"All great achievements take time."
~Maya Angelou
Biography
I am a servant leader. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois I have found my desire to give back and help shape the next generation has led me to thrive in the education world. I currently work full time as CEO of After the Peanut serve as a County Board member for Will County and teach college level courses at Lewis University and Governors State University. I have over 15 years of experience in education and also served as a Military Police Officer in the Illinois Army National Guard. I am walking in my purpose and it is the greatest feeling ever!
My Philosophy
As a firm believer that all great achievements take time, I believe in long-term equitable solutions that will last through the next generations. I am dedicated to increasing access to STEAM for girls, Blacks, Latin-X, and other groups who are traditionally not in STEAM fields. Finally, creating globally competent educators and students is a staple tenet for all the work I do. This work leads to more equitable, diverse, and inclusionary practices which can ultimately allow our society to thrive, prosper, and grow.
Educational
I began my educational career in 2003 and never looked back. My first job was as a high school chemistry and physics teacher at Bloom High School in 2007, I then moved on to become the Science and Social Science Coordinator for Joliet Public Schools District 86 in 2012. In 2018 I decided to step out of the box and began working full time for the company I founded After the Peanut. In 2021, Dr. Coleman earned her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) from the University of Illinois.
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I am a national educational consultant providing training, curriculum, and consulting for a vast amount of K-12 educators and community organizations. Some of my training topics include Leadership, STEM Best Practices, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Improving Student Attendance. My latest training Equity in Schools focuses on cultivating global students, addressing innate biases and reducing stereotypes in order to improve school systems, structures and treatment of students. Some of my professional accolades include being a Illinois Science Assessment Writer, National Geographic Educator of the Week, National Science Teacher Association Presenter, and TED Innovative Educator.
Civic Engagement
In 2020 I was elected to the Will County Board and re-elected in 2022. I decided in 2023 to use the skills I gained in a different environment and chose not to run again for the November 2024 election. One of my proudest moments as a Board Member was spearheading the resolution to have Will County designated as a Hidden Heroes county. Hidden Heroes provides resources and funding to veteran caregivers. Will County has over 10,000 veteran caregivers and this will prove to be monumental for those who serve those who served their country. My priorities continue to improve services for veterans, diversify educational opportunities, increase mental health services, help develop affordable housing, and create innovative economic opportunities for small businesses. By working with government entities and leaders, I desire to continue to create equitable and measurable policies using global thinking, collaboration, and strategic problem-solving.