Karina M. Delaney
Educational Leader
Denver,CO
Summary
A results-driven leader with over two decades of experience uniting schools, families, and communities through transformative initiatives. Passionate about aligning systems, influencing policy, and fostering sustainable impact, I have a proven track record of leading large-scale initiatives and empowering educators to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. My expertise spans social-emotional learning, behavioral health, strategic partnerships, and whole-child initiatives—ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Community Schools Coordinator
Aurora Public Schools
Aurora, CO
07.2023 - Current
- Designed and implemented high-impact programs and services to remove barriers to student success
- Built and sustained strategic community and business partnerships to enhance resources
- Facilitated cross-sector collaboration by integrating families and community partners into the school, aligning initiatives with the school’s vision and curriculum
- Assessed needs, evaluated program effectiveness, and drove continuous improvement
- Supported the design of the Destination APS plan by leading stakeholder engagement and focus group feedback sessions, ensuring inclusive input from families, educators, and community partners
School Social Worker
Aurora Public Schools
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Led the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of staff for a brand-new K-8 visual and performing arts school, building a strong, mission-aligned team to support student success
- Designed and implemented a universal SEL system that integrated trauma-informed practices and evidence-based interventions, fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture
- Developed and facilitated professional development on social-emotional learning (SEL) and trauma-informed approaches, equipping staff with strategies to promote student well-being and restorative practices
School Social Worker
Cherry Creek School District
Aurora, CO
09.2020 - 01.2022
- Provided crisis intervention, counseling, and behavioral support to enhance student well-being and academic success
- Collaborated with families, educators, and community resources to develop and implement individualized support plans
Social-Emotional Learning Specialist
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Developed and implemented school-wide SEL initiatives to support student and staff well-being, fostering a positive and inclusive school climate
- Coached and trained educators to integrate SEL strategies into instruction, enhancing student engagement and emotional resilience
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
Aurora, CO
10.2017 - 11.2019
- Designed and led SEL-focused professional development for over 50 schools and national conferences, strengthening educator capacity to support student and community well-being
- Expanded access to SEL resources by growing curriculum adoption from 150 to 350 schools globally, fostering stronger school-community connections
- Developed strategic partnerships with schools, districts, and organizations to provide training, coaching, and implementation support for whole-child initiatives
- Facilitated cross-sector partnerships to enhance school-based support services, integrating mental health, family engagement, and community resources into educational settings
Project AWARE Grant Manager
Colorado Department of Education
01.2017 - 10.2017
- Managed a $10M federal grant that impacted 100,000+ students by implementing behavioral health interventions and support services
- Strengthened policy coordination and resource integration by increasing collaboration between state and local stakeholders
- Led, trained, and supervised a team of five, boosting productivity and engagement
Whole Child Initiatives Coordinator
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
08.2002 - 01.2017
- Developed and implemented a district-wide strategic plan to improve student health services for a 39,000-student district
- Secured and managed $1M+ in grant funding to enhance student health outcomes and expand school-based support
- Partnered with the Department of Health Care Policy and Finance to create a Medicaid/CHP+ outreach program, increasing student access to healthcare
- Led the development and launch of a school-based health clinic serving 2,000+ students with medical and mental health services
- Chaired the District Health Advisory Committee and spearheaded the creation of a local service plan to align health initiatives with district needs
School Social Worker
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
08.2002 - 08.2010
- Provided crisis intervention, counseling, and behavioral support to enhance student well-being and academic success
- Collaborated with families, educators, and community resources to develop and implement individualized support plans
- Led training sessions on special education law, intervention strategies, and best practices for supporting students with diverse needs
Education
Master of Social Work - School Social Work
University of Illinois At Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work
Chicago, ILGraduate Certificate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies - Educational Leadership
University of Denver, Morgridge College of Education, Ritchie Program For School Leaders
Denver, COBachelor of Science - Social Work
Illinois State University
Normal, ILSkills
- Strategic Influence & Alignment Across Systems
- Policy Advocacy & Program Implementation
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration & Partnership Development
Grant Acquisition & Large-Scale Project Management
Coaching and Training
Certification
Colorado Department of Education School Social Worker License
Training
- The Teacher and Social and Emotional Learning Specialization, University of Colorado, 2020
- Advanced Leadership Training Program, Regional Institute of Health and Environmental Leadership, 2016-2017
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training, 2017
Timeline
Community Schools Coordinator
Aurora Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
School Social Worker
Aurora Public Schools
01.2021 - 07.2023
School Social Worker
Cherry Creek School District
09.2020 - 01.2022
Social-Emotional Learning Specialist
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
01.2020 - 08.2020
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
10.2017 - 11.2019
Project AWARE Grant Manager
Colorado Department of Education
01.2017 - 10.2017
Whole Child Initiatives Coordinator
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
08.2002 - 01.2017
School Social Worker
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
08.2002 - 08.2010
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Illinois State University
Master of Social Work - School Social Work
University of Illinois At Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work
Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies - Educational Leadership
University of Denver, Morgridge College of Education, Ritchie Program For School Leaders
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