Creating and implementing the foundational college counseling program for the students of Optima Academy Online

Leader of professional team of educators responsible for the supervision and guidance of the college process for all students and families of the largest independent school in the state of MississippiIndividually advising and assisting juniors, seniors and their families in successfully completing all aspects of the college and scholarship search, application and selection processesIntroducing a “focus on fit” school wide relative to the college processAdministration of all matters involving the transition from the leadership of predecessor who was in place for over thirty yearsWriting concise and persuasive school letters of support for student applications for admission, scholarships, etc.Training and maximizing the effectiveness of current technology use in areas of the process that can be simplified for students, families and faculty members in the completion and submission of materials for applicationsLiaison with college representatives, alumni and friends involved in the recruitment and evaluation of students interested in schools nationwide Hosting of annual college fair program in SeptemberPresentations of evening college planning, financial aid, and technology “best practices” programs for all upper school students and their parentsService as School Site Manager for Naviance/Succeed/Family Connection programs for the entire upper school faculty, student body, parents and administrationTravel to and participation in meetings, conferences and college and university campus tour and visitation programs to remain current with important changes and issues in the admissions and counseling profession.

Provided leadership and comprehensive support relative to post-graduation outcomes for all students and their families at the only completely independent, private school in Tucson serving grades 6-12. Integrated the use of Family Connection (Naviance) for all students and parents throughout the most intensive parts of the college search and selection process. Served as the school's AP Coordinator, SSD Coordinator and managed all standardized testing for students in grades 9-12. Provided the school and larger community with a college fair annually that involved approximately 100 guest colleges and organizations involved in post-graduation opportunities for students. Extensive presentaion work including evening, weekend and other programs for key constituencies and prospective community members. Served on local boards and committees engaged in supporting student service and engagement beyond SGCPS. Served as Advisor to groups of students as part of the school's overall support structure for students. Provided a generally relaxed, safe, and open environment for all students and families focused on the college process. Remained fearless, efficient, cordial and engaged in the life of the school overall and in the dispatch of my job responsibilities in particular throughout massive changes in leadership over time. Gifted writer, presenter, motivator and tech savvy in the extreme.

• Established a comprehensive college counseling program for 9th -12th graders at the leading independent, non-sectarian school in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) • Individually advise & assist seniors and their families in successfully completing all aspects of the college and scholarship search, application and selection processes • Writing concise and persuasive school letters of support for each student in each graduating class • Follow up on every application filed with Admissions Staff at the colleges and universities involved • Design and lead annual junior class college tour/retreat • Presentations of evening college planning, financial aid, and technology “best practices” programs for all upper school students and their parents • Establishing and maintaining the most effective possible communications protocols for students and their families by utilizing available technologies efficiently • Serving as School Site Manager for Naviance/Succeed/Family Connection programs for the entire upper school faculty, student body, parents and administration • Coordinating the College Board Advanced Placement testing program for the school • Coordinating the ACT’s, PLAN testing program for all of the school’s 9th and 10th grade students • Coordinating the College Board’s PSAT/NMSQT testing program for all of the school’s 10th and 11th grade students • Serving as the College Board Services for Students with Disabilities Coordinator for all upper school students taking SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject, AP and PSAT exams annually • Providing assistance to the Director of Admissions via presentations and meetings with groups and individuals considering enrollment as well as evaluation of prospective student credentials • Data collection for and presentations to the Board of Trustees as often as requested by the Head of School

• Counseling approximately half of the young women (35 to 65 students) in each class beginning in the fall of the junior year, on all aspects of the college search and selection process. • Writing concise and persuasive school letters of support for each student and coordinating the submission of all of their credentials to the colleges, universities and scholarship programs of their choosing. • Establishing and maintaining working relationships with college admissions professionals at colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad. • Interacting with students’ families who have varying degrees of interest, knowledge and engagement in their children’s college search and selection processes through face-to-face meetings, phone and e-mail contact. • Counseling students and their families on the need- and merit-based financial aid processes as needed. • Travel to meetings, conferences and college and university campuses to remain current with important programs and issues in the admissions and counseling profession. • Maintaining records of all conversations, meetings, and data relevant to each student’s process from beginning to end primarily using the web-based TCCi/Naviance platform. • Coordinating the Advanced Placement testing program for the school

• Member of a Professional Staff of ten involved in annual recruitment travel, interviewing, on and off campus programming, application review and decision making for Lafayette College – a highly selective college of 2300 undergraduate students. • Review and decision making on all Transfer Applications to the college for both spring and fall entry. • Coordinated the revision, ordering, mailing, data compilation, and distribution of the College Board Admitted Student Questionnaire annually. • Managed three Fall Open House programs each year hosting well over 1000 prospective students and their families during October and November. • Coordinated Admissions’ special recruitment programs promoting increased enrollments of competitive African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian and Native American students. These include innovative uses of available technologies, engagement of students, faculty, alumni and administrators, and extensive on-campus programming • Provide leadership for the Admissions Staff in Open House and Multicultural Recruitment efforts as well as direct supervision of support staff, interns and student workers on a daily basis. • Member of various committees and organizations on and off campus as Admissions Office representative and spokesperson.• On-Campus support for 11 Posse Scholars (Leadership Scholarship) for the first part of their Lafayette College experience. • Weekly 2-hour workshops/meetings with all scholars. • Bi-weekly 1-hour One-on-One meetings with each scholar individually focusing on academic progress, personal adjustment, and Posse group experience. • Weekly contacts with Posse staff (Director and/or Trainers). • Primary liaison with campus offices and faculty on scholars’ behalf. • Extensive summer training for the mentor role annually including local and national Training seminars, workshops and retreats.