Cat White

Experience

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  Abba Motors

  Jan 2003 - Sept 2014

  Service Technician

  Abba Motors was a small, independent automotive repair shop, specializing in foreign car repair. I performed routine maintenance and repairs on all vehicles, specializing in electrical and emission systems diagnosis and repair. I was specialty trained and certified by Automotive Career Development Center (AC/DC) in hybrid vehicle repair, maintenance, and service.As a small shop, I frequently discussed with customers their car's diagnosis and recommendations. Additionally, I often answered phones and scheduled appointments. Show less

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  The Literacy Project

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2014

  Academic Tutor

  As a tutor, I worked individually and with small groups of adult students in classes working to acheive their HiSET. I worked in classes at both beginner and advanced levels across subjects.

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  Star Light Center

  Sept 2014 - Dec 2015

  Education Coordinator

  The Star Light Center is a human services facility serving adults living with mental illness. Their focus is is on employment, education, socialization, and life goals. At the Star Light Center, I worked with members to develop action plans and identify concrete steps required to achieve their goals. I also developed the education program. As the education coordinator I developed and delivered educational programs to foster intellectual engagement in a range of fields including art, history, literature, science, and financial literacy. Additionally, I coordinated meetings between members and financial aid, disabilities, and other offices at area colleges. Show less

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  Holyoke Community College

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2016

  Assesment Specialist and Academic Tutor

  I tutored in ELA classes at Holyoke Community College's Adult Learning Center, offering feedback and assistance to students working towards their HiSET. I also acted as a substitute teacher and led classes following teacher-created lesson plans in ELA and science classes. I was hired as their assessment specialist and administered the MAPT tests to every student to track learner gains for the state.

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  Champions/Knowledge Universe

  Jun 2016 - Jun 2018

  Teacher

  Champions is an extended learning program for elementary and middle school children, providing before and after school activities as well as summer programs. As a teacher at Champions, supported students in completing homework assignments and organized small and large group activities to supplement the day time education. Also, I communicated with parents about the program and their children’s activities.

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  Western Massachusetts Recover Center

  Dec 2017 - Aug 2019

  Academic Tutor

  At the Springfield Recover Center, I tutored students enrolled in the adult education program working towards achievinging their HiSET. I tutored students individually and in small groups in math and ELA classes to provide feedback, enhance their learning, and review lessons. A critical aspect of this work was genuinely appreciating and respecting the abilities the students bring to their learning despite challenges they may have faced in the past. My work with students sought to highlight and build on their learning strengths while working through barriers to their learning. This program was part of the Hampden County Corrections facilities. Show less

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  Berkshire County Historical Society

  Jun 2018 - Oct 2018

  Exhibit Intern

  At the Berkshire County Historical Society, I worked on a special exhibit, "I Will Never Forget...," honoring men and women from Berkshire County who served in World War Two. I researched, wrote biographical briefs, and created display boards for seven of the individuals who were featured in the exhibit. Additionally, I built the online portion of the exhibit that is featured on their website.

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  Mass MoCA

  Aug 2018 - Aug 2019

  Gallery Attendant

  At the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, I maintained accurate knowledge of exhibits and events in order to discuss with visitors the individual pieces as well as how each piece functions in the larger body of an exhibit. Additionally, I helped visitors navigate the expansive campus, requiring a detailed mental map of the facilities and of each work of art.

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  Springfield Museums

  Jan 2019 - Apr 2019

  Archive Intern

  While at the Springfield History Library and Archive, I processed a substantial donation from intake through shelving. The donation was from the local newspaper, The Republican, and included newspapers, journals, photographs, and other ephemera. I was responsible for sorting and organizing the donation, preparing the materials for preservation, and inputting each item's information into the PastPerfect collections management system.

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  South Hadley Public School

  Jun 2019 - Jun 2020

  Education Paraprofessional and Education Coach

  As a paraprofessional, I worked with high school and middle school students to resolve social, emotional, and behavior barriers to their education, build resiliency, and develop a growth mindset. I provided help with schoolwork in all subjects and ensured accommodations were provided according to student’s IEP. Additionally, I assisted the special education teacher with daily classroom tasks and filled in as a substitute teacher as needed. As an education coach, I provided individual assistance to a student with medical and intellectual needs while they took classes at the University of Massachusetts. This student was a high school student enrolled in MAICEI program at UMass, a program that supports high school students with intellectual disabilities explore the university experience through classes and internships. Show less

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  University of Massachusetts Amherst

  Sept 2020 - Dec 2021

  Graduate Teaching Assistant

  I was a graduate teaching assistant for undergraduate classes. I hosted discussion sections for classes of 60 students to engage with class material on a deeper level. I was also responsible for grading, communicating class expectations, and keeping students on track with the class. When classes transitioned online during COVID-19, my role became even more crucial to student success. During the 2020-2021 academic year, the classes were offered over Blackboard and Moodle, and I worked with both of these platforms. Show less

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  Springfield Museums

  Jun 2021 - Jun 2023

  Exhibit Technician and Guest Curator

  Beginning as an intern in the Springfield Local History Archives at the Springfield Museums, I am now guest curating an exhibit for the history museum and and working as an exhibit technician in the history, art, and science museums. During this time, I have had to opportunity to work with an Indigenous advisory committee for the exhibit I am curating, research Springfield's early 20th century history with a diversity focus, and gain experience in the proper handling and care of museum objects and artifacts.As a graduate intern, I researched the lives of the Geisel family and Springfield in the early 20th century for the development of an online tour of Ted Geisel's (Dr. Seuss) childhood home. My research sought to contextualize Ted's childhood in the broader culture of Springfield, and therefore included Black and immigrant communities, women's education, domestic work, and World War I in the region. Following this, I began researching Indigenous history of the Connecticut River Valley as part of the Springfield Museums initiative to more appropriately interpret Indigenous history and culture throughout the museums. This research culminated in a report which formed the basis of the exhibit that I am curating. For this exhibit, I am privileged to work with a group of Indigenous advisors who have provided invaluable insight and advice. In addition to curating the exhibit, I am an exhibition technician, where I assist in installing, maintaining, and deinstalling exhibits, and care for collections items. This work includes matting, framing, and hanging pictures, handling a variety of materials, and surface cleaning and inspecting collection items on display throughout the museums. Show less

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  Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

  Jun 2023 - now

  Director of Collections and Public Programs

  Through our historic collections and archives, guest speakers, and reading circles, I engage the public with true histories to better understand the historical roots of today's social justice issues. As the Director of Public Programs, I organize regularly held programs where community gathers to discuss the society we live in and the ways we can create positive change for a shared future. I also work with a wonderful team on our Stowe Prize, our literary award recognizing an author whose work engages with a critical social justice issue. This work brings me into contact with some of the best writers and thinkers of today, and it is a pleasure to be involved with this process. As Director of Collections I am responsible for our historical archives and collections. I consider the best preservation approaches to ensure that this important collection exists for future generations. I also consider how to best activate our collections for our understanding of history today. I believe that collections can both be safely preserved and should be brought out to the public to learn from. Show less