Health Advisor

  • May 2008 - Jun 2010

  • Assisted the Malawi Ministry of Health through rural health centers in reducing rates of disease through a variety of public health initiatives • Conducted participatory research with community members to identify and address key health concerns in local communities • Developed a grant and procured funds for a solar electricity project at the Nakalanzi Health Center • Furthered youth development through clubs and programs to foster positive behavior change, self-esteem, and decision-making skills • Advanced gender equality through girls’ leadership and safe motherhood trainings • Created a seventeen page guide on natural medicine in the native language, Chichewa • Conducted natural medicine and medicinal garden trainings with HIV/AIDS support group members