Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline

Barbara Bates-Stokes

Sonoma County Districts/Schools (Two Rock, Cloverdale, Cinnabar, Wilson, River Montessori)
Petaluma,CA
1
Certification
2027
years of professional experience

Experienced and dynamic Special Education Leader with strong background in developing and implementing individualized education programs, ensuring compliance with educational regulations, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Known for effective team collaboration, problem-solving, and adapting to meet evolving needs. Skilled in strategic planning, resource management, and communication. Recognized for unwavering focus on achieving results and driving student success.

Work History

Director of Special Education and SPED Consultant

10 Years 5 Months
Sonoma County Districts/Schools (Two Rock, Cloverdale, Cinnabar, Wilson, River Montessori) | 01.2016 - 06.2026

Directed special education programs for the district.

  • Acted as the district's SELPA-required LEA representative for special education
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and SELPA regulations regarding special education programs and services
  • Led development, monitoring, and review of IEPs in collaboration with staff, families, and related service providers
  • Supervised the implementation of special education services, including Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) and Related Services
  • Collaborated with principal, superintendent, and district staff on budgeting and staffing to enhance program development in special education
  • Provided guidance and professional development to staff on special education law, MTSS practices, and intervention strategies

Consultant with the school district:

  • Mentored special education director and collaborated with general and special education staff to develop effective teaching strategies tailored to individual student needs
  • Developed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) for diverse student populations.
  • Led professional development initiatives focused on best practices in special education.

Program Manager

9 Years 6 Months
Santa Rosa City Schools | 01.2001 - 07.2010

Program Specialist

Contra Costa SELPA | 1997 - 12.2000

Education

Master of Science - Special Education And Speech Pathology

University of Nebraska At Omaha | Omaha, NE | 06.1978

Bachelor of Arts - Speech Pathology And Audiology

California State University At Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | 06.1975

Skills

Effective communicator
After analyzing the student data and observing classroom instruction
offering evidence-based recommendations to improve student outcomes is initiated. In the crafting and development of the IEP
unique learning needs of the student are considered by also collaborating with teachers
parents
and other professionals. Thus ensuring the educational framework is legally compliant and effectively supports the students with disabilities.
From tailoring strategies to assist in modifying challenging behaviors to developing behavior intervention plans
adding adaptive learning strategies to customize teaching methods and tools
as the Special Ed Consultant
this assistance is given to address the diverse learning requirements of students with disabilities.
By addressing and implementing strategies to accommodate various learning needs
as a consultant
working to ensure that all students have equitable access to curriculum and resources.
By collaborating and teamwork with educators
parents and other professionals
establishing adaptive learning environments that support the academic and social success of students with disabilities in mainstream-inclusive classrooms is imperative which includes the use of assistive technology and other resources like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to address complex communication needs.
Early intervention
Instructional leadership
Parent-teacher collaboration
Collaborative teaching
Inclusive education
Curriculum adaptation
Disability awareness
Learning disability support
Individualized education plans
Autism spectrum disorders
IEP implementation
Educational consulting
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Time management
Attention to detail
Responsible and dependable
Problem-solving abilities
Active listening
Team collaboration

Certification

  • Professional Administrative Services Credential, Sonoma State University-current from 1996
  • Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential: Language, Speech and Hearing including Special Class Authorization-Life
  • Clear Resource Specialist Certificate of Competence-Life from 1994
  • Clear Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development Certificate, (CLAD) 1995
  • Certificate of Clinical Competence, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association-current

Timeline

Director of Special Education and SPED Consultant

Sonoma County Districts/Schools (Two Rock, Cloverdale, Cinnabar, Wilson, River Montessori)
01.2016 - 06.2026Read More

Program Manager

Santa Rosa City Schools
01.2001 - 07.2010Read More

Program Specialist

Contra Costa SELPA
1997 - 12.2000Read More

University of Nebraska At Omaha

Master of Science from Special Education And Speech Pathology
Read More

California State University At Sacramento

Bachelor of Arts from Speech Pathology And Audiology
Read More
Barbara Bates-Stokes