Financial Planner and Advisor

• Jul 2022 - Present

Executive Director

• Jun 2015 - Jul 2022

• Led a growing, thriving nature-based Montessori school serving children ages three through ninth grade creating holistic, experiential, and transformative education. • Developed and directed a talented team of skilled, experienced, and passionate educators. • Increased net tuition revenue by 279%. Generated operational budget surpluses each year while working to retire prior debt load without incurring additional liabilities. Created a six month cash flow reserve fund. • Produced new communication materials, including new logo, website, videos, and marketing materials while ensuring that external promise aligns with internal practices. • Clarified and developed the school’s philosophy and comprehensive curriculum across multiple learning domains including academics, nature, the arts, and community. • In conjunction with the Board of Trustees, executed the school’s first strategic plans, including development of a comprehensive financial plan, admissions procedures, and business and employment practices. • Developed the Natural Play Project, an effort to expand outdoor educational opportunities for young children including development of model outdoor learning environments on campus. Show less

Director of Admissions, Marketing, and Financial Aid

• Jul 2014 - Jun 2015

• Managed the complete admissions process including inquiries, visits, applications, financial aid, and re-enrollment. • Generated a 34% year-over-year increase in student inquiries and 39% increase in campus visits yielding a record number of new students added to the school. • Conducted a full brand audit through surveys and interviews with faculty and parents, exploration of the school archives, and market/demographic research. • Revised the elements of the school’s brand including the articulation of educational philosophy, images, logos, colors, and fonts to achieve a consistent and cohesive message. Show less

Head of School

• Jun 2012 - Jul 2014

• Administered all aspects of a small residential semester boarding school including faculty hiring, budgeting, curriculum development, community life, and outdoor programs in paddling, rock climbing, and backpacking.• Increased year-over-year tuition revenue by 42% and achieved full budgeted enrollment.• Supervised the creation of a new logo, website, and marketing strategy for the school.• Guided faculty meetings and supervised faculty professional development.• Maintained accreditation with Southern Association of College and Schools and membership in North Carolina Association of Independent Schools.• Facilitated the clarification of the school’s cornerstones and principles to better articulate our mission and desired outcomes. • Designed and implemented integrated curriculum days and outdoor programs to bring together academic disciplines, community life, and environmental education.• Improved admissions process including a substantial revision of financial aid procedures and tuition revenue management. Show less

English Teacher

• Sep 2010 - May 2012

· Designed and implemented curriculum focused on stories of landscape and environmental ethics.· Assisted in outdoor education program and lead camping trips.· Participated in garden program as a certified permaculture designer.

Guatemala Course Instructor

• Jun 2003 - Aug 2008

• Led small groups of teenagers on experiential education trips emphasizing cultural exchange, language acquisition, and wilderness experience. • Designed and implemented six-week course itinerary including lessons in the philosophy of travel, the cultural and environmental impact of tourism, Spanish and Mayan languages, and culturally sensitive photography. • Built a network of contacts through developing personal relationships. • Facilitated group interaction and transformation. • Counseled students in difficult situations and mediated group conflicts. • Managed and maintained detailed daily budget. • Monitored and preserved group health and safety in extreme environments including dangerous urban areas, jungle, and high altitudes. Show less

Associate Instructor

• Sep 2000 - May 2006

• Instructed college level academic courses for first-year students in Elementary Composition and Basic Writing. • Created and taught a course on the representation of tourism. • Collaborated with faculty on courses introducing literary analysis. • Worked extensively in one-on-one tutoring sessions with students to develop their use of the processes of analysis. • Instructed college level academic courses for first-year students in Elementary Composition and Basic Writing. • Created and taught a course on the representation of tourism. • Collaborated with faculty on courses introducing literary analysis. • Worked extensively in one-on-one tutoring sessions with students to develop their use of the processes of analysis.