June 2024: Surviving and Thriving in a Month of Chaos

June was a whirlwind for me! Between speaking at the NAEYC Professional Learning Institute and all the Roller Derby, I missed my bed, my dogs, and my family (in that order).

My “day” job is as an Associate Director of Administration for Erikson Institute, where I had the opportunity to co-present at two panels at NAEYC: “Storytelling/Storyacting: Nurturing Minds, Empowering Hearts and Strengthening Communities” and “Prepare, Practice and Ponder: Design Professional Development to Help Teachers Leap Hurdles” and I also presented a working group of my own at the First National Meeting of Racial Justice of Early Math on “Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Math Anxiety as a Parent and Empowering Your Children”. (Did I mention that this was the first time of me presenting to an audience of this scale?) Throw in about 9 Roller Derby games across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin and you have my June in a nutshell. Crazy, right?

These are the times where I am SO glad that I’m a talented administrator. Planning and preparing for three panels, especially with travel included, demands meticulous organization and foresight. As a talented administrative professional, my skills in scheduling, coordinating logistics, and anticipating needs are invaluable. From booking flights and accommodations to ensuring all necessary materials are ready and transported, my expertise ensures smooth transitions and minimal stress. The ability to manage time effectively, communicate clearly with all stakeholders, and handle unexpected challenges with grace makes the difference between a hectic trip and a successful, well-orchestrated series of events.