Chrissy MacLean
Santa Cruz,CA
Summary
Strategic educational leader and former Community College student dedicated to ensuring all students have "access to their potential." Expert in counseling administration, equity-centered strategic compliance, and the alignment of academic frameworks with Guided Pathways. Proven track record in fostering student success within Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) through data-driven decision-making, participatory governance, and the elimination of racial equity gaps. Committed to advancing institutional effectiveness and holistic student support as a Dean of ACCESS.
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Equity, State and Federal Programs
Pajaro Valley USD
08.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic oversight of state and federal categorical programs, ensuring rigorous alignment with District-wide Institutional Planning, Accreditation standards, and Federal Program Monitoring (FPM).
- Lead the development and evaluation of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and SPSA, translating complex compliance metrics into actionable strategies for Institutional Effectiveness.
- Direct federal and state fiscal stewardship, managing grant reporting (GMART, Con APP) and categorical funding to support student success and matriculation.
- Facilitate the District Equity and Inclusion Committee, modeling participatory governance to implement Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist (ABAR) frameworks and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
- Operationalize equity through high-visibility initiatives, including the establishment of gender-neutral restrooms, Harvey Milk Day events, and the implementation of the Progress Flag across district sites.
- Champion Academic Support Services and equity for multilingual learners through increased reclassification and increased access to Seal of Biliteracy.
Coordinator of Academic and Social Emotional Counseling Programs
Pajaro Valley USD
07.2021 - 08.2024
- Directly coordinated comprehensive school counseling and mental health programs, facilitating Student Matriculation Support through a modernized closed-loop referral system.
- Co-designed and scaled MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) modules, providing executive coaching to site leadership to integrate social-emotional wellness with academic retention goals.
- Established the PVUSD Family Engagement and Wellness Center, serving as a hub for holistic student services and community-based support.
- Secured vital program funding through strategic grant writing and data disaggregation, identifying and closing service gaps for minoritized student populations.
Assistant Principal
Watsonville High School
01.2017 - 06.2021
- Executed Strategic Enrollment Management and master schedule design to optimize course sequencing for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways and Career Exploration, ensuring A-G completion alignment with Guided Pathways.
- Directed and evaluated the Counseling Department, establishing tiered interventions for academic and social-emotional student needs to increase persistence.
- Managed student placement and matriculation metrics (SBAC/ELPAC/AP testing), ensuring equitable access to high-rigor curricula for English Learners and federally funded student groups.
Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
San Jose State University
M.A. - Education
University of California, Santa Cruz
B.A. - American Studies
University of California, Santa Cruz
Associate Coursework & Foundation - undefined
Laney Community College & Berkeley City College
Administrative Services Credential - undefined
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Goal-oriented planning
- Clear communication skills
- Collaborative decision-making
- Original idea generation
- Change management expertise
- Regulatory compliance expertise
- Forward-thinking leadership
Accomplishments
- Santa Cruz County Administrator of the Year (2021)
- State Educator of the Year, Region 5, CA League of Schools (2017)
Timeline
Director of Equity, State and Federal Programs
Pajaro Valley USD
08.2024 - Current
Coordinator of Academic and Social Emotional Counseling Programs
Pajaro Valley USD
07.2021 - 08.2024
Assistant Principal
Watsonville High School
01.2017 - 06.2021
M.A. - Education
University of California, Santa Cruz
B.A. - American Studies
University of California, Santa Cruz
Associate Coursework & Foundation - undefined
Laney Community College & Berkeley City College
Administrative Services Credential - undefined
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
San Jose State University