Holly Dukes

Program Coordinator​Aug 2018 - Feb 2025

Dept of Defense Starbase Indiana - Gary, IN

• Led professional development workshops for educators and staff, enhancing instructional effectiveness and engagement across the program.

• Designed and developed comprehensive training materials, ensuring consistency in delivery using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Suite.

• Collaborated with SMEs to analyze training needs, develop content, and implement materials into the LMS, tracking learner progress and providing regular reports to stakeholders.

• Established and nurtured partnerships with businesses, schools, and community organizations, expanding the program’s reach and impact, including adding 10 new partnerships in 2024.

• Managed a mentorship program with 70 mentors, providing 700+ hours of support to foster youth development and career exploration in STEM fields.

• Extensive experience in grant writing since 2016 and serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in education, educational content, and compliance (local, state, and national) for DOD youth initiative programs, providing consulting services since 2024.

Instructor/Training Specialist​Apr 2018 - Feb 2025

DOD Starbase Indiana - Gary, IN

• Developed and delivered engaging, innovative instructional materials for over 2,000 learners per year, incorporating robotics, coding, 3D CAD, rocketry, and STEM/STEAM subjects to enhance engagement and learning.

• Designed 15-20 custom STEM/STEAM curricula, achieving an 85% increase in engagement and retention through project-based learning and data-driven evaluations.

• Spearheaded the integration of various teaching methodologies, including lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities, to support diverse learning styles in synchronous and asynchronous settings.

• Promoted to Program Coordinator within four months, expanding responsibilities while continuing to deliver impactful training content.

• Created and developed the CSI and Robot Rescue curricula, which received recognition at the US Congress and Pentagon for their innovation and educational value.

Test Scorer (Seasonal/Temp Role)​Mar 2024 – May 2024 & Mar 2024 – May 2025

BC Forward – Remote

• Evaluated student responses to Indiana ILEARN standardized test questions based on provided rubrics.

Instructor/Training​Nov 2015 - Apr 2018

East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School – East Chicago, IL

• Collaborated with leadership and staff to align K-4 reading and math curricula across 9 classes, impacting 250 students and 14 staff members.

• Led curriculum development, mapping, and assessment to ensure instruction met learning objectives, focusing on continuous improvement through data-driven insights.

• Secured a grant to implement 1:1 technology in Kindergarten, providing 80 iPads and charging carts to enhance digital learning and student engagement.

• Administered student assessments (ILearn and NWEA) for 100+ students annually, tracking progress and tailoring instruction accordingly.

• Achieved "Reading Extraordinaire" recognition for driving 210% growth in reading skills, advancing students by two grade levels.

Program Director​Jun 2015 - Nov 2015

Dungarvin – Portage, IN

• Managed day-to-day operations of multiple group homes, overseeing the care of 15-20 adults with special needs and supervising 40+ staff members, ensuring compliance with Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver requirements.

• Led conflict resolution and staff support efforts, addressing concerns to maintain a safe and harmonious environment for both residents and staff.

• Developed and implemented individualized care plans, improving resident well-being and enhancing service delivery.

• Trained and certified staff in CPR and new policies, streamlining operations and boosting team efficiency and preparedness.

• Supervised recruitment, hiring, and payroll processes, ensuring accurate records and effective staff onboarding while collaborating with leadership on staffing decisions.

Master of Science-Educational Leadership/Administration: Indiana University 

Graduate Certification: Educational 

LawProfessional Educators License: Indiana 

Bachelor of Arts: Purdue University

Reading Endorsement: Purdue University