Education
Master of Education
-Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan
-Literacy Studies with an Emphasis Reading/Lang. Arts Secondary
-Literacy Studies with an Emphasis Reading/Lang. Arts Secondary
Current
Bachelor of Arts
Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan
-Major: English/ Language Arts
-Minor: Elementary Education
-Major: English/ Language Arts
-Minor: Elementary Education
May 2007
Teacher Certifications
-Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan
-Endorsements: Elementary Education and Language Arts
-Endorsements: Elementary Education and Language Arts
May 2007
Google Certifications
-Google Testing Center, Online
-Google Certified Educator
-Google Certified Educator
August 2014
Experience
Founder and Owner
December 2012 – Current
Come Alive Creative
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Oversee and manage full-service creative team and all company responsibilities
- Maintain all client relationships and manage projects
- Personally handle all WordPress-based web development and audio editing
Co-founder
December 2012 – September 2016
Happy Mitten Games
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Oversee company operations including board game development, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and customer relations
- Maintain company website and produce company podcast which has over 65,000 listeners worldwide
- Participate and volunteer in local and national board game events including GenCon, Origins, Protospiel and GrandCon
Library Technology Specialist
August 2012 – September 2014
Vista Charter Academy
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Created and implemented a technology curriculum to all grades K-8 including multi-platform research projects, web development basics (HTML & CSS), graphic design, video editing, and digital citizenship
- Proctored NWEA testing for all grades K-8 for three sessions over the school year
- Maintained most of school’s hardware and software needs
7th Grade Language Arts Teacher
August 2008 – July 2012
Vista Charter Academy
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Created and implemented a state guide-lined curriculum to 7th grade
- Achieved a 214% average rate of growth on NWEA test
- Served on school improvement team
Special Education Para Professional
August 2007 – July 2008
Knapp Charter Academy
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Supported several 1st through 8th grade students with special needs and learning disabilities
- Played a predominate role in school special events including middle school assemblies; videography and technical help for school sports and events; and leading a weekly, after-school guitar club
Professional/ Personal Development
Below are some of the larger conferences and workshops I’ve attended. I also constantly read and have several mentors I go to for guidance.
- WordCamp Conference, Chicago, 2017
- WordCamp Conference, Chicago, 2016
- Ignite Learning Conference, Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), 2014
- Web Development Internship, Mindutopia, 2013
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) training, National Heritage Academies, 2013
- Blending Technology & Curriculum for Today’s Learner Conference, MACUL, 2013
- WordCamp Conference, Grand Rapids, 2012
- Empowering Innovation Conference, MACUL, 2012
- Annual Spring Meeting, National Writing Project (NWP), 2011
- Invitational Summer Institute, Lake Michigan Writing Project (NWP), 2010
- Capturing Kids Heart, The Flippen Group, 2009
Recommendations
Below are some of the testimonials and recommendations I’ve received. You can view more on my company’s website or on my LinkedIn profile. Letters of recommendation and references available upon request.
