GET TO KNOW JANDEL
FAMILY-ORIENTED | VOLUNTEER | EDUCATOR | SOCIAL WORKER | PUBLIC SPEAKER|SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I gained a heart for volunteering as a teen through the VolunTeens program as well as a sincere appreciation for public schools. I grew up with my mom, older brother, and younger sister and lots of loving school staff and church family. My current career as a professor of social work at UT Arlington brought my family and me to Mansfield in 2018.
As a parent of two MISD kids and proud MISD resident, I want to continue to serve the community that has served us so well. I believe that understanding all perspectives helps us see the full picture and allows us to make decisions that benefit the entire school district. For over 5 years, I have served Mansfield ISD and the wider DFW community as a volunteer, professor, and social worker, and now I am ready to serve our district as your next School Board member for Place 2. When others are pulling away from community and connection, I choose to lean in to build a better future together.
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Volunteer
"You are everywhere" is something I am often told. From my early days as a 4-H secretary in elementary school; to summer volunteer hours with special needs students as a teen; to my current service on the Mansfield Library Advisory Board, my spirit of lending a helping hand is one of my longest commitments. Here are some examples of my recent and/or current examples of answering the call to serve:
educator
After earning my Ph.D. in social work from Louisiana State University, I committed to training future generations of social workers to serve effectively in schools and to produce research that improves the way these social workers serve clients. I currently teach School Social Work and Diversity Courses at UT Arlington's School of Social Work. As an educator in a post-secondary program focused on applied knowledge, I understand what it means for students to be college ready and what students will need to demonstrate college and career success.
Social Worker
I had the values of the social work profession long before earning my social work degree at Florida State University. Dignity and worth of individuals, social justice, and integrity are a few of my core personal values that are also core values of our profession. After earning my Master.of Social Work at Florida State University, I practiced social work within K-12 schools for 8 years. I still remember my clients and colleagues in schools fondly and thank them for giving me the high regard I hold for students and staff in schools. Building coalitions with families, teachers, students, and leaders was some of the most rewarding work of my professional career and an experience I plan to bring to the board if elected.
Public Speaker
An often recruited public speaker, I am skilled at tackling complicated issues and sharing in a way that people can understand. I speak and train on topics backed by research and passion in mindful and collaborative ways. As a board member, I would bring this skill of sharing knowledge in a plain way with our district community.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Along with my husband, I am a small business owner serving MISD families, individuals, organizations, and other small businesses. This experience has impressed upon me the importance of a positive customer experience. Through our business we support customers in creating meaningful memories! As a board member, I would also value the student, staff, and community experience.
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