PROFESSIONAL CV
Acknowledgements and Recognitions
FLORIDA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
2020
The Florida Department of Education honors and recognizes excellence in teaching, supports continued learning for all educators, and highlights the importance and impact of the profession by selecting a Teacher of the Year to celebrate the thousands of outstanding professional educators in Florida schools. This program identifies an individual as the best teacher in Florida. As the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, the teacher of the year recognizes and honors the contributions of Florida's teachers, creates greater public awareness of Florida's exceptional teachers and the profession, inspires and motivates future and current teachers, and enhances the personal and professional development of the educators through professional learning opportunities.
LIFECHANGER OF THE YEAR
2020
LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program sponsored by National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country. Our program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
40 GATORS UNDER 40
2021
Since 2006, the University of Florida has honored Outstanding Young Alumni whose achievements positively impact The Gator Nation®. 40 Gators Under 40 is a tradition of honoring Gators who are going greater in their communities and professions.
USF OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI
2020
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award was established in 2004 to recognize alumni age 35 and younger for their professional accomplishments and engagement to the university. Selections are based on success in chosen careers; however, a demonstrated commitment to USF and opportunity for future involvement may also be considered.
GRAMMY MUSIC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
2013, 2020
Semi-finalist (2013); Quarter-finalist (2020). Presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum, the Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators (kindergarten through college, public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.
KING HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME - THE WALL OF PRIDE
2023
The “Wall of Pride” Award recognizes alumni of King High school who
have made significant contributions to our community.
This distinction can be in activities that include but are not limited to a
profession, a business, a sport, civic involvement, political activities and
other philanthropic areas.
EDUCATION
Degrees and Credentials
August 2003 - May 2007
BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION
University of Florida
College of the Arts
School of Music
August 2007 - May 2009
MASTER OF MUSIC
IN MUSIC EDUCATION
University of Florida
College of the Arts
School of Music
August 2013 - August 2014
MASTER OF EDUCATION
IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Concordia University Portland
College of Education
August 2011 - May 2015
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN MUSIC EDUCATION
University of South Florida
College of the Arts
School of Music
August 2020 - May 2023
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
IN LEARNING DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
Florida State University
College of Education
Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies
August 2021 - December 2023
DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS
IN CONDUCTING
University of Florida
College of the Arts
School of Music
WORK EXPERIENCE
Professional Work Credentials
July 2009 - June 2019
C. LEON KING HIGH SCHOOL
Director of Instrumental Studies
July 2019 - June 2020
FLORIDA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education
Florida Department of Education
March 2020 - May 2022
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Executive Director
Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice/School Improvement
July 2022 - present
ALACHUA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Director
Educational Equity and Outreach
August 2016 - June 2017
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND
Fine Arts Instructor
Hillsborough County Public Schools
August 2016 - June 2017
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE
Adjunct Professor
August 2016 - June 2018
HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Adjunct Professor
Dual Enrollment Instructor
CERTIFICATIONS
Professional Credentials
2022
FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Professional School Leadership Certification
2007
MUSIC K-12
Professional Florida Teaching Certificate
2010
LITTLE KIDS ROCK
Certified Little Kids Rock Curriculum Instructor
2011
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CLINICAL EDUCATOR
Intern Certified Classroom Educator
2015
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY MASTER TRAINER
Approved professional development presented and content developer
2016
FLORIDA BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION STATE ADJUDICATOR
Board Approved State Adjudicator for Solo and Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Marching Band
2016
FLORIDA ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION STATE ADJUDICATOR
Board Approved State Adjudicator for Solo and Ensemble and Concert Music Performance Assessments.
PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEES AND EXECUTIVE BOARDS
State and District
FLORIDA MUSIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
2022 - present
The mission of the Florida Music Education Association is to promote quality, comprehensive music education in all Florida schools. Service includes the executive board as the chair of the Emerging Leaders Program.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ALUMNI
2022 - present
ABA-GNV exists to connect Black University of Florida alumni with opportunities to engage, network, and support one another, as well as current and prospective Black UF students.
FILLING THE LANE MENTORSHIP ORGANIZATION
2022 - present
Our mission: Bridge the gaps between education, sports, arts, and community
FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF TEACHER EDUCATORS
2022 - present
The mission of the Florida Association of Teacher Educators (FATE) is to improve the effectiveness of teacher education through leadership in the development of high-quality programs to prepare teachers, by analyzing issues and practices relating to professional development, and by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth of Association members.
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
2022 - present
This committee meets to address the needs of the North Central Florida area around providing equitable supports and resources to the surrounding community.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
2022 - present
The purpose of this committee is to review and develop course offerings for the pursuit of higher level degrees at the University of Florida College of the Arts, specifically within the School of Music.
FLORIDA BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION
2022 - present
Health and Wellness Committee Chair and Sightreading Committee Member
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
2022 - present
The Alumni Association is responsible for a network of nearly 80 Gator Clubs® & 7 Affiliate Groups across Florida, the U.S. and internationally. These clubs are composed of alumni and friends who represent UF in their communities. They hold a wide variety of programs and events in support of the university. The Alumni Association is also actively involved with the recruitment of superior students to attend the University and with financial assistance programs in the form of scholarships sponsored by the Gator Clubs®.
FLORIDA COMMISSION ON COMMUNITY SERVICE
2021 - Present
Gubernatorial appointment as Commissioner.
In 1994, Volunteer Florida was established to administer national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, throughout the state. Today, the majority of these programs are education-based, but grantees are also actively working to protect public land, end homelessness and help adults with developmental disabilities live independently.
LEADERSHIP FLORIDA
2020 - Present
Education Class 6.
Leadership Florida is a unique organization that takes a holistic view of the conditions and challenges facing our great state and offers a continuum for expanding the impact of community leaders across the state. Created in 1982 by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Florida seeks to build a sense of statewide community by identifying and educating individuals who have the passion, commitment, and positioning to help make great things happen.
GENTLEMEN'S QUEST TAMPA, INC.
2020 - present
Gentlemen's Quest of Tampa Inc. is dedicated to helping our program participants realize their full potential as students, make positive choices regarding their academics and behavior, and equip them with the skills necessary to become productive citizens after they graduate.
INSTRUMENTS OF CHANGE
2016 - Present
Executive Board President, former Secretary.
Instruments of Change is an organization that brings after-school band programs to Title 1 schools. Implementing their expert created multicultural curriculum, students engage in the program from fourth through fifth grade. Upon completion of the program, IOC provides an instrument to the students who continue band participation in middle school free of charge.
FLORIDA COUNCIL ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS
2020 - 2022
Council and Education Committee Member.
The 2006 Florida Legislature established the Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to study conditions negatively affecting black males in our state. Housed in the Office of the Attorney General and consisting of a 19 member board The Council concentrates on developing programs and services based on sound practices that will improve the lives of black males. The Council brings awareness to both citizens and the leaders of Florida about socioeconomic disparities and the disproportionate number of minority children in the state’s child welfare system. The Council also encourages community partnerships throughout the state to help local communities and grassroots organizations model effective programs and best practices that will have a positive impact on the lives of Florida’s black males.
KING HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
2017 - 2023
Board Member.
The King High School Alumni Association exists to support the students and alumni of King High School in campus and community-based initiatives. The KHSAA plans events and organizes fundraisers in which the proceeds return to campus based-projects geared toward elements such as beautification and infrastructure improvements.
FLORIDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
2019 - 2020
Ex-officio member. Finance Committee Member.
As a valued partner in public education and a direct support organization for the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Education Foundation invests in high achievement for every student to contribute to Florida’s globally competitive workforce. The FEF support many educational programs throughout the state including STEAMposium, the National Civics Debate Competition, and the Florida Teacher of the Year Program.
FLORIDA TEACHER LEAD NETWORK
2019 - 2020
The Teacher Lead Network provides educators with one-on-one coaching like you've never seen before. Beginning with coaching on their own instructional practices, members focus on four areas, culture of learning, essential content, academic ownership, and demonstration of learning. This is accomplished through lesson planning, school visits, coaching calls, and guided reflection. The second phase of the one-on-one coaching is focused on our members developing the skills to mentor colleagues with the goal of positively affecting classrooms beyond their own.
H.O.P.E. INNOVATORS TASK FORCE
2020
As part of First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hope for Healing Florida initiative, the H.O.P.E. Innovators were created as a statewide community-based team tasked with developing innovative ways to connect Florida students and parents with mental health information and resources. The team, “Helping Organizations, Professionals and Educators Transform How Florida Understands Youth Mental Health” (H.O.P.E. Innovators), assisted in the facilitation of the Hope Ambassadors, a youth peer-to-peer student mentorship program that will recruit student volunteers to work with their peers and help create an environment of kindness and compassion in their schools.
HCPS DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
2019
A committee composed of educators throughout Hillsborough County to addresses concerns of diversity throughout the district.
HCPS AFRICAN-AMERICAN CURRICULUM WRITING COMMITTEE
2016, 2017
A team of district content and curriculum experts was collected to develop material to be integrated into each domain addressing the impact and role African-Americans have played in these areas. This was completed in an effort to gain Exemplary status provided by the African-American History Task Force.
HCPS MUSIC EXAM REVISION COMMITTEE
2015, 2016
A group of experienced music educators were compiled to re-evaluate and restructure the semester exams for secondary music programs that were out of date. Exams were redesigned, put into a current, more legible format, and corrected in order to increase validity and reliability.
HCPS SECONDARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CURRICULUM WRITING COMMITTEE
November 2009 - January 2011
This is a concise description of your previous work experience and the responsibilities you had. The most effective Portfolios give a clear snapshot of where you’re coming from and where you’re going in a way that’s easy for readers to scan and absorb quickly.
UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA SCHOOL OF MUSIC CURRICULUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2014-2016
This was a group of practicing music educators who would act as liaisons to the University of Tampa Department of Music on elements that composed the music educator prep program. Discussions identifying deficiencies in music interns and gaps within the music education courses of study that makeup the degree programs.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Memberships
2021
GOLDEN KEY INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Florida State University Chapter; Lifetime Member
2021
OMICRON DELTA KAPPA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP HONOR SOCIETY
Florida State University Circle; Lifetime Member
2014
EASTERN COALITION OF MUSIC EDUCATORS
Founder and President; Lifetime Member
2011
FLORIDA ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION
Active Member
2009
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION
Active Member
2009-2020
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SECONDARY MUSIC COUNCIL
Past President
2009
FLORIDA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
Active Member
2006
FLORIDA BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION
Active Member
2004
PHI MU ALPHA SINFONIA, INC.
Lifetime Member; Eta Omega Chapter