Scripps College

Claremont McKenna College

Northern Arizona University

NYU Tisch Art and Public Policy

Northcentral University

Director, State Approving Agency (SAA), Department of Veterans' Services, State of Arizona

• Directed, planned, managed, and supervised all activities within the Policy, Compliance, and Quality Assurance unit for the Child and Community Services Division, ensuring adherence to strategic objectives and operational excellence.
• Oversaw strategic planning, process improvement, and comprehensive oversight of policy, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, professional development, and auditing/monitoring, significantly impacting the Division's operational integrity.
• Ensured the integrity of quality assurance through actionable insights into quality systems, risk analysis, gap identification, and data collection and analysis, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Analyzed complex policy issues impacting the Child and Community Services Division, developing evidence-based actionable recommendations to guide strategic decision-making and policy formulation.

Arizona Department of Economic Security

Policy and Compliance Administrator/Child and Community Services Division

•	Direct activities for the State of Arizona’s State Approving Agency (SAA). Each of the 50 states has a congressionally mandated SAA housed within a state governmental agency to oversee compliance and regulatory affairs of statewide postsecondary education and vocational institutions and entities.
•	Oversight and creation of policies, procedures, controls and operations related to agency activities in areas of fiscal management, budget administration, audit measures, strategic planning, contract negotiation, employee training, research and analysis, and legal activities to ensure compliance with federal and state law, policy and regulation.
•	Negotiate annual SAA contract between State of Arizona and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Compliance oversight of fiscal and legal requirements of contract.
•	Audit, review and approve Arizona academic, vocational, technical, apprenticeship, on-the-job training and flight programs for VA GI Bill educational training benefits.
•	Identify and track state and federal legislation, review proposed legislation affecting SAA; evaluate and draft legislative briefs and position papers. Represent State and federal government in military, higher education and training community meetings.
•	Enforce compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws, statutes, and rules governing education and training institutions and entities.
•	National Association of State Approving Agencies: Executive Board Member, Western Region Vice President, Professional Development Chair, Legislative Committee Western Region Chair, Institution of Higher Learning/Non-College Degree Committee Chair. National Trainer for SAA and VA personnel in policy, procedures, compliance oversight, legislation and regulatory affairs.
•	Consultation and partnership with the Arizona Office of the Attorney General

Arizona Department of Veterans Services

Director, State Approving Agency for the State of Arizona

•	Initiated business management and strategic planning initiatives, enhancing organizational alignment and efficiency. 
•	Conducted legislative tracking and analysis, transforming intricate information into actionable insights for policy and strategic decision-making. 
•	Developed and deployed training programs for court staff and legal professionals statewide, elevating professional standards and expertise. 
•	Immersed in technology projects, notably in e-filing for the Arizona Court System, advancing the organization into the digital era. 
•	Served as contact for maintaining seamless operations of statewide Court Services, ensuring operational continuity without disruptions.

Arizona Supreme Court

Business Analyst

•	Executed operational management and administration of regulatory functions for child welfare group homes, ensuring compliance with licensing and certification requirements. 
•	Led the OLCR Management Team, directly supervising activities and enhancing team performance through strategic leadership. 
•	Spearheaded high-profile investigations involving media and legislators, mitigating significant state liability and enhancing organizational reputation. 
•	Acted as the primary DES representative in due process hearings before administrative law judges, establishing a strong presence in legal proceedings and contributing to favorable outcomes. 
•	Analyzed legislative policy and proposals, serving as a key liaison to DES legislative services and fostering effective government relations. 
•	Developed and implemented administrative policies to strengthen regulatory protections, ensuring a robust compliance framework. 
•	Served as the primary liaison with other State Agencies, facilitating cross-agency collaboration and enhancing regulatory oversight. 
•	Provided expert consultation to the AZ Office of the Attorney General on all enforcement actions, leveraging legal acumen to support strategic objectives.

Deputy Administrator, Office of Licensing, Certification and Regulation

•	Conducted thorough investigations into administrative complaints with the Arizona Department of Education/Dispute Resolution Unit, determining compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.), showcasing adeptness in handling sensitive regulatory issues. 
•	Interpreted and enforced local, state, and federal regulations, recommending and implementing corrective actions to ensure adherence to legal standards, demonstrating a strong foundation in regulatory compliance and corrective measures. 
•	Employed advanced investigative techniques, research methodologies, and policy analysis to execute formal investigations, culminating in the issuance of non-appealable Letters of Findings, reflecting a high level of problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

Arizona Department of Education

Complaint Investigator - Dispute Resolution Unit; Policy Development & Government Relations Division

•	Oversaw special education programming and services across 24 schools in Arizona, serving over 1000 students, ensuring excellence in educational delivery and compliance with federal and state regulations.
•	Managed a team of 19 Special Education Coordinators, para-educators, and administrative assistants, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and student success. 
•	Directed the special education budget, including the oversight of federal entitlement and competitive grant writing for IDEA and special education-related grants, optimizing resource allocation for maximum impact.
•	Collaborated with the Arizona Department of Education to ensure ongoing compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations, enhancing program integrity and operational excellence. 
•	Led program development, policy analysis, and the implementation of education-based initiatives, training, and administrative management of all special education programs and services, driving strategic improvements and operational efficiency.

The Leona Group

Director of Special Education

•	Held State of Arizona Highly Qualified Teaching Certifications in Special Education K-12 Cross Categorical and Elementary Education K-8, complemented by Full SEI endorsements and Supervisor qualifications. These certifications, although currently non-active, underscore a robust foundation in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and educational leadership.

Chandler Unified School District

Special Education Teacher;  Special Education Team Leader, Autism

• Led client transactions in the Arizona real estate market, managing marketing strategies and designing promotional materials.
• Ensured legal compliance through document review and preparation, utilizing strong negotiation skills to secure successful deals.
• Guided clients through the buying and selling process with in-depth knowledge of Arizona real estate regulations.

Licensed Realtor

Licensed Realtor in the State of Arizona

•	Administered center operations, providing human resource services and overseeing a diverse team of over 100 staff, including doctors, psychologists, counselors, and interns, ensuring high standards of professional conduct and performance.
•	Led program development, office, and budget management initiatives, driving continuous quality improvement and training administration, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency.
•	Spearheaded RFP proposal and grant writing, alongside executing marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to bolster organizational visibility and stakeholder engagement.
•	Managed compliance oversight with ADHS, OBHL, JHACO, and RBHA standards, ensuring the organization's adherence to regulatory requirements and fostering a culture of continuous compliance.

A New Leaf

Program Manager -Dorothy B Mitchell Counseling Center

•	Spearheaded the development and negotiation of funding proposals, securing the company's inception through strategic business procurement and proposal writing. Demonstrated comprehensive management across corporate, operational, financial, and human resource functions. 
•	Executed fiscal analysis, budget management, accounting, audit, and payroll processes, ensuring robust multi-contract oversight. 
•	Orchestrated high-profile media engagements with The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Arizona Republic, People Magazine, and The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, enhancing the company's public image and outreach. 
•	Formulated policies and procedures in strict compliance with Office of Behavioral Health Licensure and Maricopa County standards, securing ongoing funding and licensure certification. 
•	Led public relations, marketing, and communications strategies, including community outreach and public speaking, to foster business development. 
•	Developed cutting-edge behavioral health curriculum and programming, reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation and quality service delivery. 
•	Acted as a government affairs and legislative liaison, navigating complex regulatory environments to advance the company's interests and compliance.

Desert Winds Counseling

Chief Executive Officer

• Developed and executed innovative marketing campaigns resulting in increased corporate sponsorships, partnerships, and private donations.
• Facilitated a successful partnership with the NFL Alumni Association to host the Super Bowl NFL Players Party Brunch, benefiting the Arizona Special Olympics.
• Secured numerous grants and proposals, leading to increased funding for the Arizona chapter.
• Collaborated with the Board of Directors and National Special Olympics office on strategic planning and statewide special event planning.

Arizona Special Olympics

Director of Marketing and Communications

• Produced and co-hosted morning radio show with Ted Simmons, now host of PBS "Horizon"
• Managed on-air content, interviews, and show production for engaging listener experience
• Developed strong communication and time management skills in fast-paced broadcasting environment

Clear Channel Radio

Morning Show producer and on-air talent with Ted Simmons, current host of "Horizon"

• Managed on-air content and interviews to engage listeners on the national morning show.
• Developed strong communication and time management skills in a fast-paced broadcasting environment.
• Produced captivating morning show segments and co-hosted interviews and on-air segments to captivate the audience's attention.

ABC Real Country Network

Morning Show Co Host

• Conducted legal research and drafted briefs in insurance defense, real estate, civil litigation, and bankruptcy cases.
• Managed document organization, client interviews, and prepared bankruptcy court documents.
• Drafted arbitration opinions, deposition summaries, and facilitated corporate formations.

White and Case; Dorais and Wheat

Paralegal

•	Conducted comprehensive legal research and drafted briefs and memoranda of law, contributing to the preparation of high-profile, complex litigation cases. 
•	Managed the organization and analysis of discovery documents, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and operational excellence. 
•	Spearheaded client interviews and deposition summaries, facilitating effective trial preparation and enhancing case strategy through actionable insights.

Leanna DeKing