About

• Organizational leadership

• Needs assessment and analysis

• Professional development and training

• Strategic planning

• Capacity building

• Project management

• Program development and evaluation

• Marketing, communications, and public relations

• Board governance and leadership development

• Coordinating and managing small- to large-scale events

• Partnership development and collaboration

• Human resources and team leadership

• Fundraising and resource development

• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial management

• Technology, website development, and infrastructure

• Volunteer engagement and management

• Workshop and retreat facilitation

• Community engagement

• Crisis management and organizational change

• Mergers, acquisitions, and dissolutions

Antioch University - Yellow Springs, OH: Master of Arts (MA) in Nonprofit Management, 2025 - present

• • • Courses: Financial Analysis for Nonprofit Organizations; Organizational Leadership and Governance; Program Planning and Evaluation; Human Resources Management; Leading High Performing Teams; Grant Writing and Resource Development; Marketing and Communication Strategy; Democracy, Capitalism, and the Nonprofit & Voluntary Sector

Valparaiso University - Valparaiso, IN: Graduate Certificate courses, 2018 - 2019

• • • Courses: Introduction to Humane Education; Environmental Ethics; and Animal Protection

Oakland University - Rochester, MI: Certificate in Animal-Assisted Interventions (CHAIS), 2016 - 2017

• • • Courses: Introduction to Animal-Assisted Therapy; Psychology of Animal-Assisted Therapy; Animal Welfare in Animal-Assisted Therapy; Animal-Assisted Therapy with Special Populations; Practicum

Duquesne University - Pittsburgh, PA: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Humane Leadership, 2008 - 2011

• • • Graduated summa cum laude

    • Courses: Fundraising and Financial Management; Fundraising, Philanthropy, and Resource Development; Human Resource and Volunteer Management; Strategic Planning and Organizational Effectiveness; Best Practices in Organizations; Marketing and Public Relations; Nonprofit Board of Directors; Mediating Organizational Disputes; Organizational Communication

Nonprofit Consultant | 2022 - present 

• • Provide strategic counsel and hands-on support across all operational functions, optimizing performance, sustainability, and mission alignment.

  • Leverage deep expertise to address complex challenges, identify growth opportunities, and deliver customized, actionable solutions that lead to measurable results.

  • Develop and implement program strategies, improving effectiveness and outcomes, and measuring impact through data-driven evaluation.

  • Create fundraising and donor cultivation strategies, resulting in increased funding and retention.

  • Guide financial planning, budgeting, and cost reduction, improving fiscal health and operational efficiency.

  • Strengthen nonprofit leadership through governance training and executive coaching.

  • Develop marketing strategies to increase visibility, engagement, and public awareness.

  • Invest in and support organizational development by enhancing strategic direction, fortifying leadership capabilities, and building internal capacity for long-term success.

  • Offer a full spectrum of services, including capacity building, financial management and sustainability, fundraising and resource development, governance and leadership development, marketing and communications, needs assessment and analysis, professional development and training, program development and evaluation, strategic planning, and volunteer engagement.

Humane Education Coalition - Founder and President | 2017 - 2022 

• • Collaborated with a global network of over 150 partners to drive the growth of the organization, working towards our long-term vision of a compassionate, equitable, and regenerative future. 

  • Oversaw all aspects of fiscal management, operations, fundraising, marketing, human resources, technology, and programmatic strategies. 

  • Provided strategic vision and inspirational leadership to directors, executives, partners, advisors, and volunteers, ensuring the ongoing development of a professional and efficient organization and the establishment of a diverse, inclusive board. 

  • Formulated and executed comprehensive marketing, branding, and development strategies that maintained consistency, supported programming, and engaged a global network of partners, donors, and stakeholders. 

  • Implemented groundbreaking initiatives to advance the field of humane education, including research, policy, teaching resources and tools, an academic journal, grant programs, excellence awards, consulting services, and accreditation. 

  • Organized and produced the Humane Summit speaker series and created and hosted the Connected Roots podcast. 

  • HEC was acquired by the Academy of Prosocial Learning in 2022. 

SICSA - Community Engagement Manager | 2014 - 2016 

• • Served as a senior management leader responsible for overseeing all activities related to donor development, marketing and public relations, education, volunteer services, outreach, animal-assisted therapy, and fundraising/special events. 

  • Responsible for all management actions, including hiring, supervising, motivating, and evaluating division staff. 

  • Under my leadership beginning in January 2014, the organization experienced a 930% increase in youth served annually through humane education, a 135% increase in annual humane education presentations, a 188% increase in total volunteers, a 210% increase in annual volunteer hours, a 71% increase in Lift Your Leg walk/run participation and 119% increase in event fundraising, and a 15% increase in funds raised for The Cat’s Meow dinner/auction.

  • Developed annual division budget and three-year financial forecasts. 

  • Oversaw volunteer program of over 730 active volunteers, including recruitment, recognition, and engagement. 

  • Managed and drove marketing and communication strategies, ensuring consistent messaging and effective brand management. Represented SICSA in various media channels, including television segments, public service announcements, radio spots, press releases, and media stories. 

Institute for Humane Education - Programs Manager | 2013 

• • Managed all events and on-site annual residency, including coordinating volunteers, supplies, event logistics, and fees. 

  • Coordinated online course and workshop registration, managed follow-up communications, and administered continuing education units (CEUs). 

  • Oversaw administrative procedures, ensured legal and nonprofit compliance, processed mailing and shipping requests, and managed fees and accounting procedures. 

  • Established and maintained IT systems and developed CRM constituent database. 

  • Cultivated relationships with applicants, students, educators, donors, and community organizations to explore partnership opportunities. 

San Francisco SPCA - Education Manager | 2011 - 2012 

• • Led a team of 20 employees (full-time, part-time, and seasonal) to deliver comprehensive educational programs to over 5,000 children in grades PreK-12 annually. 

  • Designed and implemented curricula incorporating a variety of learning methodologies to ensure an inclusive educational approach. 

  • Responsible for all management actions, hiring, supervising, motivating, and evaluating department staff. 

  • Recruited and engaged 65 adult and youth education program volunteers. 

  • Drafted and executed departmental budgets and forecasts. 

  • Oversaw outreach events and strengthened relationships with community partners and educators in both public and private institutions (see annual report). 

  • Managed administrative procedures, including department safety protocols, online participant database, donations and fees, and youth programs section of the website. 

Humane Society of Greater Dayton - Humane Educator and Development Coordinator | 2008 - 2011 

• • Managed all development initiatives, including organizing major fundraising events, sponsorship solicitation, major gift cultivation, grant writing and acquisition, online and direct mail campaigns, and regional donation box program.

  • Recruited and managed 70 volunteers for animal-assisted therapy and development roles.

  • Developed and presented educational programs for thousands of children throughout Miami Valley. 

  • Oversaw marketing efforts, including website, e-news, social media, and press releases, and designed all virtual and print collateral. Created and supervised graphic design internship program. 

  • Served as lead administrator for Dayton Alliance for Companion Animals (DACA), a regional animal welfare coalition. 

AmeriCorps - Service Member for Multiple Organizations | 2005 - 2008 

• • Educator | Children’s Hunger Alliance and Five Rivers MetroParks: Taught environmental education at regional parks, community gardens, organizations, libraries, and other venues as requested. Assisted with the grand opening of the Children’s Discovery Garden. Developed lesson plans and activities for after-school and homeschool programs. Taught nutrition curricula to hundreds of youth in public schools, community centers, and other organizations. Coordinated outreach initiatives, food access efforts, providing support for healthy habits, and resources for families and children.

  • Literacy Tutor | Project READ and Dakota Center: Taught literacy and mathematics skills to children in grades K-12 and adult learners. Developed lesson plans and assignments to enhance tutoring effectiveness. Several students displayed grade-level improvements of a year or more. Participated in national literacy conference. Promoted to Supervisor of the after-school program with 60 children in grades K-8. Strengthened relationships with community partners and schools.

• Lantern Publishing & Media - Advisory Council | 2025 - present

• Waste-Free Dayton - Board Member | 2025 - present

• Habitat Environmental Center - EcoFEST Committee Member and Environmental Educator | 2025 - present

• Franklin Foundation Senior Living Community - Yoga Teacher | 2025 - present

• NAMI Montgomery County - NAMIWalks Planning Committee | 2025 - present

• Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm - R.E.A.D.S. Mentor | 2025 - present

• Artemis Center - Special Event Support | 2025 - present

• Five Rivers MetroParks & Montgomery County Environmental Services - Master Recycler | 2025 - present

• Ohio Animal Advocates - Board President | 2024 - present

• City of Kettering - Volunteer Advisory Council | 2024 - present

• Ohio State University Extension - Master Gardener | 2024 - present

• Junior League of Dayton - Active Member | 2024 - present

• Gem City Kitties - Board Secretary / President / Advisor | 2017 - present

• Voiceless - Education Advisory Council | 2018 - 2021

• Human Rights Educators USA - Collaborative Action, Policy, & Advocacy Committee | 2018 - 2020

• Mini Acts for the Greater Good (Hong Kong) - Advisor | 2018 - 2020

• Vegan Ladyboss - San Antonio VLB Chapter Organizer | 2018 - 2020

• Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption - Volunteer | 2018 - 2019

• Wreaths Across America - Volunteer | 2018

• UnChained - Board President / Advisor | 2016 - 2020

• Oakland University - AAT Curriculum Redesign Committee | 2017

• Peace of Mind Senior Dog Rescue - Advisory Council | 2016 - 2020

• Animal Friends Rescue Project - Volunteer Program Development | 2016 - 2017

• Dorothy's Place - Drop-In and Kitchen Shelter Volunteer | 2016-2017

• Better Business Bureau Miami Valley - Eclipse Integrity Awards Committee | 2014 - 2016

• Association of Professional Humane Educators - Website and Resources Committees | 2012 - 2014

• Wags Inn Canine Charities - Marketing and Special Projects | 2012 - 2013

• Yellow Springs Senior Center - Development Volunteer and Driver | 2012 - 2013

• Humane Society of Greater Dayton - Events and Animal-Assisted Therapy | 2006 - 2013

• Glen Helen Nature Preserve - Earth Day 5K Committee | 2012 - 2013

• Mercy for Animals - Campaigns Volunteer | 2008 - 2010

• Womanline Support Services - Auxiliary Fundraising Committee | 2006 - 2009

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Great Strides Event Committee | 2007 - 2008

• Big Brothers Big Sisters - Bigs in Schools Tutor | 2006 - 2007

• Montgomery County Juvenile Court - Natural Helpers Program Mentor | 2006 - 2007

• Oak Tree Corner for Grieving Children - Support Group Volunteer | 2006 - 2007

• United Rehabilitation Services - Preschool Assistant Volunteer | 2005 - 2006

• Twin Valley Behavioral Health - Client Services Volunteer | 2005 - 2006

• NonprofitReady ELITE Certification - NonprofitReady | 2025

• Master Recycler Certification - Five Rivers MetroParks and Montgomery County Environmental Services | 2025

• Master Gardener Certification - Ohio State University Extension | 2025

• Mindfulness Teacher Certification - YogaRenew | 2022

• Yin Yoga Teacher Certification - YogaRenew | 2022

• Yoga Teacher Certification (RYT 200) - YogaRenew | 2021

• Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) Certification - Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics | 2021

• RedRover Readers Teacher Education Program - RedRover | 2018

• Animal-Assisted Intervention Certification (CHAIS) - Oakland University | 2017

• Ordained Minister / Officiant - Ohio Secretary of State | 2015

• Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) - Academy of Prosocial Learning | 2009

• Certified Pet First Aid Leader - American Red Cross | 2009

• Producer and Organizer, Humane Summit - Humane Education Coalition | 2019

• Presenter, Effective Evaluation Strategies for Volunteer Programs - Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) Conference | 2019

• Leader and Organizer, Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE) Regional Workshop - San Francisco SPCA | 2012

• Creator, Compassion in the Classroom Teacher In-Service - San Francisco SPCA | 2012

• Organizer, National African-American Read-In - Dakota Center | 2007

• Presenter, Youth Gardening Education Workshop - Miami Valley Community Gardening Conference | 2006

• Do Good for Dayton Award - DayMet Credit Union and ABC 22/Fox 45 | 2025

  • This award highlights and celebrates the positive impact that individuals are making in the Miami Valley, and inspires others to contribute to the betterment of their communities. 

• Weller Prosocial Leadership Award - Academy of Prosocial Learning | 2020

  • This award recognizes educators and advocates who embrace humane leadership as a means to create long-term, sustainable change in their community and around the world. Selected recipients have demonstrated excellence in the field and dedication to the growth of prosocial education.

• The Visionary - Show Your Soft Side | 2018

• Core Components of Humane Education - Principal Author, 2021

  • The Core Components of Humane Education focuses on the process of teaching and learning to create a more compassionate, equitable, and regenerative world for all living beings and the planet we share. This resource helps practitioners understand best practices, develop education programs that create and sustain prosocial attitudes and behaviors, and elevate the field of humane education as a whole. The core components and objectives provide a framework for developing high-quality humane education programs and lesson plans. They guide practitioners in program development, support them in assessing the impact of their learning experiences, and measure the effectiveness of their programs.

• Academy of Prosocial Learning - Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) Program - History of Humane Education; Reach a Teacher; The Magic of Stories: Encouraging Empathy Through Narrative; Empowering Youth through Service-Learning; Evaluating Humane Education Programs

• American Veterinary Medical Association/VetMedTeam Continuing Education - Managing Compassion Fatigue

• Amnesty International - The Rights of Refugees; Art and Protest: Promoting Human Rights through Creative Expression; COVID-19 and Human Rights; The Global Arms Trade; Tax and Human Rights, Write for Rights; Human Rights Defenders; Indigenous Peoples' Land Rights

• ASPCAPro - Combating Dogfighting

• Center for Compassion, Integrity, and Secular Ethics - Compassionate Integrity Training

• Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison - Compassion Training: Meditation and Cognitive Reappraisal Trainings

• Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) - Introduction to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Five Rivers MetroParks and Montgomery County Environmental Services - Master Recycler Training Program; Compost Kitchen (soil ecology, compost-centric gardening, and waste management practices)

• Institute for Humane Education - Sowing Seeds Workshop

• Jane Goodall Institute - Roots & Shoots Program - Compassionate Leadership Through Service-Learning

• NonprofitReady - Leadership Essentials Certificate; Nonprofit Essentials Certificate; Fundraising Essentials Certificate; Marketing Essentials Certificate; Nonprofit Board Member Essentials Certificate; Financial Management Essentials Certificate; Grant Seeking Essentials Certificate; Managing Change in Your Organization; LGBTQ in the Workplace; Introduction to Unconscious Bias

• Non-Trivial - How to (Actually) Change the World: Foundational Ideas of Effective Altruism

• Ohio State University Extension - Master Gardener Training Program; Engaging Youth In Programming; Growing Teachers Through the Seasons (GTS); Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training

• Oxford Centre - Leadership & Management; Interpersonal Skills

• Thames College - Strategic Management for Charity Organizations

• Thrive Philanthropy - Nonprofit Management Accelerator; Research for Advocacy

• UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development - Self-Directed Emotional Learning for Empathy and Kindness (SEEK) Program

• YogaRenew - 200-hr Teacher Training; Mindfulness Certification; Yin Yoga Training; Ayurveda: History, Philosophy, & Science; Sound Healing; Yoga for Social Justice

• Hive - Community Member | 2025 - present

• Giving What We Can - 10% Pledge Member | 2025 - present

• Greater Montgomery County Master Gardener Association | 2025 - present

• Dayton Area Wild Ones | 2025 - present

• International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) | 2025 - present

• Human-Animal Interaction Section of American Psychological Association | 2017 - present

• Human Rights Educators USA | 2017 - 2022

• Young Nonprofit Professionals Network | 2017 - 2021

• Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement | 2019 - 2021

• Association of Professional Humane Educators | 2009 - 2021

• National Association of Professional Women | 2017 - 2021

• San Antonio Nonprofit Council | 2017 - 2021

• San Antonio Young Professionals | 2017 - 2021

• Miami Valley Association of Volunteer Administrators | 2014 - 2016

• Duquesne University Alumni Association | 2011 - present

• Duquesne University Alpha Sigma Lambda Premier National Honor Society Iota Chi Chapter Member | 2011 - present

• Miami Valley Grant Professionals Association | 2008 - 2011

Ohio Animal Advocates Website Redesign | 2024

Led the complete redesign of the organization's website to improve user experience, functionality, and visual appeal. Conducted user research, analyzed existing site performance, and developed a responsive, mobile-friendly design. Enhanced navigation, optimized load times, and incorporated modern branding to align with organizational objectives and improve user engagement. Delivered a seamless and intuitive experience across devices.

HRE USA Collaborative Action, Policy and Advocacy Committee | 2018 - 2020 

This committee develops, reviews, and undertakes collaborative action projects in conjunction with HRE USA partner organizations. Projects include submitting shadow reports on human rights education in the US to the United Nations, developing a Curriculum Guide, and actively advocating for US states to integrate HRE into education standards.

AAT Curriculum Redesign Committee | 2017

Served on the committee to redesign the Animal-Assisted Therapy curriculum with a focus on the veteran population. A collaborative effort between Pet Partners, Oakland University's Center for Human-Animal Interventions, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

#SpreadTheGood Campaign | 2015 

Led my organization’s campaign with the Dayton Foundation's #SpreadtheGood initiative, a community engagement and social media-driven campaign to support nonprofit organizations in the Miami Valley. Our team received second place in the Community Challenge and a substantial grant to support our organization's volunteer program.

BBB Eclipse Integrity Awards | 2014 -2016

Served on the Better Business Bureau's Eclipse Integrity Awards Committee, as the representative of an organization that received the award in a previous year. Assisted with nominations, planning, logistics, sponsorships, attendance, and event support.

APHE Regional Workshop | 2012 

Organized and facilitated a day-long regional workshop for 13 Humane Educators in the San Francisco Bay Area on behalf of the Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE). The workshop included a lesson plan and resource exchange, program highlights, a roundtable discussion, and other activities to encourage networking and professional development.

Compassion in the Classroom - Teacher In-service Workshop | 2011 - 2012 

Developed teacher in-service workshop to help educators utilize humane education in a classroom setting. Outcomes included: Describe the cycle of violence and explain the link between animal abuse and violence toward people; Provide opportunities for educators to help students break the cycle of violence; Highlight the standard character values and social-emotional learning skills that parallel those within the scope of humane education; Demonstrate how humane education aligns with national and state content standards; Provide teaching tools to integrate humane education into current curricula.

Teaching Love & Compassion (TLC) at San Francisco SPCA | 2012 

Led the creation of the TLC pilot program at the San Francisco SPCA, a violence prevention and intervention program that targets historically underserved youth (ages 11-15) in an intensive program designed to increase attitudes of kindness and respect for both animals and fellow humans. The program invites youth to work with the SPCA staff and volunteers to learn to care for and train shelter dogs. Additionally, youth participate in interactive lessons that include anger management, conflict resolution, animal cruelty issues, the web of life, and development exercises. As students work through the conflicts and challenges of working as a group to train shelter dogs, they develop compassion, responsibility, and patience. Pilot program development included conducting target neighborhood research, budgeting, networking with schools and community centers, developing the curriculum, participant paperwork, MOUs, job descriptions, human resources, and additional documentation.

Feeding Furry Friends Campaign | 2010 - 2011 

Organized and led the first-annual Feeding Furry Friends (FFF) campaign, a community-wide initiative and a resource for low-income families with pets to obtain pet food through the holiday season. Developed a pet food bank system in partnership with several area agencies with the goal of keeping families together instead of surrendering pets to area shelters due to lack of financial ability. I coordinated logistics with partners and recruited and managed a volunteer base to process the intake and distribution. The community donated over 13,000 pounds of food to the FFF campaign.

Dayton Alliance for Companion Animals (DACA) | 2009 - 2011 

DACA was a coalition of animal welfare agencies in the Dayton region that sought to end the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals and was part of a national movement to dramatically reduce the euthanasia of healthy animals. DACA provided a shared voice for a more humane community for animals through education, spay/neuter initiatives, and adoption. I oversaw the initial development of DACA and the collaboration of its partners, recruited and trained partner agencies in Asilomar Accords for Maddie's Fund grant compliance, coordinated and led coalition meetings to establish objectives and identify strategic goals, and wrote and secured grant funding for DACA partners.

National African American Read-In | 2008 

Organized and managed the Dakota Center's first-annual African American Read-In event. Arranged public readings and media presentations that featured professional black writers, artists, and other public figures. Eleven regional government officials, news personalities, and other special guests joined us for an afternoon of reading books, poetry, and speeches to 65 program participants in grades K-6. The event received significant media attention.