Where Is Joanna?

About

My Story

My dad always stressed how important it was to know where you come from, so that when you get to your destination, you can measure how far you came.

My story starts as the youngest child of immigrant parents; the only one in my family born in the United States. I was raised a New Jersey girl, growing up in the shadows of New York City. The whole world was available to me for just $1.25, the cost of a bus ticket to cross the George Washington Bridge. My family looked like a United Nations of biological and fictive kin: a Greek father, a Swedish mother and brother, a Dominican brother, Pakistani uncles, Ecuadorian aunts, Italian neighbors, Mexican housemates, and that’s only the half of it.

We owned restaurants and I was already learning hospitality by age 6, helping to seat customers. By 9, I had already demanded my own paychecks with taxes taken out. It’s no wonder I ended up in the customer service industry as a retail manager and possibly why when folks ask me how I survived so long working with the public I tell them, “I really just love people.”

I loved people so much I went back to school to study Anthropology, then Social Work and Disaster Leadership. For my whole life I have been the helpful face many people have sought out for troubles big and small.

Below you will find my CV

Present

  • May 2023 – May 2024

    MSW Field Intern / Harm Reduction Counselor

    AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod

    Applied theoretical knowledge in real-world social work settings, engaging in direct client interactions, assessments, and case management under expert supervision.

    • Communication Skills: Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with clients and collaborate within the social work team.
    • Cultural Competence: Exhibited empathy and cultural competence when working with diverse populations, ensuring a respectful and inclusive approach.
    • Team Collaboration: Actively participated in team collaboration and interdisciplinary communication, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the social work team.
    • Interview and Documentation: Proficient in conducting interviews, accurately documenting client information, and implementing effective intervention strategies.
    • Ethical Standards: Upheld high ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring the well-being and privacy of clients.
    • Commitment to Learning: Demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning, staying updated on best practices and contributing to a dynamic and evolving social work environment.
    • Adaptability and Resilience: Possessed adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges, contributing to a positive and solution-oriented work environment.
    • Contribution to Success: Showcased a willingness to contribute to the success of the social work field through proactive engagement and a results-driven mindset.

    Skills Leadership · Mental Health Counseling · Communication · Peer Support · Anthropology · Administration · Public Speaking · Support Groups · Training · Consulting · Teamwork · Report Writing · Management · Problem Solving · Writing · Analytical Skills · Team Building · Social Work · Data Analysis · Technical Writing · Microsoft Office · Project Management · Human Resources · Time Management · Scheduling · Presentation Skills · Community Support · Microsoft Excel · Research · Creative Writing · Human Ecology · Customer Service · Hiring · Data Mining

  • August 2023 – December 2023

    Manager of Harm Reduction and Outreach Services, Interim

    AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod

    Supported the Organization by stepping up to manage their mobile clinical services and training support.

    • Strategic Leadership: Orchestrated comprehensive outreach initiatives addressing the fentanyl drug crisis, AIDS/HIV prevention, drug overdose, needle exchange services, and sexual health counseling and testing. Led and managed a team of 8 individuals across two locations, ensuring coordinated efforts for maximum impact.
    • Mobile Clinic Operations: Spearheaded mobile clinic operations, providing essential services to diverse communities. Developed and implemented strategies to reach marginalized populations, enhancing accessibility to harm reduction resources. Proficiently conducted phlebotomy services within mobile clinics.
    • Community Engagement: Fostered community partnerships to strengthen outreach efforts. Collaborated with local organizations, health agencies, and community leaders to expand the reach and effectiveness of harm reduction programs.
    • Program Development: Contributed to the development and enhancement of needle exchange services, sexual health counseling, and testing programs. Implemented innovative approaches to address emerging needs in the community.
    • Phlebotomy Services: Applied specialized knowledge in harm reduction to provide phlebotomy services, ensuring the safe collection of blood samples in a supportive and non-judgmental environment for clients.
    • Supervision and Training: Effectively managed and mentored a team of 8 individuals, fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing training to ensure staff proficiency and adherence to best practices.
    • Collaborative Approach: Collaborated with outreach teams, healthcare professionals, and community partners to ensure seamless integration of phlebotomy services into broader harm reduction initiatives.
    • Adherence to Protocols: Strictly adhered to safety protocols and ethical standards, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with clients.

    Skills Peer Support · Support Groups · Training · Community Outreach · Management · Social Work · Community Organizing · Community Support · Human Ecology · Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

  • September 2021-October 2023

    Website Developer and Admin

    Brewster Whitecaps (Cape Cod Baseball League)

    Tasked with the comprehensive overhaul of the Brewster Whitecaps’ outdated website, I embarked on my inaugural project of constructing a dynamic, multifaceted online presence. This project not only challenged but also expanded my web development skills, particularly within the WordPress platform.

    Achievements:

    Website Revamp: Successfully redesigned and developed the Brewster Whitecaps’ website, transforming it from a static to a dynamic, engaging platform. Implemented WordPress for its flexibility and user-friendly interface, enhancing the site’s visual appeal and functionality.

    Online Onboarding System: Spearheaded the development of an innovative online onboarding system for new players, streamlining the registration and orientation process. Utilized front-end integration techniques and database management principles to ensure a seamless user experience.

    Streamlined Payment System: Introduced a more efficient payment system, integrating secure payment gateways and custom WordPress plugins to facilitate easy transactions for players and staff.

    Player Housing Tracker: Developed a custom player housing tracker to efficiently manage accommodation logistics for players, leveraging WordPress’s database capabilities and custom coding to automate and simplify housing assignments.

    Social Media Integration: Created social media portals for the intern journalism and broadcasting team, enabling easy content sharing and engagement with fans. This involved integrating social media APIs with WordPress and enhancing the site’s SEO to increase visibility.

    Skills:

    Proficient in WordPress, CSS, HTML, and Front-End Integration, creating a responsive and aesthetically pleasing online experience.

    Applied Database Management techniques for effective information storage and retrieval, enhancing site functionality.

    Utilized Analytics to monitor website traffic and user engagement, making data-driven decisions to improve SEO and overall site performance.

    Employed Object-Oriented Programming concepts to develop custom functionalities, enhancing the site’s interactivity and user engagement.

    Gained expertise in working with Nonprofit Organizations, understanding their unique needs and challenges, and delivering tailored web solutions.

    Enhanced Interviewing skills through interaction with management and teams, ensuring the website accurately reflected organizational goals and player profiles.

    Exercised Patience and adaptability in learning new technologies and troubleshooting development challenges, ensuring project milestones were met efficiently.

    The Brewster Whitecaps

  • June 2020 – February 2023

    Deputy Command, Volunteers and Training

    BOCH CERT, (Brewster, Orleans, Chatham, and Harwich Community Emergency Response Team)

    Early in the COVID pandemic, motivated by a desire to contribute to the state, local, and county response efforts, I commenced my volunteering with BOCH CERT. My role rapidly evolved, leading to my election as Deputy Commander in charge of Volunteers and Training, where I’ve significantly contributed to the organization’s readiness and community support initiatives.

    Key Contributions & Achievements:

    Training Program Development: Spearheaded the organization and execution of comprehensive training programs, including traffic safety and CPR certification, for nearly 70 members. My efforts have directly enhanced the operational readiness and capabilities of the organization.

    Technical Innovations: Designed and implemented an automated recruiting process and developed the organization’s website, significantly improving our online presence and streamlining volunteer onboarding processes.

    Community Deployment: Actively participated in and led teams during various community events, both emergency and non-emergency, demonstrating a commitment to community service and emergency preparedness.

    Emergency Shelter Command: Played a pivotal role in organizing and commanding the emergency shelter at Monomoy during a local blizzard in January 2022. Collaborated effectively with multiple agencies, including MRC, AmeriCorps, DART, Eastham PD, and Barnstable County, to provide crucial support to community members in need.

    Skills & Competencies:

    Emergency Management Expertise: Proficient in FEMA training and policies, with extensive experience in emergency management and deployment strategies.

    Technical Training & Certification: Skilled in delivering technical training, including CPR and First Aid, and water safety, ensuring team members are well-prepared for various scenarios.

    Operational Excellence: Demonstrated ability in documentation, policy review, and nonprofit operations support, underpinned by strong problem-solving, innovation, and supervisory skills.

    Digital & Communication Proficiency: Advanced skills in MS Teams, Office, and WordPress website design and administration, complemented by effective public relations strategies to enhance organizational outreach and engagement.

    CERTIFICATIONS

    • IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System
    • IS-120.C: An Introduction to Exercises
    • IS-235.C: Emergency Planning
    • IS-244.B: Developing and Managing Volunteers
    • IS-315: CERT and the ICS
    • IS-317: Introduction to CERT
    • IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • April 2017-December 2017

    Research Volunteer

    Chatham Historical Society at the Atwood House

    Spent several months finishing up research on my final project for Oregon State University, Quaint Little Drinking Villages with a Fishing Problem. This is a overarching ecological account of the environment and the people who have historically populated the land we call Cape Cod.

    I also began my long-term research project of creating a digital and living database of local plants the Wampanoag and settlers used for food, medicine, or just as a resource. In 2021 I began propagating plants for a permanent garden and this year did a lot of site work on my property. Much of the local ethnobotanical information I have accrued came from the records in the Atwood House Museum.

  • September 2016-April 2017

    Forensic Osteology Internship

    Oregon State University Umm el Jamal Bone Lab

    Achievements:

    Database Development for Repatriation: Spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive database cataloging identified Native American remains within the Anthropology Department. This initiative was pivotal in repatriating remains back to their respective tribes for burial, in accordance with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Demonstrated proficiency in database design and management, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of sensitive data.

    Forensic Analysis and Ethical Handling: Conducted detailed forensic osteological analyses to accurately identify and catalog remains. Upheld the highest standards of quality, safety, and control throughout the process, reflecting a deep commitment to ethical practices and respect for cultural sensitivities.

    Research and Advocacy: Engaged in rigorous research into the historical context of the NAGPRA act, culminating in the development of a critical paper titled “They Poisoned our Lands and then They Poisoned our Souls”. This work highlighted the systemic injustices faced by Native American tribes, particularly in the realm of environmental justice, and showcased my ability to blend academic research with advocacy for marginalized communities.

    Skills and Competencies:

    Technical Expertise: Advanced skills in forensic osteology, with a focus on ethical analysis, identification, and repatriation processes. Proficient in database design, management, and the application of critical thinking to complex forensic challenges.

    Communication and Advocacy: Effective communicator with experience in ethnographic interviewing, adept at navigating sensitive cultural and ethical issues. Demonstrated ability to articulate findings and advocate for justice through scholarly work.

    Professional Dedication: Highly self-motivated with a proven track record of maintaining rigorous quality and safety standards. Skilled in planning, scheduling, and executing detailed research and analysis projects.

    Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborated effectively with a multidisciplinary team, contributing to a shared goal of ethically managing and repatriating Native American remains. This required not only technical expertise but also a profound respect for cultural heritage and legal standards.

  • October 2007-June 2015

    Manager (Sales, Operations, Print and Marketing, Assistant General)

    Staples Inc, PA, IL, IN, OR

    As a dedicated Manager at Staples, I spearheaded initiatives across operations, sales, technology, and print/marketing divisions, driving significant improvements in business operations, customer service, and profitability. My strategic approach to management, combined with deep industry knowledge, led to substantial contributions to Staples’ growth and efficiency.

    Achievements:

    Financial and Operational Excellence: Leveraged corporate reporting and profit/loss statements to streamline operations, resulting in enhanced profit margins. Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, logistics, and strategic planning, leading to improved operational efficiency.

    Human Resources Management: Oversaw HR operations for teams from 25-100 employees with experience across five states, ensuring compliance with federal and state labor laws. Cultivated a culture of motivation and teamwork, enhancing employee engagement and productivity.

    Sales Leadership: Conducted quarterly sales meetings and weekly conference calls, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. My efforts in anticipating market trends and promoting best practices significantly contributed to regional sales growth.

    Technology and Marketing Innovation: Directed the technology and marketing divisions, securing major partnerships and projects, including a landmark deal with Pocono Raceway that generated $100,000 in annual recurring sales. Excelled in vendor and client relationship management, technology training, and project management.

    Supply Chain and Vendor Collaboration: Collaborated with business and government entities to optimize supply chain efficiency, utilizing technology and strategic partnerships to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.

    Diverse Retail Management Experience: Successfully managed temporary or permanent operations in stores across 5 states, showcasing unparalleled adaptability, regulatory expertise, and a commitment to cultural diversity and employee relations.

    Inventory and Technology Management: Led a team of inventory specialists, utilizing Oracle inventory systems and specialized equipment to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize losses. A+ certified and skilled in technology repair services, underscoring my hands-on technical expertise and attention to detail.

    Skills:

    Proficient in Budgeting, Reporting, Leadership, Accounting, Finance, and Strategic Planning
    Experienced in Human Resources, Team Building, Motivation, and Communication
    Skilled in Public Speaking, Organization, Training, Team Development, and Sales Management
    Expert in Vendor and Client Relationship Building, Technology Training, and Project Management
    Knowledgeable in Federal/State/Local Regulations, Cultural Diversity, Employee Relations, and Performance Management

    Click Here to read what co-workers said about what it was like working with me.
  • August 2004-October 2007

    General Manager

    Spencer Gifts, PA and NJ

    • Leadership & Team Development: Skilled in leading diverse teams with an emphasis on training, motivating, and developing staff to achieve exceptional performance levels. Experienced in creating a collaborative work environment that fosters growth and high morale.
    • Sales Growth & Financial Performance: Demonstrated ability to exceed sales goals through strategic planning, effective merchandising, and targeted marketing initiatives. Adept at analyzing sales data to identify trends and adjust strategies accordingly, ensuring sustained business growth.
    • Customer Service Excellence: Committed to providing outstanding customer service by resolving issues promptly, maintaining high service standards, and cultivating strong customer relationships to build brand loyalty.
    • Inventory & Stock Management: Proficient in managing inventory control processes, including procurement, stocking, and auditing, to optimize stock levels and minimize losses.
    • Visual Merchandising Expertise: Creative and strategic in designing compelling store layouts and displays that enhance the shopping experience and drive sales.
    • Operational Efficiency: Efficient in overseeing store operations, ensuring compliance with policies, and maintaining operational excellence. Competent in streamlining processes to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
    • Financial Management: Knowledgeable in budgeting, expense control, and financial reporting, with a keen ability to use financial insights to make effective business decisions.
    • Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, capable of identifying and addressing challenges swiftly to maintain operational continuity.
    • Effective Communication: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey information clearly and persuasively to staff, customers, and management.
    • Adaptability & Resilience: Highly adaptable to changing market conditions and business needs, with a resilient mindset to overcome challenges and achieve business objectives.
    • Technology Proficiency: Familiar with modern retail management software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite, enhancing operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
  • February 2001-July 2007

    Assistant Manager

    Oneida Ltd.

    • June 2003-October 2009

      Co-Owner

      Pine Valley Transport

      Co-Owned a trucking company that ran produce from the west coast and brought it east to markets in New York and Boston. Lifetime member of OOIDA.

    • 1999-2002

      Co-Owner

      Glass Rose Studio

      Co-Owned a small glass studio located in Norther New Jersey for a few years crafting both architectural pieces as well as small windows and lamps. Working mostly with contractors.

    • 1994-2001

      Manager

      Inger’s Family Restaurant

    • 1990-1998

      Veterinary Technician

      Cresskill Animal Hospital