Linda Finkel-Talvadkar Community Leader Linda Finkel-Talvadkar was sworn is as a Commissioner on July 12, 2005. Linda’s professional and volunteer background is rooted in education, public and community service. Linda most recently served as principal and guidance counselor of St. Ann’s High School at St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home. She provided administrative oversight and planned, implemented, coordinated and evaluated all facets of the educational services offered in St. Ann’s Teen Mother-Baby Program. She assisted all students in developing educational and career goals, and meeting with them to monitor progress towards these goals. Her previous professional and volunteer experience includes work in a variety of public and private educational settings in the District of Columbia including supervising student led diversity workshops in high schools, directing a before school program for an elementary school, managing a “City at Peace” educational performing arts production between a private and public high school, and substitute teaching. Her community service endeavors have focused on family and educational institutions involvement in Martha’s table, and helping plan and participate in “builds” for DC Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity International. Linda’s public service volunteering includes serving as press secretary for her respective ward, and state political party committees as well as for a national presidential campaign. She earned a Master of Education in student development administration in higher education at American University, and an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. She also has specialized training in mediation, leadership and parenting education.