Staff Spotlight: Nhi Cao
Staff Spotlight: Nhi Cao
Project Manager and Implementation Coach
Dr. Nhi Cao is a Project Manager and Implementation Coach based in Charlotte, NC. She works to ensure the successful implementation of our HELPS for Small Groups (HELPS-SG) reading fluency program in Charlotte. She joined our team in November 2022 and has shown unwavering dedication to our mission of advancing learning outcomes. In December 2023, she impressively led the pilot of the HELPS-SG program, and since then, it has grown by 15 sites during the 2023-2024 academic year. She also works closely with school administration, students, fluency interventionists, and educators to implement these programs.
Being a teacher and mentor at heart, Dr. Cao’s career has always been centered around making a positive impact in her community and in individuals’ lives. As a researcher, Dr. Cao was drawn to Helping Education because of our use of research-based and high-impact programs to improve students’ reading skills. She adds, “The individuals who work for the organization have a genuine passion for improving their communities, and I wanted to be a part of a team with a strong mission.”
She describes her experience working with administration, teachers, students, and community members as “empowering” and finds that “it validates that working at Helping Education is a blessing.” While Dr. Cao sometimes misses being in the classroom, she enjoys implementing programming within schools. Adding her value, through this position, she is able to merge program administration and direct service with students.
Dr. Cao reflects on seeing the direct impacts that our programs have, sharing, “It is very rewarding to see students’ scores increase and to see them grow in their confidence.” Even on busy days, she sees the benefits because the students are excited to see her and eager to know what they’re reading that day.
Dr. Cao is most passionate about sparking a love of learning within students and ensuring the confidence to achieve their goals.