Experience

Kent School Services Network

• United States
• Non-profit Organization Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Aug 2022 - Present

  Kent County, Michigan, United States Kent School Services Network (KSSN) began in 2006 as a three-year pilot initiative in eight schools. KSSN’s mission is to provide responsive and effective (seamless, integrated) delivery of services to families and students throughout Kent County public schools by all service providers (nonprofit, state, county) to ensure that all kids are healthy and learning. KSSN’s vision is to bring school and community together for children and youth. KSSN currently partners with nine districts and… Show more Kent School Services Network (KSSN) began in 2006 as a three-year pilot initiative in eight schools. KSSN’s mission is to provide responsive and effective (seamless, integrated) delivery of services to families and students throughout Kent County public schools by all service providers (nonprofit, state, county) to ensure that all kids are healthy and learning. KSSN’s vision is to bring school and community together for children and youth. KSSN currently partners with nine districts and has 45 coordinators placed at 44 schools. These coordinators are located in early childhood centers, primary schools, and secondary schools across Kent County, MI. Show less



KConnect

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of System Building

  • Sep 2021 - Aug 2022

  Kent County, Michigan, United States Learning and Development: Remain abreast on what works within the Collective Impact field and any available tools and resources. Develop and support the learning and development of backbone staff to enhance effectiveness. Provide direction and support to stakeholders in aligning their work to the KConnect Roadmap. Identify, provide and/or coordinate the delivery of relevant technical assistance to workgroups on continuous improvement practices and systems building and building… Show more Learning and Development: Remain abreast on what works within the Collective Impact field and any available tools and resources. Develop and support the learning and development of backbone staff to enhance effectiveness. Provide direction and support to stakeholders in aligning their work to the KConnect Roadmap. Identify, provide and/or coordinate the delivery of relevant technical assistance to workgroups on continuous improvement practices and systems building and building strategies Correspond with relevant KConnect stakeholders and lead convening partners to maintain a full understanding of the current landscape of activities in Kent County System Building Facilitation: Develop and maintain relationships with coalitions and community stakeholders. Work with President and Vice President in building strategies to advance the KConnect Roadmap; Monitoring progress and providing feedback for continuous improvement and accountability; Assisting with various aspects of data collection, reporting, analysis and sharing; Assessing implementation challenges and co-developing solutions to address them. Preparation of written recommendations and reports. Facilitate ongoing communication within and across coalitions; this will include, but is not limited to: hosting regular conference calls, in-person meetings, and coordinating regular email updates to ensure alignment of activity. Develop and support platforms to ensure the engagement of key stakeholder groups. Manage special projects and initiatives. General Operations Support: Provide facilitative and administrative support to Accountability Partners Council, committees and activities. Coordination and documentation of relevant committee activities. Supervise and support interns, practicum students, and volunteers in developing and implementing relevant, meaningful and impactful projects. Show less



Western Michigan University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Director, Upward Bound-Van Buren

  • Aug 2017 - Sep 2021

  2211 Ellsworth Hall, Western Michigan University • Planned, developed, and implemented Upward Bound grant project in Van Buren Intermediate School District • Supervise all project staff (directly supervise coordinator, teachers, and office associate) • Develop relationships with administrators in target schools and community members • Advise parents and students on educational, financial, and personal concerns, and make referrals to specialists when necessary •Monitor students’ academic and personal development • Review and… Show more • Planned, developed, and implemented Upward Bound grant project in Van Buren Intermediate School District • Supervise all project staff (directly supervise coordinator, teachers, and office associate) • Develop relationships with administrators in target schools and community members • Advise parents and students on educational, financial, and personal concerns, and make referrals to specialists when necessary •Monitor students’ academic and personal development • Review and approve all expenditures and maintain operating budget records to ensure fiscal integrity • Maintain familiarity with EDGAR, OMB and other federal regulations to remain in compliance.

• Director, Upward Bound-Kalamazoo

  • Sep 2016 - Sep 2021

  2211 Ellsworth Hall • Supervised the entire operations of the Upward Bound Project. The project is federally funded to serve 62 Kalamazoo Public School Students; all participants are first-generation or income eligible • Developed and implemented assessment measures to evaluate Upward Bound • Collaborated with various colleges on campus (College of Aviation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, and College of Fine Arts) to develop, implement, and assess small… Show more • Supervised the entire operations of the Upward Bound Project. The project is federally funded to serve 62 Kalamazoo Public School Students; all participants are first-generation or income eligible • Developed and implemented assessment measures to evaluate Upward Bound • Collaborated with various colleges on campus (College of Aviation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, and College of Fine Arts) to develop, implement, and assess small group programs in specific career fields for students • Developed, implemented, and evaluated an annual summer program • Supervised two professional staff, seven to fifteen student employees, and five teachers • Researched and co-wrote for additional grant funding opportunities • Monitor students’ academic and personal development • Review and approve all expenditures and maintain operating budget records to ensure fiscal integrity • Maintain familiarity with EDGAR, OMB and other federal regulations to remain in compliance.

• Assistant Director

  • Jun 2013 - Sep 2016

  Kalamazoo, Michigan Area •Co-led 60-member Upward Bound youth development program focused on helping first-generation, low-income high school students learn to choose college path and successfully gain college education •Planned and implemented all program activities; collaborated with Upward Bound director to ensure activities were effective, economically feasible, and adhered to grant regulations •Coordinated and programed six-week summer component for 40 Upward Bound students, helping to interview, hire… Show more •Co-led 60-member Upward Bound youth development program focused on helping first-generation, low-income high school students learn to choose college path and successfully gain college education •Planned and implemented all program activities; collaborated with Upward Bound director to ensure activities were effective, economically feasible, and adhered to grant regulations •Coordinated and programed six-week summer component for 40 Upward Bound students, helping to interview, hire, supervise, and support professional and student staff (5 group leaders and 5 teachers) •Analyzed and optimized program budget, delivering staffing decisions and activity planning accordingly •Adhered to Western Michigan University and to Department of Education grant regulations and policy at all times, determining program decisions and expenditures based on established policy and ethical judgments •Planned cultural enrichment and college visitations for Upward Bound Students •Partnered with numerous Western Michigan University units to provide students with informational workshops about college and to engage students with community service opportunities •Planned and facilitated 4-day, end-of-year trip to help students recognize wide variety of higher education institutions; trip also included cultural activities •Shared responsibilities with director for program safety needs (night security, contact information, medical releases, etc.) and program financial obligations (paid bills, issued stipends, collected receipts, justified costs)

• Graduate Assistant- Michigan Campus Compact (MICC)

  • Jan 2013 - Jun 2013

  Kalamazoo •Selected for competitive graduate assistantship to work 20 hours weekly managing Michigan Campus Compact grant; duties included directly supervising 12 student employees (2 Team Leaders and 10 College Positive Volunteers) and maintaining up-to-date and accurate records of services provided (tutoring), services recipients (K-12 students ), and service providers (90 Service Learners and 10 College Positive Volunteers) •Recruited numerous Service Learners through presentations in University’s… Show more •Selected for competitive graduate assistantship to work 20 hours weekly managing Michigan Campus Compact grant; duties included directly supervising 12 student employees (2 Team Leaders and 10 College Positive Volunteers) and maintaining up-to-date and accurate records of services provided (tutoring), services recipients (K-12 students ), and service providers (90 Service Learners and 10 College Positive Volunteers) •Recruited numerous Service Learners through presentations in University’s College of Education classes and recruited and hired College Positive Volunteers via electronic job postings and intensive interview •Trained all tutors to interact with the youth in effective, relevant, and positive manner •Assisted with grant writing and development of quarterly reports; adhered to grant and University regulations

• Tutor Coordinator- WMU Upward Bound

  • Jan 2013 - May 2013

  Kalamazoo, Michigan Area •Selected to work 10 hours weekly as supervisor for program’s after-school tutoring at two sites •Mentored students by asking about, recognizing, and responding to their individual social, academic, and personal needs; engaged students in conversation about college culture and success strategies and provided, as feasible and needed, academic assistance, ACT and college admissions waivers, and school supplies •Managed bus tokens for Upward Bound participants, keeping detailed, accurate… Show more •Selected to work 10 hours weekly as supervisor for program’s after-school tutoring at two sites •Mentored students by asking about, recognizing, and responding to their individual social, academic, and personal needs; engaged students in conversation about college culture and success strategies and provided, as feasible and needed, academic assistance, ACT and college admissions waivers, and school supplies •Managed bus tokens for Upward Bound participants, keeping detailed, accurate, and up-to-date record •Planned, coordinated, and co-facilitated wide range of monthly Saturday Academies, contacting invited presenters and following through with planning to ensure programming success

• Americorps Vista, MI GEAR UP

  • Nov 2011 - Dec 2012

  Kalamazoo, Michigan Area •Selected for federally funded position to work 1700 hours per year, living at financial level of population served to develop cultural competence and sensitivity; focused on increasing program visibility through networking and outreach; attended PTA and PTO meetings, parent-teacher conferences, University sponsored community events, College Nights, etc. and communicated with school contacts (principals, counselors, etc.) •Collaborated with Hillside Middle School staff to develop Real Men… Show more •Selected for federally funded position to work 1700 hours per year, living at financial level of population served to develop cultural competence and sensitivity; focused on increasing program visibility through networking and outreach; attended PTA and PTO meetings, parent-teacher conferences, University sponsored community events, College Nights, etc. and communicated with school contacts (principals, counselors, etc.) •Collaborated with Hillside Middle School staff to develop Real Men Read and Real Women Lead programs that originally served GEAR UP cohorts and was expanded, at no cost to our grant, to other students •Served as site supervisor for tutoring program at target school, ensuring students participated in positive and effective ways; communicated often with school staff regarding academic, equipment, and discipline needs •Trained all tutors to recognize needs of students and to work successfully with them in groups and one-to-one •Assisted on grant writing (proofreading and copyediting); ensured adherence to grant and university regulations

• Group Leader- MI GEAR UP

  • Sep 2008 - Nov 2011

  Division of Multicultural Affiars, Gear Up/College Day Program •Provided underrepresented high school students opportunities to experience college life as way to encourage them to attend college and make appropriate academic and social life choices related to that goal (15 hrs. weekly) •Planned, updated, and facilitated college tours for 1000+ potential students who visited campuses in groups of 100-150; experience informed students about financial aid, scholarships, and wide range of college resources •Coordinated tutoring services and programming… Show more •Provided underrepresented high school students opportunities to experience college life as way to encourage them to attend college and make appropriate academic and social life choices related to that goal (15 hrs. weekly) •Planned, updated, and facilitated college tours for 1000+ potential students who visited campuses in groups of 100-150; experience informed students about financial aid, scholarships, and wide range of college resources •Coordinated tutoring services and programming for students throughout Southwest Michigan public schools •Assisted in processing data received from Southwest Michigan targeted schools for annual report •Served as liaison between Gear Up/College Day staff and parents/guardian of high school student participants

• Group Leader- Upward Bound

  • Jun 2010 - Aug 2011

  Kalamazoo •Worked 40 hours weekly in summers as mentor for 40-50 program participants and 10 hours weekly in school year as office support staff, handling confidential files, inputting data, and answering/referring questions •Supervised 10-12 participants, overseeing their academic success by checking and responding to individual needs, monitoring class behavior and participation, and ensuring their ownership of their own success •Addressed disciplinary concerns in proactive and positive manner… Show more •Worked 40 hours weekly in summers as mentor for 40-50 program participants and 10 hours weekly in school year as office support staff, handling confidential files, inputting data, and answering/referring questions •Supervised 10-12 participants, overseeing their academic success by checking and responding to individual needs, monitoring class behavior and participation, and ensuring their ownership of their own success •Addressed disciplinary concerns in proactive and positive manner, making referrals as needed