Page 17 - The EDGE Spring 2020

Here's How to Become a Mindful Leader

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Stepping into a leadership role is often considered one of In 2010, I started as an Accountant and immersed myself
the most challenging roles we take on in life. It requires a in the learning opportunities offered through AASBO –
multitude of skills, and the desire and commitment to want accounting, school management and finance, purchasing.
to make a change. food service operations, etc.

My experience in education finance spans 24 years, starting In 2014, I became an Accounting Supervisor – this position
in 1996 in the UK at a rural elementary school of 280 students proved to be an invaluable learning opportunity helping to
in the age range of 4 to 11 years. This is where my leadership further develop my leadership skills.
journey began – as part of the senior leadership team we took
our school through many changes, often being first in our Then in 2016, I was promoted to Grant Manager, a position
field. These experiences served me well when I began my that included interaction with directors, executive directors
career here in the U.S. in 2010 at Peoria USD, fourth largest and outside agencies – building my skill set in my search for
school district in Arizona serving around 37,000 students in more.
grades K through 12.
And in 2018, I became Director of Accounting. It was an
opportunity to be part of the change, leading our district into
the future, promoting and focusing on our strategic plan,

It was at this time that I was also elected to the position of
Director of Business Administration for AASBO.

My goal is to lead my team to understand that while we
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learning experience and prepare them for college and career
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adhering to effective policies and practices and establishing
accountability for district resources. We’re actively engaged
in encouraging and strengthening parent and community
partnerships across all aspects of our strategic plan.

As my learning and experiences grow in becoming an
effective and successful leader, I find myself engaging more
and more in the art of Mindfulness. The environment in which
we all work is ever evolving, including budget constraints –
new initiatives – goal setting – policy requirements – federal
and state regulations. Practicing the art of Mindfulness
places us in the moment, it helps us be present in our lives
and experiences just as they are and not how we imagined
or wished they would be. It helps us cultivate focus, clarity,
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