Experience

Ellington Public Schools

• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• English Teacher

  • Jan 2017 - Present

  Currently teach Freshman English. Serve on a variety of committees, including Grant Writing, Grading, and Advisory committees. Serve as advisor and editor of Knight Writers Club, which produces a yearly literary magazine. Engaged in regular curriculum design and development. Best part of the job - building genuine and open rapport with my students...and helping them to discover their gifts, to find their passions, and to become people of good character. Currently teach Freshman English. Serve on a variety of committees, including Grant Writing, Grading, and Advisory committees. Serve as advisor and editor of Knight Writers Club, which produces a yearly literary magazine. Engaged in regular curriculum design and development. Best part of the job - building genuine and open rapport with my students...and helping them to discover their gifts, to find their passions, and to become people of good character.



Freelance/Consultant - Various Clients

• United States
• Design Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Publishing Freelancer

  • Jan 2015 - Present



Independent Contractor

• Other Professional Experiences

  • Jan 2000 - Present

  Developed and delivered workshop program, “Totally Engaged Readers: Literature Circles in Middle School classrooms,” at the New England Reading Association Conference and school districts in Tolland, CT; Southington, CT; Stafford, CT, and Goffstown; NH, as well as at Central Connecticut State University. Developed and delivered program, “College Transitions – Making Connections in Curriculum,” to audience at a conference for the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Salem, NH. Co-authored a piece in the Connecticut English Journal : “Reaching All Students in the Circle,” Spring, 2001. Wrote winning grants for educational tools in 2014 and travel-to-learn program in 2017. Show less



CT Public School Districts

• Teacher

  • Sep 1996 - Jan 2017

  Teacher at districts including Tolland, CT and Farmington, CT: 1997 - 2003, 2007 - 2015, 2016 - 2017. Subjects taught: high school English, remedial and strategic reading, social studies, and Lions-Quest Skills for Adolescence and Teen Leadership courses in grades 7 and 8. Designed and implemented a service learning program for adolescents, growing it from 5 to 50 students in a middle school setting. Developed effective curriculum aligned with Connecticut Common Core standards. Served on a variety of committees, including Strategic Planning, Community Building, English Curriculum, and more. At all districts, I have established strong rapport with students and colleagues. Show less



Lifetouch

• United States
• Photography
• 700 & Above Employee

• Business Consultant

  • Apr 2015 - Jun 2016

  Contracted by Lifetouch to test out the viability of a new sales channel – photography via the direct sales “home party” model, capitalizing on my previous experience in building the same type of business. Created sales materials and a detailed consultant manual, edited copy on website and marketing materials. Recruited, trained, and motivated independent salespeople. Analyzed metrics / data and regularly made recommendations to company to help steer the direction of the test. Contracted by Lifetouch to test out the viability of a new sales channel – photography via the direct sales “home party” model, capitalizing on my previous experience in building the same type of business. Created sales materials and a detailed consultant manual, edited copy on website and marketing materials. Recruited, trained, and motivated independent salespeople. Analyzed metrics / data and regularly made recommendations to company to help steer the direction of the test.



Eastern Connecticut State University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Adjunct Faculty

  • Sep 2015 - May 2016

  Supervised, supported, and evaluated teacher candidates in Education Program at the university Supervised, supported, and evaluated teacher candidates in Education Program at the university



Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education

• Vernon, CT

• Adult Education Instructor

  • Sep 2014 - May 2016

  Taught English to prepare adults for transition to college. In previous years, 2002-05, taught public speaking courses, in addition to English courses, to young adults in an alternative high school evening program. At that time, also co-piloted and taught English and college prep courses in “Adults in Transition” program. Taught English to prepare adults for transition to college. In previous years, 2002-05, taught public speaking courses, in addition to English courses, to young adults in an alternative high school evening program. At that time, also co-piloted and taught English and college prep courses in “Adults in Transition” program.



Cooksey Keepsakes, ltd.

• Tolland, CT

• Co-founder / President

  • Jan 2001 - Jan 2010

  Co-founded direct sales photography business, employing the “home party” sales model. Recruited, managed, and motivated a team of sales consultants, photographers, and home office staff. Company featured on The View, in Woman’s World magazine, and on local television news programs. Developed training programs for sales consultants and photographers Planned and led workshops, training sessions, retreats, and annual sales conventions. Developed motivating compensation plan and awards / trip incentives. Established a recognizable brand and achieved customer loyalty in a competitive market. Show less