Fran taught us how to do better in the process
In 2015, Opening Minds USA launched a historic live stream educational event during the Annual Opening Minds Conference and Expo in Chicago. Where do you go and who do you turn to when you are launching new ideas and directions? Fran Simon. Fran was our go-to thought partner on the project because Fran is a one-of-a-kind professional who can translate and adapt her knowledge and skill to new ideas and projects and just as important, teach us how to do better in the process. Fran made the process of setting up a promotional email launch with Early Childhood Investigations, easy. It was helpful to have a template as a starting point, and Fran to curate our message and content for Early Childhood Investigation’s customer list. Tailoring a message for a call to action is one of Fran’s many gifts. We were pleased the initial email piqued the interest of so many early childhood professionals. The analytics were telling and will be helpful as we continue to plan for additional events in the future.
Gail Conway
Creative Problem Solver and Chief Executive Officer at Opening Minds
Passionate about learning and about sharing
Fran is passionate about learning and about sharing her knowledge with others in the early childhood field.
Kathy Charner
Editor-in-Chief at Gryphon House
Fran considers the possible while making the practical happen
Fran is a high-energy creative thinker who has worked in all areas of online communication, including publishing, marketing, and new media. Fran is an excellent manager who helps her staff improve their performance by providing relevant training and ongoing coaching. During the years I worked with Fran, I knew her to be a forward-thinking planner and decision-maker who could consider the possible while making the practical happen. I highly recommend Fran.
Leslie O’Flahavan
Owner, E-WRITE
Extremely down to earth and personable
Fran is one of the finest consultants I have worked with over the years. She has a strong command of social media and digital marketing as well as expertise in the early childhood market space making her a dynamic combination. While an expert in her field, she is extremely down to earth and personable, making it a real joy to work with her on projects. She is truly a team player and acts as both an extension of your organization in marketing project execution, as well as a coaching role for your marketing team to build new capabilities.
Marcy Daniel
Formerly VP of Marketing, Hatch Early Learning
Good judgment and technical savvy
I worked closely with Fran on a number of projects at NACCRRA. Fran displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. She is definitely a leader rather than a follower. Notably, Fran has the keen ability to mesh a deep understanding of the target market and cutting-edge technology. This results in creative, efficient solutions. Her good judgment and and technical savvy ensure a progressive, logical and practical approach to her endeavors.
Bryan Schultz
Chief of Membership and Organizational Advancement, National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
Energetic, roll-up her sleeves professional
I enjoyed working with Fran Simon. Fran is an energetic roll-up her sleeves Product Marketing professional. She is a great listener and considers the views of all parties in her deliberations. I recommend Fran to any organization looking to grow.
Charles Ball
Customer Experience Manager at Network for Good
Ability to see the big picture
Fran reported to me in various positions for 15 years at All Saints’ All Day Child Care Center, a 501(c)3 organization with 6 sites. She began her employment as a Teacher/Director in a start up center in a public school where she built instant rapport with the children, staff, families, All Saints’ All Day Board of Directors, and school administration. Along with the growth of All Saints’ All Day, Fran was quickly promoted to the newly created position of Director of Resources and Development. In that capacity Fran was instrumental in overseeing the growth and development of a once small organization into one largest child care organizations in lower Montgomery County. A great deal of the organization’s early growth and success can be attributed to Fran’s commitment, compassion, and professionalism. Fran personally developed and administered the fundraising efforts of the Center which benefited the scholarship fund, providing financial aid to over 60 families who would otherwise be unable to afford child care. With her ability to see the big picture, she oversaw the Center’s growth, from hiring and supervising staff to development efforts. Fran spearheaded the marketing, technology, and public relations operations for ASAD including the employee handbook, brochures, newsletters, promotional flyers, and much more. She organized community events, set up the CFC fund, and the organizations’ visibility on the internet by coordinating with Guide Star. Fran also managed the organization’s technology, including several transitions and migrations. We went from a completely manual organization to a technologically savvy business through her stewardship. Fran is one of the most creative and passionate people with whom I have ever worked. Fran’s drive and motivation contributed to putting All Saints All Day on the map as a premier child care provider. Her vision created a much improved and efficient operation of the Center’s business operations. It was a privilege to have worked with Fran for 15 years. I truly value the professional and personal relationship that we continue to share to this day. I consider it an honor to have served as Fran’s supervisor.
Bruce Kahan
Executive Director, Wonders Child Care Center
She values feedback
Fran is a fantastic leader to work with. She values feedback from her team and is able to ask the important questions. She brings dynamism and vision with her wherever she goes.
Dylan Gold
Formerly, Network for Good
