Experience

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  Self-employed

  Jan 2004 - Dec 2019

  Freelance writer

  ● Created and edited resumes, cover letters and professional reference lists for clients● Independent contributor to publications: The Rotarian, Blue Ridge Country and County Line● Prepared a weekly community news column and wrote business profiles and feature articles for the Knoxville News Sentinel (2004 to 2007)● Paid contributor to multiple websites, including Betternetworker.com and Wisegeek.com● Created a monthly newsletter for the Riverpointe Condominium Association

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  University of tennessee

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2006

  Program coordinator / personal & professional development

  ● Marketed non-credit courses for professionals through press releases, email and direct mail● Contributed content for departmental website and assisted with writing/editing the quarterly course catalog ● Reviewed course proposals, arranged classrooms with materials and equipment, contacted local employers regarding training needs● Assisted with event coordination

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  Gateway community and technical college

  Jan 2008 - Feb 2009

  Adult education instructor

  ● Administered assessments and created customized learning plans for students preparing for the GED exam● Taught basic skills (reading, math and language) in both one-to-one and small group settings● Tutored community college students in composition and computer applications

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  Brighton center

  Oct 2008 - Feb 2012

  Career transition specialist

  ● Assisted dislocated and underemployed individuals, as well as career changers, by creating, revising and critiquing resumes, cover letters and other employment-related documents● Coached individuals on job search techniques and the related technological skills; assisted with career exploration and administered assessments ● Facilitated workshops and provided career transition information and resources. Workshop formats included job seeker and networking groups, as well as Rapid Response events hosted by employers for individuals who have been notified of closings/layoffs.● Referred customers to community resources and presented information on educational opportunities● Contributed articles to newsletters that focused on local businesses and trends, as well as jobseeker topics and information Show less

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  Northern kentucky area development district

  Sept 2012 - Jul 2014

  Health connections career counselor/ employment connections job coach

  Healthcare Career Counselor / Workforce Development Specialist● Managed a caseload of clients seeking employment/training in the healthcare field. Assessed client needs, assisted with goal development and plan of action, and provided follow-up services with program participants. ● Provided information regarding healthcare careers, education, employment and training. Facilitated group sessions focusing on job search techniques, resume / cover letter enhancements, interviewing techniques and additional personal and career development topics. ● Maintained and developed relationships with employers, educators and community service agency members. Collaborated with partners and programs to help individuals reach self-sufficiency. ● Proctored various exams related to adult basic education and customer service skillsJob Coach● Performed case management for participants in the Kentucky Works program. Completed detailed paperwork and contracts; ordered and reviewed background checks. Worked with individuals of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. ● Worked collaboratively with local employers and case managers to obtain updates on clients’ progress and to develop plans for additional training or guidance● Used effective assessment skills to assign appropriate work and community service sites● Maintained detailed records regarding participants’ employment status and hours of participation; updated spreadsheets and completed reports Show less

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  Kentucky association of counties

  Aug 2014 - Nov 2016

  Continuing education coordinator, member services department

  ● Planned annual curriculum of 30 continuing education courses for county officials: secured presenters, facilities and caterers; facilitated courses; performed troubleshooting of technological and other issues; and ensured that participants' hours were promptly submitted to state office ● Maintained training database, tracked expenses and prepared reports● Represented KACo at conferences and events; explained KACo services and answered questions● Contributed to various printed and electronic publications, including the publication of an annual event calendar and Board of Directors Orientation Manual; monitored and posted notifications on social media sites; sent e-alerts regarding issues affecting county governments Show less

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  Kentucky association for economic development (kaed)

  Nov 2016 - Nov 2017

  Communications & administrative operations manager

  ● Coordinated events including major conferences and multiple special events/workshops● Marketed corporate and event sponsorships; managed membership communication and retention● Assisted with the creation and editing of marketing materials and publications; prepared monthly e-newsletters and weekly updates ● Worked with the Board of Directors and several committees to ensure that objectives were met● Managed office in CEO/President's absence and provided oversight to work of three staff members● Worked collaboratively with contracted companies, including CPA, digital marketing agency and database software support, as well as outside vendors Show less

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  Chrysalis house inc.

  Dec 2017 - Nov 2018

  Supportive employment specialist

  ● Provided vocational and educational services, assistance and support to women participating in a residential substance abuse treatment program● Used various assessments to determine clients' work skills, strengths and career interests and identify barriers to employment ● Created a curriculum for computer skills training; facilitated training and assessed skills● Coordinated GED preparation and scheduled testing● Coached clients on job search and prepared resumes

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  Bluegrass community and technical college

  Dec 2018 - May 2021

  Career development counselor

  ➨Employer Relations● Developed relationships with local employers regarding opportunities to connect with students via job postings, internship opportunities and virtual career fairs ● Collaborated with local Workforce Development professionals and organizations to connect BCTC students and graduates with employers and available resources● Served as lead coordinator for multiple on-campus career fairs each year: recruit employers, manage logistical details and promote events➨ Student Services● Utilized experience and resources to provide career exploration, assessment and guidance services to students and alumni● Presented career seminars and serve as a resource for faculty on career-readiness materials● Advised students on course selection, program/major choices and university transfer opportunities● Worked cohesively with the Advising Center, College Faculty, Disability and Student Support Services, First Year Center and others to support college initiatives Show less

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  Bluegrass angels

  May 2021 - May 2022

  Administrative assistant

  Provided administrative, communications and meeting support for the Bluegrass Angels, a volunteer-led group that funds and mentors innovative, high-tech Kentucky startups. Part-time, contract position.

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  Chrysalis house, inc.

  Nov 2021 - Jul 2022

  Job readiness coordinator

  • Coordinated employment assistance programming for individuals receiving services in a family-centered residential treatment setting specializing in substance use disorder• Guided participants through a series of employment and career seeking topics and techniques through both individual and group-focused activities• Provided instruction and coaching on resume development, interviewing and job search techniques, professionalism, effective workplace communication, social skills development, and time management • Made referrals for computer skills development and education services as appropriate• Developed and maintained working relationships with community service providers, made referrals and served as a liaison and client advisor for those who seek assistance with outside providers• Networked with prospective employers and local businesses to develop relationships within the community to establish job placement opportunities for participants• Provided follow-up assistance services to participants, including goal setting for long-term career development and growth• Worked collaboratively with each participant’s treatment team members to provide individualized services and assist participants with meeting individual goals Show less

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  National network for oral health access (nnoha)

  Aug 2022 - May 2024

  Administrative coordinator

  ● Support the work of NNOHA staff by providing assistance with meeting coordination, issuing continuing education credits, the creation of promotional materials, and with social media posts and website updates● Manage logistics for webinars and coordinate learning collaborative activities through participant and speaker communications, scheduling and follow–up● Provide administrative support to various organizational committees, including the Board of Directors● Work collaboratively with program staff to ensure the needs of NNOHA members are met Show less

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  Kentucky works program

  May 2024 - now

  Employment specialist

  Assist KTAP/SNAP recipients with job development, job placement, training and retention.