Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Montgomery.
Hi Cassandra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Cassandra Lynn Montgomery, and I am a single mother, paralegal, and adult educator living in Richardson, TX. I received my bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Arkansas University, MBA from the University of Phoenix, and Master in Education (Adult Life-long Learning) from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. I always knew I had a passion for teaching at a very young age. After I graduated from college, I decided that I wanted to go into teaching, so I enrolled in an alternative teaching certification program. I had the opportunities to teach high school in 2006 through 2011. From that year on, I wanted to teach in the collegiate setting but also open my own school, so I researched avenues that I could take to get me to that goal.
In 2016, I was asked to help start a GED program at my church in The Colony, TX. There I became the GED Program Servant Leader and Instructor. I was responsible for the creation of the program as well as marketing and advertising. Because I have such a passion for teaching, I decided that I would teach the Math/Science classes while another sister in the ministry taught Reading/Social Studies. Although we were able to help some adult learners in the community prepare for the GED exam, there were many adult learners within the City of Dallas and surrounding areas seeking assistance but were unable to commute to The Colony. I then knew what my true purpose was. I wanted to ensure that I catered to all adult learners no matter where they resided.
In January of 2017, I started Opportunities For Success Education Center in Dallas, TX. One of the main programs offered was and is GED Test Preparation both in-person and online. Many students have completed the GED program and have moved on to better career opportunities or pursued post-secondary education.
In 2019, I decided to go back to school to pursue another master’s degree, this time in Education with a focus on Adult Life-Long Learning. I graduated in May of 2021 and decided that I wanted to re-open my doors by the fall of 2021. Due to the pandemic, I was forced to close my doors and solely offer online GED prep. Although online GED prep was offered, many adult learners prefer that in-person class time. I am currently working on getting in-person classes back up starting in January 2022.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Starting this nonprofit organization has been a journey on its own. Funding has been the main concern throughout this whole journey. I personally funded and still fund my organization with my 8 to 5 as a litigation paralegal. I knew that when I started, the first thing that I needed to work on was getting my 501c3. I heard horror stories about completing the 501c3 application. Stories of how some organizations’ applications were rejected. I did not want to be that organization. From 2019 to 2020, I decided to conduct my own research in regard to the 501c3 application. Between work, school, business, and kids, I made it a priority to become knowledgeable on what to do and what not to do on this application. In January 2021, I submitted my 501c3 application and in July 2021, I was granted tax-exempt status.
This was by far the hardest challenge that I have endured since starting my non-profit. Now that I am tax-exempt the second challenge is securing funding through grants and donations and finding a building to house my adult education center.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
During the day, I am a litigation paralegal for Simon Greenstone Panatier, P.C., located in Downtown Dallas, I work in the Catastrophic Injury Department handling car/truck wreck, medical malpractice, slip-n-falls, and other personal injury matters. I also do freelance paralegal work (including mobile notary duties) from time to time.
I am also a continuing education instructor with Collin College. I teach GED and a Notary Signing Agent Training Course.
Whether a paralegal or an adult education, I put my best foot forward in any position. That is what sets me apart from the rest. I go above and beyond to help those in need whether helping a client settle their car wreck case to helping an adult learner obtain their high school equivalency.
I am most proud of how many people I have helped along the way. My passion is helping others, but my calling is teaching others. I always get positive feedback from those that I have helped and it just warms my heart and bring tears to my eyes just knowing that I made a difference and an impact in someone’s life.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I feel that the most important characteristic of my success is my commitment to learning. We are constantly learning in every capacity. For me specifically, I feel that the more that I learn, the more I can offer adult learners to help them on their journey of success. I travel, I read, I listen to podcasts, I watched TED Talks and other videos on YouTube, whatever I can to gain knowledge and positive experiences so that I can incorporate them in the classrooms and at work.
Pricing:
- Online GED Prep – $275
- GED Prep (in-person) – $225
- Online Comprehensive GED Math Prep – $350
Contact Info:
- Email: info@ofsecinc.org
- Website: https://opp4success.wixsite.com/ofsecincdallas
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofsec_dallas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ofsecdallas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ofsec_dallas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCniLsKmA4agV3pyaa4Katig
Image Credits
Created Art Co.
Rasheal Winters
Laci Coker
