Open to opportunities

Susan Blake

@susanblake

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People operations and HR specialist improving payroll, compliance, and employee experience.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a people-operations or HR role where I can improve payroll and compliance systems, train teams, and enhance employee experience in a collaborative, mission-driven organization.

I am a resourceful people operations and HR specialist with proven experience managing payroll systems, benefits programs, onboarding, and compliance across childcare and federal environments. I am recognized as a dependable problem-solver who learns systems quickly, stabilizes teams during transitions, and delivers operational improvements that enhance employee experience.

In federal and nonprofit settings I supported a federal payroll rollout, processed travel and vendor payments, and reduced overdue travel advances by 300% through improved reporting. I have directed childcare center operations during leadership crises, digitized records to streamline compliance, trained staff, and led family engagement initiatives to strengthen retention.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Payroll & Financial Operations Specialist

Calloway & Associates

Jan 2023 - Jan 2025 (2 years)

Supported a federal payroll transition to SLDCADA, trained staff and contractors, processed travel authorizations and reconciliations, and reduced overdue overseas travel advances by 300% through improved reporting and communication.

SLDCADA Payroll Processing E2 Solutions Reconciliations Training & Compliance

Interim Director & Lead Teacher

Oak Early Learning CDC

Jan 2017 - Jan 2023 (6 years)

Stepped into Interim Director role to manage operations, staff schedules, compliance reporting, and parent communications; administered Childcare Voucher and Food Programs and digitized records to improve reporting efficiency.

Childcare Voucher Program Childcare Food Program & Compliance Staff Training Onboarding Record Digitization Parent engagement

Lead Teacher & Parent Partnership Lead

Bright Horizons

Jan 2011 - Jan 2017 (6 years)

Led classrooms and parent partnership initiatives to improve retention and engagement, mentored and onboarded new staff, and maintained licensing and audit-ready compliance records.