Kandis Kuklinski is a Project Manager with Education Leadership and Systems Design. She plays a pivotal role in facilitating the successful execution of projects and programs. Her responsibilities include collaborating with school districts, charter management organizations, and state-level agencies. Kuklinski’s ability to track progress toward milestones, communicate timelines effectively, and ensure smooth workflow among WestEd staff, clients, and participants is vital for project success.
Kuklinski manages a diverse range of projects, encompassing state, federal, and international entities. As a key department liaison, directly supports senior leadership team members and field staff directors by tracking project activities and coordinating team communications. Whether working independently or collaboratively, Kuklinski consistently adapts seamlessly to diverse work environments. Additionally, Kuklinski has managed event coordination for meetings of up to 250 participants, including coordination of registration sites, materials, supplies, and on-site support. Her ability to cultivate and sustain professional relationships built on courtesy, respect, and effectiveness fosters a collaborative work environment.
Prior to joining WestEd, Kuklinski served in progressively responsible roles at American Institutes for Research (AIR). Kuklinski advanced to the position of Project Specialist while serving as a team member on the Illinois Center for School Improvement (Illinois CSI), a new endeavor that successfully led the delivery of high-quality, research-based statewide system of support services designed to raise student performance by increasing district-level capacity for exceptional teaching and learning.
Kuklinski holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute and a BS in Applied Sociology and Political Science from Lewis University in Illinois.