Dynamic professional with extensive experience in volunteer coordination at Cancer Companions, excelling in interpersonal communication and training. Successfully managed a database of over 200 volunteers, enhancing engagement through effective onboarding and support services. Proven ability to implement feedback systems, driving program improvements and volunteer satisfaction.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer Coordinator
Cancer Companions
07.2023 - Current
Facilitated communication between volunteers and program participants to ensure support needs were met, utilizing Constant Contact, Canva, Salesforce and Zoom.
Provided ongoing support and guidance to volunteers through quarterly Zoom meetings.
Collaborated with team members to identify areas for program improvement based on volunteer feedback.
Maintained detailed records of volunteer activities and engagement for reporting purposes using Microsoft Office and Google.
Maintained regular communication with volunteers through newsletters, social media updates, and personal check-ins, keeping them engaged and informed about upcoming opportunities.
Developed comprehensive training materials to ensure volunteers were well-prepared for their roles in a Christian cancer support organization.
Managed a database of over 200 volunteers, ensuring accurate record-keeping and easy access to information when needed.
Implemented volunteer feedback system to identify areas for improvement and enhance volunteer satisfaction.
Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
Early Childhood Educator
Zion Lutheran School
07.2010 - 06.2022
Led a multi-age preschool classroom of 24 students through the COVID pandemic via Zoom and outdoor socially distanced experiences.
Adapted to COVID school closures by learning multiple new online applications in 48 hours, resulting in no classroom time lost.
Implemented age-appropriate activities that foster creativity and critical thinking through the Project Approach and play based learning
Conducted assessments to evaluate individual learning needs and adapt strategies accordingly.
Established positive relationships with children, promoting social skills and emotional growth.
Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
Fostered creativity in the classroom through art projects, dramatic play, storytelling exercises, and other imaginative pursuits.
Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
Established ongoing professional development goals, participating in workshops and conferences to stay current on emerging trends in early childhood education.
Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
Monitored children's progress and provided feedback to parents on developmental milestones.
Created a safe and nurturing environment conducive to learning and exploration.
Care Coordinator
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
03.2003 - 12.2008
Demonstrated ability to manage case load of up to 150 active clients in need of emotional support or financial assistance related to medical conditions.
Collaborated with local companies and agencies to provide equipment and services to clients.
Conducted educational programming for people newly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Trained and managed 25 volunteers who staffed a confidential Helpline for 5700 persons living with MS in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, providing resources and support related to an MS diagnosis.
Managed a complex schedule of volunteers who had varied degrees of disability due to MS.
Collaborated with SLU School of Community Heath to provide a 3-week training on physiological, emotional and cognitive affects of MS to medical interns.
Worked multiple large scale fundraising events.
Intake Coordinator
St. Louis Crisis Nursery
03.2002 - 05.2003
Coordinated intake process for a 24 hour agency that provides safe, confidential care for children ages 0-12 yo living in at-risk homes,
Cared for children at risk for abuse or homelessness, providing personal hygiene care, nutritious meals, age appropriate clothing and safe, comfortable beds.
Provided age appropriate counseling and therapeutic activities related to their immediate crisis, including books and reading together, art, games and outdoor play.
Escorted children to St. Joseph's hospital clinic visits.
Provided crisis counseling and interagency referral to parents and guardians experiencing domestic violence of who were at risk of abusing their children.
Protected confidentiality of women in abusive situations who were seeking safe haven for their children while they established a support network of community resources.
Social Worker
Integris Health Inc
08.1997 - 07.2001
Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate patient needs and develop individualized care plans, specifically patients with cancer, neurological conditions, renal failure, HIV/AIDS.
Counseled patients and their families in end-of-life issues related to diagnosis, easing the transition to palliative care.
Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate patient discharge and post-hospital services.
Educated patients on available community resources for ongoing support after hospital discharge.
Negotiated with insurance companies and case managers to ensure patients received the appropriate level of care for their social situation.
Assisted patients in coping with acute or chronic illnesses by offering emotional support and appropriate referrals when needed.
Advocated for patients to secure appropriate treatment and length of stay related to their hospitalization.
Arranged necessary resources and services during hospitalization and post-discharge, including home health care, hospice, infusion services, transportation, equipment and counseling.