About Me
I have a diverse background of experiences working with nonprofits on youth, health, education and environmental issues. I currently work at the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND) at the University of Pennsylvania's Netter Center for Community Partnerships. I have the dual role of managing the growing K-16 Partnerships Network and the 2015-2021 GEAR UP College Readiness and Collaborative Communities (CCRC) sub-grant from the School District of Philadelphia. Operating under the overall mission of PHENND, the K-16 Partnerships Network brings together higher education faculty and staff who manage partnerships with public schools. The focus is two-fold: learn from each other about best practices and models for K-16 partnerships in general and as appropriate, work with the School District of Philadelphia to help improve and expand K-16 partnerships in Philadelphia. The K-16 Partnerships Network encompasses many activities including bi-monthly University Partner meetings, an annual partnership institute in June, and a bi-monthly newsletter.
The GEAR UP CCRC project serves 42 middle/high schools in the District and works to build the capacity of schools to address the needs of students for college and career readiness preparation. A key component of the project is partnerships with local colleges and universities. I am leading a team of six university partners who will leverage university resources (particularly college student volunteers) in support of the GEAR UP CRCC project.
I have previously worked at Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) where I managed a science education outreach program, GeoKids LINKS, in partnership with the Wagner Free Institute of Science and three K-8 Philadelphia schools. At SJU I also taught a science education service-learning course and expanded the Biology Department’s outreach efforts by starting an informal science lecture series, called Science on the Hill, for residents in the Wynnefield and Overbrook neighborhoods of Philadelphia. I continue to teach as an adjunct professor at SJU for the Environmental Science program.
I have worked for the Philadelphia Zoo and a wildlife hospital in my home state of Virginia, which has given me extensive experience in STEM education. In addition I have a background in grant writing and experience as a community organizer for a community health center. I came to Philadelphia as an undergraduate at SJU (B.S. Environmental Science) and went on to Massachusetts where I received a M.A. in Community Development and Planning from Clark University. Besides working to improve opportunities for Philadelphia’s youth, I love cooking, gardening, Philadelphia sports, and painting, despite being colorblind.
The GEAR UP CCRC project serves 42 middle/high schools in the District and works to build the capacity of schools to address the needs of students for college and career readiness preparation. A key component of the project is partnerships with local colleges and universities. I am leading a team of six university partners who will leverage university resources (particularly college student volunteers) in support of the GEAR UP CRCC project.
I have previously worked at Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) where I managed a science education outreach program, GeoKids LINKS, in partnership with the Wagner Free Institute of Science and three K-8 Philadelphia schools. At SJU I also taught a science education service-learning course and expanded the Biology Department’s outreach efforts by starting an informal science lecture series, called Science on the Hill, for residents in the Wynnefield and Overbrook neighborhoods of Philadelphia. I continue to teach as an adjunct professor at SJU for the Environmental Science program.
I have worked for the Philadelphia Zoo and a wildlife hospital in my home state of Virginia, which has given me extensive experience in STEM education. In addition I have a background in grant writing and experience as a community organizer for a community health center. I came to Philadelphia as an undergraduate at SJU (B.S. Environmental Science) and went on to Massachusetts where I received a M.A. in Community Development and Planning from Clark University. Besides working to improve opportunities for Philadelphia’s youth, I love cooking, gardening, Philadelphia sports, and painting, despite being colorblind.
Interests:
|
Education:
M.A. Community Development and Planning, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts B.S. Environmental Science, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Skills:
I have experience in grant writing, grant reporting, and grant research, as well as youth development, community outreach, public speaking, creating and conducting non-formal science educational programs, and coordinating volunteers. I have assisted in managing multiple grant programs, including evaluation planning, reporting, and developing tools and databases to track and assess outcomes and impacts. I also have experience in the following Microsoft Programs:
I have experience in grant writing, grant reporting, and grant research, as well as youth development, community outreach, public speaking, creating and conducting non-formal science educational programs, and coordinating volunteers. I have assisted in managing multiple grant programs, including evaluation planning, reporting, and developing tools and databases to track and assess outcomes and impacts. I also have experience in the following Microsoft Programs:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook