Work-Based Learning Strategist
Talent Pathway Architect
Curriculum Designer
Most schools still measure student success with grades.
That signal is outdated.
Today, career readiness is defined by what students can actually do—communication, problem solving, adaptability, and real-world experience.
That’s the work I lead.
Career Readiness, Work-Based Learning, and Real-World Education
I’m a Career and Technical Education (CTE) leader and Career Internship Program Coordinator with over 23 years of experience building work-based learning programs, student internship systems, and school-community partnerships.I design and scale programs that connect students to real businesses, real projects, and real expectations—while they are still in school.
This is not simulated learning.
Students:
- Interview for positionsWork with professionals
- Contribute to real outcomes
- Build durable skills that translate beyond the classroom
Because career readiness is not a transcript. It is proof.
What I Believe About Education and Career Pathways
We don’t need to eliminate college.
We need to rethink how we define readiness.
For some students, that path includes a two-year or four-year degree.
For others, it includes apprenticeships, certifications, or direct entry into the workforce.
The future of education is not “college or career.”
It is college and career readiness through real experience.
Disrupt Education Podcast
I am the co-host of the Disrupt Education Podcast, a leading education podcast focused on career readiness, CTE, work-based learning, and the future of education.
- 400+ episodes
- 500,000+ downloads
- Featured conversations with educators, workforce leaders, and innovators
The podcast highlights real solutions, not theory, and helps educators and leaders take action immediately.
Impact in Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- 23+ years in education leadership
- Career Internship Program Coordinator, Naperville School District 203
- Built and scaled internship programs across multiple districts
- Hundreds of students placed in real-world learning experiences
- Partnerships with businesses, chambers of commerce, and community organizations
- Speaker and advocate for career readiness and work-based learning
What I Do Now
I help schools, districts, and organizations:
- Build work-based learning programs that connect students to industry
- Create student internship pipelines aligned with career pathways
- Develop durable skills through real-world experiences
- Strengthen school and community partnerships
- Shift classrooms from content delivery to experience-driven learning
I also speak and collaborate with education and workforce leaders looking to modernize how we prepare students for life after graduation.
Speaking, Consulting, and Collaboration
I partner with:
- School districts
- Education leaders
- Workforce development organizations
- Community and business partners
Topics include:
- Career readiness and durable skills
- Work-based learning and internships
- CTE program development
- Student engagement through real-world learning
- The future of education and workforce alignment
Let’s Connect
If you are building career pathways, expanding work-based learning, or looking to better connect education to real-world outcomes, let’s connect.
Together, we can create systems where students don’t just graduate...they leave with experience, confidence, and direction.
