EXCEEDING BENCHMARKS TOGETHER Inc. 

Background and Experience

Angela’s journey began as a Rape Advocate for Christ Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey. She later took on a position in healthcare, where she spent five transformative years at St. Mary’s Hospital Adolescent Residence. During this time, she consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to her patients, working tirelessly to reunite families and provide critical support even after discharge. Angela’s exceptional communication and leadership skills shone in team and family meetings, where she effectively united diverse stakeholders to prioritize patient needs. In 2009, She received her bachelors in Psychology with a concentration in Special Education. This experience ignited her interest in serving the whole child including their mental health and learning needs.  

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Transitioning to education

Angela embraced her passion for teaching and became a key figure in shaping the academic and personal growth of students. With experience in underprivileged  Charter Schools of New Jersey, she has implement multiple curriculums while  guiding  student engagement. Her experience includes teaching models for both special needs and  Gen Ed. students. Angela’s  data-driven approach enabled her to analyze student progress and tailor instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Her collaborative spirit and solution-oriented mindset earned her the respect of colleagues, students, and families alike. Angela’s academic pursuits further underscore her dedication to education. She holds 2 years an adjunct professor at William Paterson University, co-teaching courses aimed at developing pedagogical content knowledge in K-6 mathematics. Angela’s expertise in planning and implementing problem-based math lessons, coupled with her commitment to staying abreast of the latest research, has made her a role model for prospective teachers . Her ability to connect research to practice has been instrumental in fostering the next generation of educators.

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Leadership and Vision 

Angela McDermott’s leadership style is defined by her ability to inspire collaboration and drive meaningful change. As a Teach For America alumna, she has built upon her foundational commitment to educational equity, channeling her experiences to advocate for underserved communities and mentor future leaders. Whether advocating for her patients in healthcare or mentoring students in education, Angela approaches every challenge with determination, empathy, and a forward-thinking mindset. Her fearless advocacy, strategic planning, and exceptional communication skills have consistently resulted in positive outcomes for the communities she serves.

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Founding Vision

Angela’s diverse experiences have shaped her vision for creating an organization that exceeds benchmarks in education and advocacy. Drawing on her background in healthcare and education, Angela aims to establish initiatives that bridge gaps, foster equity, equality and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. Her next steps include a deeper dive into juvenile legislations that dictates youths' education and career outcomes. Angela believes the power of collaboration with community partners serves as the cornerstone of her mission to make a lasting impact.