CAROLINA WATTS
Summary
Experienced leader in equity, inclusion, disability rights, retention, and student support in higher education. Skilled in disability law, advocacy, and student counseling. Over 20 years of civil rights law experience. Proven track record in ensuring 504 and ADA compliance and accessibility for students while implementing student-centered approaches to drive success. Knowledgable about all aspects of the college admissions process and beyond.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of the Office of Disabilities and Accessibility Services
Woodbury University
Burbank, CA
08.2023 - Current
- Oversee all aspects of 504 compliance, from establishing and implementing accommodations policies and procedures, to training faculty and staff, to conducting compliance investigations
- Work with institutional leadership to ensure campus-wide compliance with disability laws.
- Implement programs to support student success and work with other departments to promote retention efforts.
Chair of the Woodbury Care Team
Woodbury University
07.2024 - Current
- Worked with leadership to revamp the CARE Team, including establishing new procedures, recruiting and setting up a new team for the academic year, providing resources and training materials to team members.
Adjunct Faculty, Freshman Seminar
Woodbury University
08.2024 - Current
- Teach a section of PASS 100, Woodbury’s Freshman Seminar program
- Developed syllabus, assignments, and materials.
Education Advocate
A2Z Educational Advocates
Pacific Palisades, CA
01.2003 - 08.2023
- Attended IEP and 504 meetings to advocate for services, placements, and accommodations
- Conducted extensive research and legal writing.
Education
Certificate in College Counseling (in progress) -
University of California, Los Angeles; Extension
Los Angeles, CA01.2023
Juris Doctor -
Pepperdine University School of Law
Malibu, CA05.2003
Certificate in Dispute Resolution -
Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA05.2003
Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication -
University of Georgia
Athens, GA05.2000
Skills
- Legal compliance and oversight
- Specialized counseling and 1:1 coaching of college students
- Developing and implementing faculty and staff training
- Conflict resolution and crisis management skills
- Reviewing and understanding student assessments and medical records
- Developing and teaching workshops for students
- Advocacy and communication skills
- Research and writing skills
- Leadership and management experience
- Understanding disability laws and policies
- Maintenance of filing systems
- Time management
- Balancing of multiple duties and tasks
- Assisting with transition planning and setting educational goals
- Committee and nonprofit board management
- Website development, online content creation, and social media marketing
- Budget Management
- Organizational Development
- Creativity and Innovation
- Verbal and written communication
- Volunteer management
- Office management and staff supervision
Affiliations
- Association for Higher Education and Disability (“AHEAD”)
- Los Angeles Special Education Task Force
- California Association of Parent-Child Advocacy (“CAPCA”)
- Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates (“COPAA”)
Publications
- Indifferent towards Indifference:’ Post-DeShaney Accountability for Social Services Agencies When a Child is Injured or Killed Under Their Protective Watch, 30 Pepp. Law Review 125, 2002
- IEP Meetings: Ten Tips for Parents, L.A. Parent Magazine, Your Child with Special Needs, 2013
Hobbies and Interests
- Dog training
- Writing
- Church involvement
- Family
- Quilting and sewing
- Gardening
- Cooking
Accomplishments
- Staff Excellence Award, Woodbury University (March 2024)
- President of Woodbury University Staff Assembly (WUSA) (elected, June 2024)
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty, Freshman Seminar
Woodbury University
08.2024 - Current
Chair of the Woodbury Care Team
Woodbury University
07.2024 - Current
Director of the Office of Disabilities and Accessibility Services
Woodbury University
08.2023 - Current
Education Advocate
A2Z Educational Advocates
01.2003 - 08.2023
Certificate in College Counseling (in progress) -
University of California, Los Angeles; Extension
Juris Doctor -
Pepperdine University School of Law
Certificate in Dispute Resolution -
Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University
Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication -
University of Georgia
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