Through my personal experiences with child abuse, sexual violence, abandonment, and rejection, I've learned the importance of empathy and unconditional compassion. As a result, I have intentionally sought opportunities to use my personal experiences with trauma to educate and inspire professionals across various sectors, helping them better understand the impact of trauma on individuals and communities.
My academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Toledo. During my graduate studies, I served as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Multicultural Student Success at the University of Toledo, where I worked to strengthen intercultural connections and collaborations between multicultural students and university staff. My dedication earned me a position on the University’s Retention Research Committee, where I contributed to creating an inclusive learning environment for all students.
As a visionary leader and dedicated advocate, I have over 12 years of experience in program development and project management. I am a strategic leader committed to excellence, professionalism, innovation, continuous quality improvement, and efficient service delivery. Specifically, I have developed programs within the foster care, juvenile justice, and education systems aimed at working with youth and young adults in crisis. These roles have provided me with invaluable opportunities to manage system-wide changes across organizations while adhering to local, state, and federal mandates.
As an innovative leader, I spearheaded the design and implementation of an initiative aimed at improving the educational outcomes of youth in foster care and preventing their involvement in the juvenile justice system. Committed to continuous quality improvement I have also served as an Assistant Principal where I created a school culture that prioritized academic rigor and equitable education for all students. By focusing on optimizing student experiences and introducing innovative practices and technologies to enhance online learning, I have implemented cutting-edge practices that improve learning outcomes for K-12 as well as post-secondary students.
As a skilled grant writer, I have successfully written grants for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Department of Education (DOE), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), all of which have received significant funding.
My commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond my professional roles into my community leadership. In 2014, I initiated and financially sponsored "Rebuilding Community Day," a free event providing food, clothing, and information on community resources. Due to its success, it has become an annual event, demonstrating my enduring impact on my community. I have also served a Youth Pastor & Pastoral Aide where I had the opportunity to visit people in the hospital, comfort families at funerals, and be with individuals during life's toughest moments.
As a result of my transformational leadership skills I was nominated for and received the prestigious 20 Under 40 Award which showcases dynamic leaders from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan who are under the age of 40.
My personal and professional experiences have taught me to truly listen, to see the pain that others might be carrying, and to offer support with a genuine heart. I believe these qualities allow me to connect deeply with those in crisis, offering them the understanding and hope they need to find their way through. Currently, as a keynote speaker and trainer, I am using my personal experiences in foster care, abuse, trauma, and grief as a platform to help educators, case workers, ministers, and other service providers understand the impact of trauma on the well-being and success of all individuals. Because of my passion for helping others find hope, I am known throughout the country as "Marjory the Motivator."
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