About Me.
As a professional development consultant, I bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to my role, anchored by a robust academic background. With a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Resource Development, I possess a deep understanding of both the administrative and human aspects of the workplace.
Driven by my Top 5 Clifton Strengths – Achiever, Discipline, Focus, Input, and Strategic – I approach each project with unwavering determination and a strategic mindset. These strengths empower me to deliver results-driven solutions, navigating complexities with clarity and purpose.
Motivated by a genuine passion for fostering growth and development, I am committed to leveraging my expertise to empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. My strong work ethic and enthusiasm fuel my dedication to delivering high-quality services that exceed expectations.
Central to my approach is a steadfast commitment to ethical practices, ensuring that integrity and accountability are upheld in all aspects of my work. By combining my academic background, strengths, and values, I strive to make a meaningful impact in the professional development landscape, driving positive change and fostering a culture of continuous growth and excellence.
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I'm a proud wife of 18 years and mother to three wonderful children. Living in the Black Hills of South Dakota allows us to enjoy many outside activities including snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating, and hiking. I love reading and happily call myself a lifelong learner.
Education
2011-2014
Doctor of Education
University of South Dakota
Educational Administration.
Specialization Adult and Higher Education.
Dissertation Title: Using Student Development Theory to Enhance the Education Experience in Student Conduct: Perspectives of Student Conduct Practitioners at Four-Year Institutions
2007-2010
Master of Education
South Dakota State University
Counseling and Human Resource Development.
Specialization in Administration of Student Affairs Programs.
Master’s Thesis: Measuring Students’ Personal and Professional Growth in the Nine Students Emerging as Professionals (STEPS) Characteristics after Participating in the STEPS Program: A Qualitative Study
2003-2007
Bachelor of Science in Education
Black Hills State University
Elementary Education.
Minor in PreK-12 Reading.
Served as the Student Association President 2006-2007.
Spoke at the President's Inauguration 2006.
Spirit of BH Award 2006-2007.
Experience
2023-2024
Book Editor
As a book editor, I assessed manuscripts for content, structure, clarity, and overall quality, ensuring that they meet the standards of their intended audience. I have meticulously edited manuscripts for grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, and style, aiming to enhance their readability and coherence. Through refined sentence structure, language use, and tone adjustments, I have worked to improve the flow and overall quality of the manuscript. Effective communication with authors has been a priority, allowing me to understand their vision, address concerns, and facilitate revisions during the editing process. Furthermore, I have conducted thorough reviews and quality checks at various stages to identify and resolve errors or inconsistencies. Building and maintaining a positive relationship with authors has been essential in my approach to the editing process.
2020-2023
College & Career Readiness Manager & Advanced Placement Coordinator
Rapid City Area Schools
I provided strategic guidance and support for an Academy model, overseeing program development and ensuring its alignment with organizational goals. Serving as a liaison, I cultivated and fostered beneficial partnerships within the business, industry, and postsecondary sectors. Additionally, I meticulously planned and executed professional development trainings and events, catering to various teams and stakeholders. By evaluating and coordinating career-connected and work-based learning experiences, I helped students align their personal, academic, and career goals. Ensuring that courses and programs of study align with local workforce demands has been a priority, as has coordinating and managing partnership-related systems and processes within student and program management systems. I focused on developing effective communication strategies and supportive resources for both internal and external stakeholders while monitoring progress, facilitating improvements, and establishing success metrics.
2016-2019
Founder & CEO
Children's Museum of the Black Hills
In pursuit of enriching the cultural and educational landscape of the Black Hills region, I embarked on a mission to establish a children's museum. With a steadfast vision and unwavering determination, I meticulously crafted and finalized the necessary documentation to officially establish the organization within the state of South Dakota. Securing 501(c)3 status marked a significant milestone, affirming our commitment to serving the community's needs. Assembling a dynamic Board of Directors, I ensured effective governance and oversight, steering the organization toward its goals. Through strategic planning and tireless efforts, we orchestrated a highly successful fundraising campaign, rallying support and enthusiasm within the community. Hosting a diverse array of engaging events, we fostered connections and solidified our presence as a valued institution. With community backing and financial support, we were poised to transform our vision into reality, igniting curiosity and sparking imagination for generations to come.