GAR Foundation, Akron, OHA nonprofit providing funding and grants to organizations in and around Summit County, OH.Program Officer●Assessed grant applicants for their capacity to utilize funding effectively and in accordance with the foundation’s strategic funding priorities.●Presented analyses and grant recommendations to the Distribution Committee; participated in staff peer review of grant recommendations.●Researched best practices in grant - making pertaining to the foundation’s strategic funding priorities.●Represented GAR on community committees, task forces, and boards of directors.●Provided expertise, technical support, and referrals for community initiatives.●Convened groups of grantees and community stakeholders to share ideas and foster collaboration.

Akron Public Schools, Akron, OH The fifth largest district in OH with approximately 22,000 students enrolled.Director, Specialty Programs ●Acquired $350K grant for the development of district - wide College and Career Ready Academies. ●Marketed STEM initiatives district - wide in an effort to educate all stakeholders on the STEM learning model and to inspire administrator and teacher buy - in.●Led administrators, principals, teachers, and external partners in the design and implementation of 21st Century STEM initiatives that were aligned with district - wide goals.●Coordinated STEM program development and integration within participating schools.●Led professional development for teachers within the STEM cluster.●Contributed to budgetary oversight of the STEM expansion efforts.●Created district - wide process for submission and analysis of STEM teacher grant applications.

National Inventors Hall of Fame School, Akron, OHProvide the highest quality education experience for students that ensures creativity and inventive thinking through a focus on science, mathematics, and technology.Founding Instructional Leader (Principal), Center for STEM Learning●Provided vision, strategic direction, and oversight for the creation and development of the National Inventors Hall of Fame School…Center for STEM Learning (NIHF STEM), which led to a consistent state rating of “Excellent” since its inception. Oversaw $1M in budget activities and led a team of 30 teachers and staff.●Conceptualized and implemented organizational and operational structures for student learning and teacher professional development.●Partnered with faculty in the University of Akron’s school of education to utilize NIHF as a Professional Development School (PDS) site for future STEM teachers.●Built solid partnerships with community businesses and leaders, which led to the establishment of a mentoring program for NIHF STEM students.●Implemented systems, processes, and planning functions that are consistent with effective organizational leadership, academic achievement, climate safety, budget efficiency, and employee / student performance.●Developed a highly effective staff focused on student learning through authentic, engaging learning experiences while using data to make informed instructional decisions.●Launched and managed active social media presence, including strategic marketing efforts aimed at internal and external audiences STEM school to serve as the district’s incubator school for future STEM efforts.●Represented school nationally on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 in an educational segment from Perry’s Principles; the school was also featured in Newsweek.