Curriculum Vitae
Bio
Dedicated and creative childhood educator and graduate school candidate in Speech Language Pathology with varied experience, excellent collaboration skills, and a passion for fostering inclusive environments with cultural awareness.
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Education
The University of Kansas
SPLH pre-requisite coursework
Expected completion in May 2021
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I retained a 4.0 GPA in SLPH courses during my time in KU's post-baccalaureate program, establishing core concept knowledge in speech, language, and hearing. In my classes, I utilized evidentiary research materials in collecting and analyzing language samples and was recognized for leadership by instructors for providing answers to questions and explaining helpful resources to peers on the Piazza collaboration app.
The University of Kansas
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Conferred May 2019
In my undergraduate program, I maintained a 3.4 GPA while working 50-60 hours per week. This experience taught me organizational and time-management skills that will be indispensable as I move into graduate-level work. I applied to the P.D.S. program, where I demonstrated cultural competence with internships in socio-economically diverse elementary schools with additional professional development opportunities. In my courses and practicum work, I developed a firm foundation in child development, literacy acquisition and approaches to intervention.
"Often student teachers are hesitant to speak up in meetings or during collaboration, but I have found Jo to be willing to interject into these learning communities in a very professional and valuable way." - Megan Holcomb, Clinical Supervisor
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Experience
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Cottonwood, Inc.
Direct Support Professional
Sept. 2017 - Present
Here, I provided services as a caregiver for individuals with intellectual disabilities in a residential setting; my duties included administering medication, contributing to personal care, preparing healthy meals, monitoring behavior, maintaining confidentiality, and establishing routines. I composed daily and monthly paperwork regarding behaviors and goals and attended and contributed to Person-Centered Planning meetings.
Guadalupe Centers Elementary School
First Grade Classroom Teacher
Aug 2019 - June 2020
My time at Guadalupe included both the most rewarding and the most challenging moments of my professional experiences. As a first-grade co-teacher, I worked primarily with Spanish-speaking English Language Learners (ELLs), and used evidence-based practice to provide engaging and culturally-relevant materials and lessons. In February, I attended the KC EdCollective Unconference, focusing on increasing student achievement through exposure to complex texts, improving on-demand writing with ELLs, and individualized differentiation techniques. I received school-wide recognition for professionalism on March 9, 2020 and transitioned to virtual delivery of lessons in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This transition, though challenging, gave me a unique perspective on virtual engagement and best practices for digital delivery.
Stepping Stones, Inc.
Assistant Preschool Teacher
May 2015 - July 2019
As a preschool teacher, I worked under the lead teacher to design play-based lesson plans and activities focused on age-appropriate material for children aged two to four. I managed employees as the senior staff person in my room from 3-6pm, and taught social-emotional skills through modeling, group work, peer-mediation, visual anchor charts, role-play scenarios, and conflict resolution strategies. While I worked primarily with the preschool-age children, I demonstrated child development knowledge in substituting for other age-level classrooms, including infants, toddlers, and after-school care for elementary students.
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MHED
Emergency Substitute (K-6)
Oct 2018 - May 2019
While I started here hoping to gain experience leading elementary school classrooms, I quickly found that I was drawn to fill positions working with students with communication differences or disabilities. The majority of the roles I filled while substitute teaching were in para positions working with children with moderate to severe autism. In these roles, I communicated effectively with diverse populations and provided student mentoring to enhance positive attitudes in communication, self-regulation, problem solving, and social skills. I was able to learn more about the IEP process, steps to becoming an SLP, and practiced collecting and organizing behavioral and activity data.
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Community Involvement
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F.A.C.E.S. in Health @ KU
Founder
Jun 2020 - Present
Inspired by the Black Lives Movement and by anecdotal stories of friends and community members, I helped found a student organization with the mission to provide high-quality training in cultural equity and sensitivity to undergraduate students in pre-health tracks. During my time here, I served in various roles, including president, treasurer, and board member. I oversaw growth from only 3 members to over 40 as I collaborated with the leadership team, helped develop the constitution and by-laws, led meetings, created and implemented the website and digital materials, and led recruitment efforts.
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NSSLHA
Student Member
Jul 2020 - Present
As a member of NSSLHA, I have been an avid reader of the ASHA Leader and National NSSLHA Blog. I was inspired to contribute to the discussion in writing a piece about active listening in teletherapy settings. This project gave me insight into survey creation and distribution, as well as the editing and publishing process.
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KU Kansas National Education Association
Student Member
Aug 2017 - May 2019
Beginning to think about what would lie ahead for me after graduation, I decided to join KU KNEA. I made fast friends, joined committees, and tried to make the most of my experience. Though I knew that teaching was not the end of the road for me, this experience did instill the importance of getting involved with the professional organizations that would represent my interests and profession at the state and national level. I was one of four students selected to represent KU at the KNEA Student Fall Conference on 7 Sept. 2017, where I practiced public speaking and collaboration skills.
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Certifications
CITI Program
Health Privacy (HIPAA) for Researchers - #40255071
Issued Jan 2021
CITI Program
FDA Research for Social Behavioral Investigators - #40255070
Issued Jan 2021 - Expires Jan 2024
CITI Program
Social and Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher - #40255069
Issued Jan 2021 - Expires Jan 2024
AAC Learning Center
Certificate in Active Listening for SLPs
Issued July 2020
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Initial Teaching License (1-6) - #672429
Issued October 2019 - Expires October 2023
Kansas State Department of Education
Initial Teaching License (K-5) - #7242398797 - ESL endorsement pending
Issued July 2019 - Expires May 2021
American Heart Association
Infant, Child, and Adult CPR & First Aid Certification - #196006317499
Issued August 2019 - Expires August 2021
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Scholarships & Awards
Nathan Muggy Memorial Scholarship
May 2014
P.E.O. Scholarship
May 2014
Xi Iota Pi Scholarship
May 2014
Crimson Scholarship (KU)
August 2014 - August 2018
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