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April Dodge-Ostendorf, MSW has a diverse work experience in various roles. From 1996 to 2003, they worked as a Manager at Red Rocket Fireworks INC, where they supervised multiple retail and wholesale locations and managed seasonal staff. In 2004, they started working at the State of Missouri- Office of Administration, initially as a Children's Service Worker and later as a Children's Service Supervisor and Family Development Specialist. From 2014 to 2015, they completed internships as a Medical Social Worker at the Kansas City CARE Clinic and Hope Family Care Center, respectively. April also worked as a Quality Assurance Practicum Student at Cornerstones of Care, assisting in program evaluation and developing quality improvement plans. In 2016, they joined Child Care Aware of America, starting as a Family Engagement Manager and eventually becoming the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, responsible for vision, thought leadership, and overseeing team initiatives.

April Dodge-Ostendorf completed their education in a sequential manner. April began their academic journey at Kishwaukee College from 1998 to 2001, obtaining an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Sociology. April then pursued a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sociology at Northern Illinois University from 2002 to 2003. Finally, April earned a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree with a specialization in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, attending from 2014 to 2016.

Furthermore, April Dodge-Ostendorf has acquired additional certifications to enhance their professional skills. In March 2016, they completed a certification titled "Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for Health and Behavioral Health Professionals" at UMKC. In addition, they attained a certification in "Human Research, Group 2 Social & Behavioral Investigator" from the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative in September 2014.