Linda joined the Chesley-James Group in 2001 upon retiring from a 30-year career as a teacher in the Columbus (Ohio) Public Schools. After 20 years in the classroom teaching kindergarten and second grade, Linda worked for five years as coordinator for kindergarten instruction ensuring consistency in assessment and instruction throughout the district.

Later, Linda became Title One Programs Coordinator providing Early Literacy teachers with professional development, instruction and materials. She was responsible for staff development of primary classroom teachers in the areas of reading/language arts, and assessment. Additionally, she coordinated parent involvement activities for parents of children in Title 1 programs.

Linda has served as an instructor and consultant on Multicultural Literature and World of Difference Training. She was a key member in the Multi-Cultural Year Long Collaboration between Ohio State University and Columbus Schools. She is a member of the Advisory Board, Child Development Council of Franklin County; the National Black Child Development Institute; the National Education Association; and, the Ohio Education Association.

In addition to facilitating classes on cultural diversity, Linda is a Staff Development Presenter, State of Ohio, and a Student Teacher Advisor for Capital University.

Linda received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Ohio State University and holds a Master of Arts in Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education And Early Literacy at Ohio State University. Her Postgraduate work includes Reading Recovery Training, Multicultural Education and additional courses in literature and language arts for the Primary Grades.

Dottie worked as both employee and manager for various federal agencies for over 28 years. Her expertise spans the field of Human Resources Management from civil rights and personnel administration to management analysis. She has over fifteen years of experience teaching Prevention of Sexual Harassment and other issues related to equal employment opportunity.

Dottie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art (Multimedia) from the California State University at Hayward. She also holds an Adult Education teaching credential. She uses the electronic media to develop instructional and informational material on civil rights and diversity practices.