Conducted collaborative work locally and state-wide to provide resources, support, and grant writing guidance to afterschool and federal 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) programs.Researched and developed Step Up to Quality approved trainings presented state-wide.Coordinated the Educational Council’s “Off to a Great Start” statewide afterschool conference.Actively participated in local and national trainings on STEM Initiatives, health and nutrition, the educational, physical and emotional needs of K-12 youth, learning styles, program sustainability, and grant writing.Participated in federal and state grant reads. Provided evaluation and assessment for afterschool programs throughout Ohio to support quality improvement using the School Age Care Environmental Rating Scale. Served as a member of the Ohio Department of Education 21st CCLC State Advisory Team; and participated in the ODE and OSU collaborative development of the Ohio-Quality Assessment Rubric.

Trained and certified in the administration of language assessment tools and computer based interviewing.Assessed school age children related to language and literacy development in Title 1 schools nationwide.

Worked with a team to conduct assessments of preschool age children in the areas of literacy and kindergarten readiness related to “Step Up to Quality”, Ohio’s childcare quality rating system. Administered early childhood assessment tools- PPVT, PALS, HTKS, and WJ-III. Conducted the Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation (ELLCO) in preschool classrooms throughout Ohio.

Developed, implemented, and managed six 21st Century Community Learning Centers designed to provide educational, recreational, prevention and enrichment opportunities during after school hours for children, parents and the community.Created marketing materials, surveys and trainings for staff, students and stakeholders.Managed contract negotiations and program budgets exceeding $1 million.Hired, trained, and supervised diverse team of twelve after school program staff.Completed Annual Progress Report to meet federal reporting requirements.Established agency goals, strategy, and policies as part of the Communities In Schools Leadership Team.Served three terms as an Afterschool Alliance Ambassador.Actively pursued collaboration building with community based organizations, school districts, colleges and universities, cooperative extension centers, churches, government entities, and businesses.Provided regular and ongoing communication with Columbus City School principals and administrators, the Ohio Department of Education, and federal program officers.Implemented city-wide Lights On Afterschool events through collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Education, United Way of Central Ohio, The Educational Council, multiple community partners, businesses and the media.Participated in advocacy efforts by meeting with federal, state and local legislators.