Resume

Professional Profile

I am a transformational leader who is dedicated to excellence and possesses the knowledge and relationship-building skills necessary to successfully serve as an Assistant Principal. My administrative experience in curriculum, instruction, assessment, human resources, financial management, and community relations has afforded me the ability to develop learner-centered systems and processes to innovatively meet the needs of all students while accomplishing the goals of the school district. I am committed to and passionate about growing leaders and ensuring that all students have access to an equitable and appropriately ambitious education.

Licensure

License Number: PGP-0662504

Special Education, General Curriculum K-12
Family and Human Services
School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
* taken January 21st, 2017; Passed

Education

Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) — Educational Leadership
December 2020 Cumulative GPA: 3.87

Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) — Educational Leadership in Administration & Supervision May 2017
Cumulative GPA: 3.95

Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) — Special EducationMay 2014
Cumulative GPA: 3.97

Eastern Mennonite UniversityHarrisonburg, VA
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration with a Minor in MusicMay 2010

Professional Experience

DeKalb County School District

Chamblee Charter High SchoolAtlanta, GA
Assistant Principal  (Title I Coordinator, Attendance, & ELL Admin)July 2019 – Present

  • Led the implementation/support of instructional and whole child best practices to assure the success of 1,751 students
  • Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) Chair – formed CSIP committee and implemented data-driven practices to increase school-wide student achievement
  • Title I Coordinator – responsible for prioritizing and aligning Title I funding to our academic initiatives and action steps tied to the CSIP school-wide improvement goals (literacy and increased graduation rate)
  • Founded “My School Sons” mentoring program designed to provide social-emotional/academic support to male students
  • Founded the first ELL department with four content specialists and department chair designed to support ELL students in the classroom and beyond
  • Implemented attendance protocols using Student Conductor reducing student tardiness and skipping by 25%
  • Region One District Level Representative for DeKalb County Schools District “My Brother’s Keeper DeKalb Chapter”

Portsmouth Public Schools

Churchland High School Portsmouth, VA
Assistant Principal  (10th Grade Discipline & Special Education LEA)July 2017 – June 2019

  • Led the implementation/support of instructional and whole child best practices to assure the success of 1,440 students
  • Used data to evaluate and monitor the delivery and effectiveness of instructional programming
  • During my tenure, the special education assessments scores increased by 35% and 29% in both Math and English respectively
  • Led the campus mindset shift to one of continued professional learning centered on growth mindset and teaching to the whole child with social-emotional learning strategies
  • Coordinated professional development for teachers to meet Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and Praxis Series Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) requirements to increase teacher retention
  • Reduced 10th-grade discipline suspensions by 15% through implementation of restorative practices and PBIS interventions
  • Facilitated professional development on equity to foster inclusive student-centered classrooms
  • Increased teacher retention by coordinating training for 15 teachers to navigate standardized testing requirements
  • Developed and implemented effective protocols to increase special education IEP practices and improve compliance reports by 21%

Summer School Co-Principal                                                                                           June-August, 2018

  • Graduated 100% of high school senior students who needed to earn 1 or 2 credits
  • Monitored classroom procedures and schedules to assist teachers in maximizing on-task learning time for all students and to ensure a safe, positive learning environment
  • Evaluated and monitored the delivery of summer course offerings
  • Collaborated and coordinated with administrative team members to support all activities related to summer school.
  • Created and coordinated orientation materials and activities for summer school staff.
  • Monitored classroom procedures and schedules to assist teachers in maximizing on-task learning time for all students and to ensure a safe, positive learning environment
  • Prepared and submit the summer school budget and monitors expenditure of summer school funds
  • Supervised and evaluated 72 summer school teaching staff

SouthEastern Cooperative Education Programs (SECEP) Norfolk, VA
Educational Specialist for Extended School YearJuly – August, 2016

  • Assisted the principal with the supervision of teachers and classroom staff by providing, supervisory feedback on the performance of teachers and other classroom staff aligned with each position’s appraisal standards
  • Identified, analyzed, and resolved instructional problems using effective problem-solving techniques in collaboration with the teacher and classroom staff
  • Supervised the instructional programs of the school, evaluating lesson plans and observing classes on a regular basis to encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on learning and child growth and development
  • Provided meaningful feedback to teachers to assist in maximizing on-task learning time for all students and to ensure a safe, positive learning environment using the RTI model
  • Assisted teachers with the development and implementation of individual and/or group behavioral intervention plans that addressed the function of each student’s targeted behavior
  • Assisted Summer Program teachers and staff with the physical arrangement of classroom space, preparation of instructional tasks, setup of Individualized Education Program (IEP) data collection documents, and review of existing behavioral intervention plans


Special Education Teacher (Multiple Disabilities)August 2014 – June 2017

  • Reintegrated 42% of my special education caseload back into their respective public schools
  • Differentiate instruction daily to meet the diverse needs of students
  • Reduced incidents of suspension by 35% through implementation of restorative practices and peer mediation
  • Enhanced student performance in reading through the implementation of the Read 180 blended learning approach and data-driven instruction, with many students increasing their Lexile score by 75-125 points
  • Conducted Individual Educational Program (IEP) meetings with leadership team members to review student progress
  • Incorporated technology and other instructional resources to promote the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and real-world applications
  • Facilitated professional developments on positive behavioral intervention strategies to improve classroom behavior management
  • Led professional developments on research-based testing strategies to help students improve their performance on technology-enhanced questions on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests

Model Re-ED New Teacher TrainerAugust 2015, August 2016

  • Co-facilitated training for new teachers in understanding the philosophy behind the Re-ED program (Re-Education is a philosophical basis for working with children and youth who have emotional and/or behavioral disorders)
  • Taught a differentiated lesson on the founder of the Re-ED program, Nicholas Hobbs, exemplifying how to teach a lesson that incorporates different learning styles and accommodations

Hampton City Schools Administrative CenterHampton, VA
Central Office Internship (40 hours)March  2016

  • Interned with the Director of Information Literacy of Hampton City Schools
  • Attended meetings with the Assistant Superintendent and provided feedback on how Title I literacy should be approached through a division-wide lens
  • Shadowed the Principal of Lindsay Middle School and helped to conduct Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) centered on restoring the school’s accreditation in all math subjects

Specialized Youth Services of VA, Inc. (Shenandoah Academy)Harrisonburg, VA
Lead Behavioral SpecialistSeptember 2012 – June 2014

  • Eliminated student restraints from their previous average of twelve restraints per month
  • Developed strategies to follow through with student outbursts to prevent future incidents
  • Managed a team of six support staff and three crisis team members
  • Assisted the Program Manager with setting, implementing and enforcing policies related to student discipline
  • Managed daily operations, facilities, safety, and administrative processes as assigned
  • Conducted workshops, training, and in-service presentations, on classroom management techniques and other topics for the purpose of developing skills and establishing effective relationships with behaviorally or emotionally disturbed students
  • Developed and administered disciplinary procedures in accordance with district policies and state laws; received referrals and conferred with students, parents, teachers, community agencies, and law enforcement; responded to and resolved parent, student, and staff concerns and complaints
  • Analyzed and interpreted data results for the purpose of designing and modifying behavioral interventions
  • Used effective interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and respect towards all students


Family and Human Services (Life Skills) TeacherSeptember 2010 – June 2014

  • Met individually with students to determine skill level, industry experience, and develop a plan related to education/training needs
  • Assisted with scheduling workshop attendance and enrollment into programs at partnering education/training institutions to enhance job readiness and employability
  • Met regularly with members of the outreach and partner development teams to match students with internships and great vocational opportunities
  • Assisted with developing resumes and cover letters, identify opportunities for employment and assist with the application and interview process
  • Met with employers and gathered feedback to aid in maintaining successful employment
  • Maintained relationships with staffing agencies to aid in matching students with labor force need and expectations

Beyond the Bell After-School ProgramHarrisonburg, VA
Program CoordinatorNovember 2012 – May 2014

  • Supervised 12 team leaders and multiple college interns and volunteers
  • Dealt with student behavioral concerns to improve future situations and prevent subsequent incidents
  • Promoted high expectations, demonstrated a caring attitude and established an environment that supported high achievement in students
  • Enforced school rules, managed student behavior, and maintained accurate records of student attendance, conduct and academic performance records
  • Collaborated with team leaders to ensure a relationship of mutual respect with their students
  • Co-led weekly team meetings, keeping a positive image of the program with the host school

Boys and Girls Club of Harrisonburg and Rockingham CountyHarrisonburg, VA
Unit DirectorMay 2013 – September 2013

  • Supervised 10 youth development professional leaders and multiple college interns and volunteers
  • Established unit programs, activities and services that prepare youth for success and that create a club environment that facilitates achievement of youth development outcomes
  • Planned, developed, implemented and evaluated overall unit programs, services and activities to ensure they met stated objectives and member needs and interests
  • Compiled regular reports reflecting all activities, attendance and participation
  • Recruited, managed and provided career development opportunities for unit staff and volunteers
  • Developed and maintained public relations to increase the visibility of programs, services and activities within the club and community

Assistant DirectorJune 2010 – July 2011
Youth Development Professional LeaderAugust 2007 – May 2013

Honors and Awards

2017 ASCD Emerging Leader June, 2017

ASCD is seeking a powerful and active group of education professionals to become the next ASCD leaders. ASCD selects 50 individuals from all over the United States, who are accomplished educators with 5-15 years of experience and are interested in getting more involved in ASCD and in education as a whole. Candidates must believe that each child deserves to be safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

Teacher of the Year 2016 – 2017 
South Eastern Cooperative Education Program (SECEP) Chesapeake Center

Employee of the Quarter, Employee of the Month February 2012, March 2012, November 2013
Specialized Youth Services of VA, Inc. (Shenandoah Academy)

Cords of Distinction RecipientMay 2010

  • One of the most prestigious awards at Eastern Mennonite University, awarded to ten graduating students
  • Nominated by faculty, staff, and fellow students for outstanding contributions to the university, community, or society

Conference Presentations and Workshops

2018 ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership, Nashville, TN
November 2018, Presenter – “Reaching the Unreachable Student”

2018 ASCD Conference on Teaching Excellence, Dallas, TX
June 2018, Presenter – “How to Reach the Unreachable Student”

Guest Speaker, Old Dominion University ELS 668 Internship Class
October 2018, Presenter – “First Year Assistant Principal Experiences”

Guest Speaker, Old Dominion University ELS 668 Internship Class
February 2018, Presenter – “First Year Assistant Principal Experiences”

Old Dominion University Fourth Annual New and Aspiring Leaders Conference
June 2017, Roundtable Presentation “How to Reach the Unreachable Student”

Featured Speaker on Podcasts

Leader of Learning Podcast: Hosted by Dan Kreiness
November 2018, Title of Episode: Promoting Lifelong Learning with Basil Marin

The 10-minute Teacher Show: Hosted by Vicky Davis
July 2017, Title of Episode: 5 Ways to Help At Risk Children Succeed

Professional Memberships

2016 – present
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
2016 – present
Golden Key International Honour Society
2016 – present
Phi Delta Kappa (PDK)
2018 – present
National Association of Secondary School Principals(NASSP)