Non-Academic Work Experience
Executive Director, MELD, Minneapolis, MN. 1995 – 1997. Lead and direct the Board of Directors, 23.0 FTE staff and 70 affiliate agencies in planning and delivering family support programming. Plan programs, supervise financial operations of $1.1 million, provide local and national leadership in the field of family support. Oversee fundraising, public relations, and marketing activities.
Administrator on Special Assignment to the St. Paul/Ramsey County Children’s Initiative. St. Paul Public Schools, St. Paul, MN. 1993 – 1995. Primary liaison between the Public Schools and community organizations for broad-based collaborative efforts to improve delivery for health, education, and social services for families of young children. Increased inclusion of diverse families and staff in decision-making and evaluation. Facilitated development and implementation of broad evaluation strategy.
Division Manager, Early Childhood Family Education, St. Paul Public Schools, St. Paul, MN. 1988 – 1993. Administered family education program for families with children between birth and five years old. Selected, supervised, and trained more than 150 staff members. Developed in-service training programs for early childhood teachers, parent educators, home visitors, educational assistants, teaching assistants, bilingual liaisons, and community outreach workers. Created innovations in program delivery which resulted in increased participation of families from diverse cultures and from low-income households. Coordinated annual budget of approximately $3 million.
Educator, Early Childhood Family Education, Minneapolis Public Schools and North St. Paul/Maplewood Public Schools, MN. 1987 – 1988. Facilitated early childhood education, parent discussion groups, and parent-child interaction for families with children from birth through five years old.
Director of Education, First Covenant Church, St. Paul, MN. 1981 – 1987. Provided training for volunteer board members, teachers, and counselors. Worked with urban residents, Hmong immigrants, and community-based agencies. Coordinated volunteer staff for programs for children, youth, and adults. Supervised paid staff, including two nursery school teachers, early childhood ministries coordinator, summer ministries assistant, interns, and director of children’s music.
Program Officer, Minnesota Council on Quality Education, Minnesota Department of Education, St. Paul, MN. 1978 – 1981. Administration of Early Childhood Family Education grants programs. Implemented work-plans for administrative management, policies, and guidelines. Technical assistance to grant recipients throughout Minnesota.
Program Assistant, Academic Planning Division, Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Board, St. Paul, MN. 1974 – 1977. Provided leadership and coordination for the program and research of the Coordination of Education for Early Childhood Personnel Project.
Head Teacher, Sunshine Child Care Center, Midway YMCA, St. Paul, MN. 1974. Lead teacher with group of children ages three through five years. Produced parent newsletter.
Assistant Teacher, Salem Nursery School, Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN. 1973 – 1974. Assistant teacher with group of children ages three through five years.