The Focus on Teaching and Technology Conference (FTTC) was hosted this year as a hybrid experience. On September 29, 2023, concurrent sessions and a keynote speaker were held virtually. On October 6, 2023, sessions were hosted at the Millennium Student Center on UMSL’s campus. It was the first in-person conference I’ve been able to attend…
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Focus on Teaching and Technology Conference 2022
The Focus on Teaching and Technology Conference (FTTC) was a regional virtual conference hosted on September 29th-30th, 2022. The conference program included topics on accessibility, DE&I, various tech tools, strategies for effective teaching, assessment strategies, etc. I created a Tech Trek to share with faculty looking to integrate new technologies into their classrooms. Below is…
“How to Create and Teach Engaging, Equitable, and Inclusive Online Classes” Educause Learning Lab
Research shows that inclusive, equitable, and welcoming learning environments promote the learning of all students. This four-week online learning lab, facilitated by Flower Darby, focused on incorporating principles from Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching into the design and facilitation of online courses. It also stressed strengthening social and emotional connections to promote…
Heritage Month Libguide Collaboration
Throughout 2021 and 2022, I served on the Marketing, Social Media, and Website Subcommittee of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and collaborated with the Stafford Library to create a series of libguides to support national heritage months and DE&I initiatives. Our goal was to direct students, faculty, and staff to resources available at the…
2021 President’s Volunteer Service Award
On Tuesday, February 15, 2021 Gateway Pet Guardians awarded 31 individual volunteers the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award is honored through AmeriCorps and Points of Light in recognition and appreciation for commitment to stengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service. In 2021, I was able to contribute 321 logged volunteer hours at Gateway…
Unicorn Foster Squad Implementation Bootcamp
The Unicorn Foster Squad Implementation Bootcamp is an eight-week training course designed to teach animal welfare organizations how to implement their own Unicorn Foster Squad supporting the nation’s most at-risk and vulnerable homeless pet population–large breed behaviorally challenged dogs. This Bootcamp is hosted by Gateway Pet Guardians and offered for free to selected organizations thanks…
Rescue Bank Ambassador: A Year in Review
One year ago this month, Gateway Pet Guardians became the Rescue Bank ambassador for the St. Louis region. Since July 2020, we have accepted 30 trucks from Rescue Bank thanks to the gracious support of donors including PetSmart, Chewy, Royal Canin, Purina, Smuckers, and Hartz Mountain. We have accepted and distributed approximately 162 tons of…
Transitioning in 2020
I am so excited to share that I was offered a position in the Online Education division at Columbia College as an Instructional Designer and will start working remotely on November 2nd. Nobody is more excited for this change than Harley and Hank, since now they get to be my office assistants every single day!…
Maddie’s Fund Three-Part Series: Evolution of the No-Kill Movement
Gateway Pet Guardians Community Programming was featured in this three-part series created and distributed by Maddie’s Fund, a national leader in animal welfare. Part 1: Could Gateway Pet Guardians’ Holistic Approach for Animal Sheltering be the Model of the Future? By the time COVID-19 hit East St. Louis, IL, Gateway Pet Guardians (GPG) felt prepared….
American Pets Alive Webinar
“Keeping Families Together: Pivoting Community Programming During COVID-19” presented by Janet Alderson and Jamie Case from Gateway Pet Guardians Gateway Pet Guardians has spent years working with low income families in the Metro East St. Louis area, providing supplies and services to families with pets. Community programming has been put in place to help families…