Our Projects
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Fiddlehead Strategies spearheaded a statewide vaccination initiative, making COVID-19 and Flu shots accessible for older Mainers and those with disabilities. We managed a grant of over $1 million to shape, develop and launch the initiative from its inception.
In Fall 2023, we hosted over 200 clinics, administering 9,000 vaccinations. Our leadership in the AgeWise Maine Initiative not only surpassed vaccination goals but also secured additional funding from USAging for a second year.
We mobilized the Area Agencies on Aging, built partnerships with organizations statewide, developed the project strategy, launched a comprehensive media campaign and built a dedicated website in partnership with a PR and marketing firm.
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Led overhaul of operational systems to respond to long-standing feedback from staff and students. These changes led to the following in 18 months:
- led to expansion to a second building
- student body growth from 350 to 520
- increased net profit by 33%
- increased revenue by 16%
Some of the key operational changes Fiddlehead Strategies implemented:
Partnered with web developer to launch a new website and led initiative to implement new CRM and database for online registration.
Fostered collaboration among staff, resulting in first ever studio handbook, consistent meetings, and better communication with students. Implemented feedback mechanisms across the studio offerings.
Implemented more equitable hiring practices for camp counselors and and more equitable registration practices for students.
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Fiddlehead Strategies led a project to improve the Volunteer Services department at Southern Maine Agency on Aging amidst a leadership change in the Volunteer Department, which supports 300+ volunteers annually.
Assessment: Reviewed risk assessment and gathered feedback from volunteers and staff to develop a strategic work plan to revamp the policies and practices of Volunteer Services to improve volunteer experience.
Strategy: Created a strategy focused on 6 core themes, including Roles and Responsibilities and Training. Launched a working group to progress across each theme.
Impact: Refreshed and launched volunteer policies and handbook. Revamped new and returning volunteer training content and process. Collaborated with the leadership team to restructure the department to more effectively support volunteers and staff. Created recommendations for incoming Volunteer Director.
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Fiddlehead Strategies built a vision and strategy for a group of farmers to start using a space in Union, Maine to benefit agriculture in the Midcoast region.
After hearing from the Farmers Alliance to understand the broad range of desires for the space, we conducted a feasibility study and budget projections to scope out the possibilities.
We built consensus with the Farmers Alliance, and key leaders at Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Maine Farmland Trust to chart a path forward.
We planned and hosted market events throughout the first season. The markets were such a success that we launched a working group with nonprofits and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to plan for a sustainable future. This work resulted in regular weekly farmers markets at the space in 2024.
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Created and led the statewide implementation for the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Community Connections statewide initiative. The initiative, funded by Governor Mills' Cabinet on Aging, intended to expand collaboration amongst organizations and community-led efforts to more effectively support older adults in Maine.
Fiddlehead supported and managed subgrantees statewide and collaborated with the University of Maine's Center on Aging to align efforts across the project. Fiddlehead built consensus and implemented the plan to sustainably leverage funding. We collaborated with a videographer to produce an informational video about the AAAs, and coordinated trainings for AAA staff members to build public speaking and cultural competency for staff statewide.
Other Experience
Director of Operations and Strategy, Panorama Education, Client Success Team
Customer Services Manager, Panorama Education
Program Manager, Chicas Dinámicas
Regional Director, Strive for College
Special Projects Coordinator, City Bar Justice Center