Superintendent - Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO)
(2023-07)
- Lead Strategic Planning process through collaborative working relationship with the NSSEO Governing Board, implement continuous improvement plan and associated dashboard indicators established to set future direction for NSSEO with frequent progress monitoring and communication to stakeholders.
- Strong ongoing presence in all programs to establish depth of understanding of needs of students, staff, and facilities.
- NSSEO Foundation Liaison, planning and execution of multiple annual fundraising events supporting students and adults with developmental disabilities, including gift matching, Giving Tuesday, Change For Kids, and restaurant fundraisers.
- Write and receive $500,000 Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant-State of Illinois
- Develop and coordinate related activities for board meetings and board committee meetings, reflective of the organizational direction and engaged community process.
- Establish an annual cycle of evaluation of all NSSEO administrators, using goal setting and increased professional expectations coupled with exit interviews and staff satisfaction surveys to guide continuous improvement in leadership initiatives throughout NSSEO.
- Lead administration and staff through changes that reflect the needs of students and in response to evolving expectations.
- Engage families, districts and community partners through a variety of partnership activities, advisory committees and forums to expand knowledge, deepen understanding and enhance progress.
- Collaborate with certified/classified associations on responsibilities, professional development, student growth and evaluation changes that reflect a student-centered core focus.
- Nurture positive, collaborative relationships with all educational stakeholders through processes that reflect effective communication and mutual respect.
Pre-K-8 Assistant Superintendent - Community Consolidated School District 15, Palatine - Palatine
(2014-06 - 2023-06)
Assistant Superintendent for Educational Service (2022-2023)
- Leadership of and collaboration with related service staff at 19 schools and 1 therapeutic day school
- Lead District academic, behavioral and mental health Multi-tiered Systems of Support Team
- Analyzed and expanded Continuum of Services from Core to Special Education programming
- Developed and fostered community partnerships with Northwest Community Hospital, Partners for Our Communities (POC) and The Bridge to provide wrap services to families
- Formed new partnership with The Boys and Girls Clubs to bring extended day programs to at-risk learners
- Collaborated with community partners to provide extended day programs focused on addressing equity and increased access for marginalized students
- Oversee District Title I, II and IV, 21st Century and High Impact Tutoring, Evidence-Based Funding and Consolidated District Plan grants
- Monitor compliance with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- Supervise Directors of Comprehensive Mental Health Services and MTSS as well as District Nurses
- Lead Summer School Programming
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning - Community Consolidated School District 15, Palatine - Palatine
(2014-06 - 2022-06)
- Oversaw department responsible for development and delivery of guaranteed, written and viable core curriculum for 12,000 uniquely diverse learners
- Worked collaboratively with Student Service department to ensure curriculum materials adoptions were inclusive of all learners needs and educators voices
- Supervised implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), CHAMPS and Expect Respect to clarify and enhance Tier 1 behavioral expectations
- Led implementation of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive (CLR) Teaching and opened CLR Lab Classroom for staff to observe inclusive practices in action
- Worked with junior high principals to expand STEM programming
- Recruited, onboarded and evaluated building and department administrators
- Led New Teacher Orientation and Mentoring Programs
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services - Elmhurst Consolidated School District 205
(2009-06 - 2014-06)
- Authored and monitored expenditures of IDEA and AARA Flow-Thru grants
- Developed District Improvement Plan through Rising Star
- Led development and supervised design, construction and opening of D205 Transition Center
- Served as representative to School Association for Special Education in DuPage (SASED)
- Served as Student Records Officer and District Complaint Manager
- Implemented PBIS, Parent Liaison Program and CHAMPS in collaboration with SASED
- Led Education Program Review Technique (EPRT) committee for special education services
- Collaborated with parents to develop Special Education Parent Resource group
- Aligned CHAMPS to Danielson Framework for Teaching
- Supervised Early Childhood Program, evaluated building principals, special education and related services staff
- Delivered professional development to support RtI implementation
- Reduced litigation by developing collaborative IEP teams focused on students outcomes
- Chaired District Discipline Committee
- Member of Superintendent's Cabinet, contract negotiations and strategic planning teams
Principal and District Director of Special Education - Huntley District 158 North School
(2002-06 - 2009-06)
- Transitioned student programming from special education cooperative to district oversight and opened four school during a period of rapid population growth
- Early Childhood Program Principal
- Represented District as Special Education District of McHenry County (SEDOM) Board member
- Initiated and expanded Special Needs Parent Advisory Program
- Supervised related service staff
- Evaluated special education programs and outplacements to ensure quality service delivery
- Authored IDEA grant, monitored and reviewed expenditures
- Led district Response to Intervention Task Force
- Implemented blended learning and play-based assessments
- Served as liaison to Illinois Early Intervention and Birth to Three Initiative
- Evaluated preschool certified and classified staff
Assistant Principal, May Chesak Elementary School - Consolidated School District 158 Huntley
(2001-05 - 2002-06)
- Represented District as LEA at Domain Review, Eligibility and Annual Review meetings
- Served as Team Leader of Student Assistance and Pupil Personnel Services Teams
- Evaluated general education and special education certified and support staff
- Monitored general and special education discipline and initiated manifestation determination staffings
- Facilitated increased communication between special education and general education teachers
- Developed administrator manual for IEP, Eligibility and Annual Review documents
- Provided professional development to general education staff regarding their role in sped staffings
- Led task force transition to technology-based IEP
- Supported use of universal lesson design to increase inclusivity of students with special needs
Special Education Coordinator, Nipper Career Education Center - Township High School District 214
(1999-06 - 2001-06)
- Supervised student intake and discharge process for alternative high school
- Coordinated student screenings, progress reports and parent conferences related to students behavior
- Supervised, evaluated and assisted in development of goals for Educational Support Personnel
- Participated in a committee to transition to technology based IEPs
- Served as Student Records Officer
- Coordinated 8th grade students transition plans for post secondary students
- Organized homebound/hospital services, supervised summer school and ESY program delivery
- Developed school safety plan in collaboration with Des Plaines Police Department
- Participated in district-level Fiscal Operations Committee
Special Education Teacher - Township High School District 214
(1994-06 - 1999-06)
Adjunct Professor/Course Developer: Special Educator and Special Education Director preparation - Aurora and National-Louis Universities
(2012-06 - 2023-06)
