MEET THE AIMS STAFF

Delayna Griffith is a Senior Test Administrator and Advisor. Mrs. Griffith completed her undergraduate and interdisciplinary study at El Centro College and the University of Texas at Dallas, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Later, she fulfilled the requisites for a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University - Commerce. Mrs. Griffith’s teaching career has spanned two decades, with hundreds of students throughout Dallas and Richardson School Districts. Her expertise includes language arts, social sciences instruction, early childhood education, as well as general education qualification for multiple grade levels. Recognizing her potential for improving the standards of quality for instructors and students, Mrs. Griffith applied her talents to educational administration.

She designed research-based thematic units that intertwine the visual and performing arts with core subjects to engage students in ways that traditional instruction neglected. Reading material development for students requiring remediation provided an outlet for Mrs. Griffith’s creativity and passion for social service. Young adults who were at-risk of dropping-out of high school also benefitted from her instructional design and test-preparation coursework. In her time outside of school and office, Mrs. Griffith enjoys travel with her family, reading, yoga and pilates, and volunteering with local charitable organizations, such as Life in Deep Ellum. Her professional associations and membership include: National Academic Advising Association, Association of American Educators, and National Career Career Development Association.

Mindy Poe has served as the Director of AIMS since 2012, having previously worked with high school students as a teacher, counselor, and career advisor since 2000. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the National Career Development Association. Mrs. Poe completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature with Education Studies at Midwestern State University.

Mrs. Poe also received two graduate degrees, a Master of Arts degree in Humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Education in Counseling from Texas A&M University at Commerce. In addition, she has been coordinator and administrator for AIMS services at colleges and private schools throughout the region. Mrs. Poe edited the most recent edition of The AIMS Handbook and has contributed to the development of new tests and publications for AIMS and other educational facilities. Mrs. Poe is active in volunteer work for Dallas-area outreach programs.

Deborah Tatum joined the AIMS staff in 1982. Prior experience in private and preparatory schools involved her in curriculum development, college counseling, and teaching. Mrs. Tatum received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Master of Science degree in Guidance and Counseling at Eastern Illinois University. She has continued in post graduate studies at UT Arlington, Texas A&M University at Commerce, and Dallas Theological Seminary. Mrs. Tatum belongs to the American Association of Christian Counselors, the Texas Association of College Admissions Counselors, and the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of the Association of Career Professionals International. Married with two children, Mrs. Tatum is active in school and community volunteer work. Avocationally, Mrs. Tatum participates in counseling and teaching ministries.

Kelli Connelly serves as the Office Manager at AIMS. Mrs. Connelly completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Texas State University in San Marcos. For over a decade, Mrs. Connelly has been a valued member of the staff. Additionally, she enthusiastically manages her home with her husband Ryan and daughter Kyla.