I oversee a $1.3 million federal grant designed to empower students who are first-generation or from other historically underserved groups to successfully traverse college life, thrive personally and academically, and attain a bachelors degree. I lead a team that strives to create educational equity by leveraging interdepartmental relationships that increase students' knowledge of available services and resources, and liaising to initiate student's first and continued access to these services. I oversee the designing and implementation of programming that takes a holistic approach to serving students to address food insecurities, financial knowledge and wellness, developing a growth mindset, and increasing community and belonging.

Oversight of innovative educational setting that leveraged a model of trauma-informed care and hands-on experiential learning to create a safe, therapeutic, inclusive educational environment for at-risk youth. I managed a three way partnership between the local inner-city school district, a boat-building school, and my organization. Students received regular and special education services, developed work-force skills while being immersed in STEM related activities, and received counseling that entailed emotions regulation, accountability, and goal-setting. The program was successful as evidenced by improving retention and graduation rates annually while decreasing violent incidents and returning students to their home schools. Also, supervising this program provided opportunities to analyze archaic district policies that created life-long barriers for at-risk students in leading productive lives. Effective collaborations with district leadership and the PA Department of Education led to policy changes that benefited students and increased their opportunities for success in life.

Oversight of daily operations of a program serving student with Special Needs from multiple school districts. Responsible for: ensuring students received regular and special education services, participated in psychiatric medication management appointments, facilitated meetings between schools and families, managed the process of standardized testing, participated in IEP meetings and ensured student needs were addressed. Ensured a safe, and therapeutic learning environment through trauma-informed care strategies and Safe Crisis Management. Overall, established and maintained trusting, positive relationships with all stakeholders.