Resume
Summary
I am an educator, leader, and youth advocate dedicated to engaging adults and young people with authentic, meaningful opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive. I succeed in this by building and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships; creating inclusive spaces that acknowledge and honor a spectrum of voices; designing, delivering, and evaluating learning opportunities to support students and leaders of all ages and backgrounds; and championing diversity, equity, access, and belonging.
Professional Experience
Training Specialist Lead, 2026-Present
University of Michigan
Manage the strategic implementation of enterprise-wide professional and leadership development programs in close partnership with the Assistant Director of Programming, in addition to all responsibilities listed in the Training Specialist Senior role.
Provide supportive supervision and coaching support to three full-time program coordinators.
Analyze evaluation and program data to inform strategic planning and drive continuous improvement.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and subject-matter experts to identify learning needs and create high-quality learning and resources for diverse learners.
Training Specialist Senior, 2022-2025
University of Michigan
Design and facilitate enterprise-wide professional learning strategies to build leadership and professional excellence for 50,000+ faculty and staff across three campuses and Michigan Medicine.
Lead cohort-based leadership development for up to 50 early-career leaders, three times annually, building network capacity.
Design and facilitate evidence-based leadership programs and resources in change management, communication, and organizational culture, aligned with organizational strategy and values.
Use learning management systems and digital authoring tools to deliver scalable professional learning experiences.
Achieved a 94% satisfaction rate from 2,000+ participants in 33 programs in FY25, demonstrating program quality and impact.
Education and Communications Specialist, 2005-Present
Team Amate (Self-Employed)
Provide high-quality copywriting and editorial services across multiple industries (e.g., marketing, law, public utilities, and education) that increase customer/user engagement and loyalty.
Expand brand awareness by developing and implementing targeted and captivating digital campaigns via email and social media.
Leverage human-centered instructional design to create and facilitate virtual and in-person professional development experiences.
Create and lead enrichment programs that meet the needs of P-20 youth and provide opportunities for joy, creativity, discovery, and connection.
Senior Learning and Development Specialist, 2021-2022
David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality
Supported the design, delivery, and evaluation of capacity-building initiatives and professional learning strategies for a federally funded research study on high-quality youth programs and social-emotional learning, in addition to all responsibilities listed in the Training Design and Delivery Specialist role.
Provided year-long coaching and technical assistance for six grantees nationwide, advancing quality improvement systems and positive youth development.
Revamped and standardized national training resources and curricula, enhancing quality and consistency across multiple grantee organizations.
Cultivated trust-based relationships with grantees to ensure they had a voice in the process.
Training Design and Delivery Specialist, 2020-2021
David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality
Designed and facilitated multi-modal learning programs aligned with best practices in adult learning, instructional design, and evidence-based youth development, in addition to all responsibilities listed in the Senior Program Associate role.
Co-managed a project team to launch an innovative train-the-trainer retreats centered on social-emotional learning for youth development professionals from local, national, and global organizations.
Partnered with field consultants to deliver train-the-trainer retreats, ensuring consistent, high-quality programming across the learning ecosystem.
Conducted data-driven assessment of training impact and made actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
Senior Program Associate, 2017 – 2020
David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality
Served as a program management and youth development expert for the Michigan Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers Training and Technical Assistance Support Services team.
Led strategic training and technical assistance for a statewide network of grantees in multi-year, data-driven capacity-building initiatives.
Developed and facilitated evidence-based workshops for up to 100 participants at a time on social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, community building, planning with data, quality coaching, and youth voice.
Mentored 10-12 grantees yearly in continuous improvement efforts while advocating for their needs to the grantor.
Built strategic partnerships with funders and state partners to align efforts and empower grantees.
Site Coordinator, 2012-2016
Eastern Michigan University Bright Futures After-School Program
Directed a 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool program that served up to 50 middle school students daily.
Partnered with school leadership and staff to meet the dynamic needs of students, families, and the community.
Hired, trained, and supervised program staff, volunteers, and vendors, and supported reflective practices and goal setting.
Managed budgets and ensured compliance with licensing and grant requirements.
Developed curriculum focused on social-emotional learning, academic skill-building, self-efficacy, leadership, STEAM, and creative expression.
College Preparation Assistant, 2011-2012
Eastern Michigan University GEAR UP
Advised a caseload of 60 high school students in the class of 2012 on college searches, college applications, essay writing, recommendation requests, résumé development, financial aid, and scholarship searches.
Counseled individual students in the transition from high school to post-secondary education or a career.
Partnered with faculty and staff to provide holistic support to students.
Communicated regularly with parents/guardians regarding students' progress and post-graduation plans.
Project Manager, 2006-2010
Merkle (formerly ePrize Digital Marketing)
Led cross-functional teams to deliver customized marketing projects and loyalty programs.
Managed relationships with clients such as Disney, Miller Brewing Company, and Coca-Cola, administering loyalty programs and communicating with senior-level stakeholders to ensure satisfaction and success.
Managed teams of 10 to 15 for client campaigns, coordinating budgets, scope, and deliverables for over 80 online promotions.
Provided training to colleagues in project management practices and processes.
Education and Certification
Master of Arts in Educational Studies, University of Michigan, 2011
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature/Creative Writing, University of Michigan, 2006
Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate, K-8 all subjects, renewed 2021
Highly Qualified: Language Arts, Mathematics
Additional Endorsement: English as a Second Language
Community Involvement
Board Chair, 2020-2022
Member at Large, 2019-2020
Local Circles
Served as chairperson of the board for a Detroit-based youth-serving organization that engages teens in critical thinking and job readiness through youth-led research projects.
Co-Organizer, 2014-2015
Stand with Barb Webb
Co-organizer of the Stand with Barb Webb movement, a year-long initiative to promote LGBTQ rights in Catholic educational settings.
Training and Assessment Certifications
Social Emotional Learning Methods, David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, 2020
Youth Work Management Methods, David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, 2017
External Program Assessor, David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, 2016
Youth Work Methods, David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, 2015