Engage individuals, local schools, advocacy organizations within the targeted communities to mobilize resources for neurodiverse youth, building capacity and organizational sustainability. Provide leadership in developing programs for marginalized youth and conduct an on-going strategic analysis of gaps in services. Provide leadership and support to partnership committees within the community to foster policy-level advocacy. Encourage staff/volunteer development and education and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization. Ensure that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important and influencing factors.

Benches in the Bathroom offers school leaders a wealth of field-tested, research-supported guidance to construct a school culture that values teacher contributions, operates on a framework of emotional wellness, and implements trauma-compassionate organizational strategies to ensure educator success and well-being.

Developed and communicated the district vision, mission, and belief standards effectively to all Student Service Stakeholders. Provided direct oversight to the daily operations, fiscal planning, program development and staffing configurations for Student Services which includes the Departments of Bilingual Education, Early Childhood Education and Special Education as well as Crisis Planning and Positive Behavior and Supports. Established and maintained efficient procedures and effective controls for the expenditure of allocated school funds in accordance with the adopted budget. Ensured that effective relations with employee organizations were maintained, led negotiations with collective bargaining units. Established and maintained liaison with community groups, thus creating a wholesome and cooperative working relationship with varied community partners.

Facilitated instruction and wrote graduate-level curriculum within the Teaching, Learning, & Diversity Department; focusing on servicing exceptional learners, racial and gender inequality, and educational policy. Evaluated, supervised, trained, and facilitated the placement of adjunct faculty within Special Education Courses. Developed a Director of Special Education Program in collaboration with the Education Leadership Department and the Illinois State Board of Education.

Provided leadership in the development of programming for at-risk students. Developed and implemented the department budget of $13 million, including grant management. Supervised administrators and faculty members, including recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation. Coordinated the implementation of the policies and procedures relative to positive student behavior and accountability.

Facilitated the implementation of Response to Intervention (RtI) with a specific focus on tiered positive behavior supports within 5 attendance centers.

Provided consultation and training to child care agencies to expand their capacity to serve at-risk young children. Conducted classroom observations and strategized with teachers regarding appropriate educational support and placement.

Offered consultation and training to organizations to expand their capacity to serve homelessyouth. Conducted therapeutic groups and provided individual counseling to students identified aslacking permanent housing. Monitored activities and the budget for the Federal Substance Abuse and Child Welfare Grant. Developed programming and curriculum for pregnant/parenting adolescents.