Denise N. Williams-Patterson
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Experienced Special Educator with comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations protecting students with disabilities. Ability to coordinate and advise on regulatory requirements, resulting in limited due process hearings and favorable mediation agreements. Employs leadership and interpersonal skills to empower mentees and direct reports to enhance problem-solving abilities and exhibit professional growth. Proficient in identifying and managing fiscal, physical, and human resources within the Special Education Department to support its function, programs, and service delivery options.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director, Learning Support – Special Education Services
NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2020 - Current
- Assist the Senior Director in planning, administering, and supervising all special education programs/services and Section 504;
- Assume the Senior Director’s responsibilities in their absence;
- Serve as the district’s Section 504 Compliance Officer;
- Implements activities, professional development and coaching assistance to departmental staff, school administrators, and school staff to ensure the school division is in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations;
- Create procedures for the operations of all special education programs, services, and activities to ensure procedural compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
- Directs the process of referral, assessment, identification, eligibility, and placement of students with disabilities;
- Prepare timely submission of required local, state, and federal reports related to students with disabilities and Section 504;
- Investigate complaints or allegations of non-compliance with special education laws and Section 504;
- Ensure due process is followed and appropriate actions are taken;
- Facilitate the resolution of disputes involving students with disabilities, including mediating conflicts between parents and schools regarding special education services and accommodations
Senior Coordinator, Learning Support – Special Education Services
NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
12.2011 - 08.2020
- School district representative for more than seven special education dispute resolution filings;
- Facilitate sessions to resolve disagreements;
- Develop and monitor implementation plans submitted to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE);
- Investigate and develop response to state complaints referring to suspected non-compliance of regulatory requirements;
- Manage committee of five members to review and revise local procedures for special education;
- Monitor efficiency and compliance of the district's implementation manual;
- Supervise and coach direct reports who coordinate and case manage services for students attending regional programs and private day schools;
- Partner with local city offices and agencies to coordinate a system of care for youth and their families in accordance to the Children's Service Act (CSA);
- Balance and monitor allocated budgets;
- Supervise the coordination of homebound services;
- Lead a team of Specialists who support district wide program (Autism, Intellectually Disabled/Multiple Disabled, and Emotionally Disabled) for students with disabilities who require more intensive behavioral and academic supports;
- Coordinate delivery of special education and related services to increase student outcomes;
- Coordinate the activities of support personnel assigned to special education instruction;
- Collaboratively design best practice approaches in accordance with the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and assists with fidelity monitoring of program implementation;
- Engage in interdepartmental collaboration to maintain accurate data and meet reporting deadlines;
- Facilitate collaborative problem-solving with building level staff to reduce parental filing of state complaints or due process hearing requests
Educational Consultant
SELF
09.1996 - 12.2014
- Assess population needs to develop youth programs;
- Monitor progress of program goals;
- Maintain budget to hire staff and support related program activities;
- Collaborate with non-profit organizations to develop academic/career support programs;
- Supervise staff for support;
- Create and submit reports
Teacher Specialist/Instructional Behavioral Specialist/Teacher, Learning Support – Special Education Services
NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2006 - 12.2011
- Assess student needs to develop and/or propose plan of support;
- Monitor mandated timelines for students with disabilities;
- Committee member for development of Section 504 local procedures;
- Conduct district and school level trainings in the areas of behavior, discipline, and MDR procedures;
- Establish procedures essential for regulatory compliance and improvement of special education programs;
- Plan and chair reevaluation meetings for students with disabilities
Federal Program Monitoring Specialist
VA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
09.2004 - 09.2005
- Coordinate with Special Education Directors to conduct over 30 annual on-site compliance reviews for residential facilities, detention centers, and local education agencies (LEAs);
- Conduct investigation of residential facilities complaints and develop reports of findings;
- Review corrective action plans and monitor implementation;
- Consult with LEAs to support development of Section 504 procedures
Education
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies - Education Administration
Cambridge College
Cambridge, MA08.2005
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction/Teaching
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA08.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology w/ Special Education Endorsements
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA05.1996
Skills
- Cost management
- Regulatory reporting
- Analytical problem solving
- Team leadership
- Compliance management
- Effective conflict resolution
- Relationship management
- Data-driven decision making
- Regulatory compliance assessments
- Legal analysis
- Regulatory compliance consulting
Other Work History
Educational Consultant, Self-Employed, Virginia Beach, VA, 09/96, 12/14, Assess population needs to develop youth programs., Monitor progress of program goals., Maintain budget to hire staff and support related program activities., Collaborate with non-profit organizations to develop academic/career support programs., Supervise staff for support., Create and submit reports.
Timeline
Assistant Director, Learning Support – Special Education Services
NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2020 - Current
Senior Coordinator, Learning Support – Special Education Services
NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
12.2011 - 08.2020
Teacher Specialist/Instructional Behavioral Specialist/Teacher, Learning Support – Special Education Services
NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2006 - 12.2011
Federal Program Monitoring Specialist
VA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
09.2004 - 09.2005
Educational Consultant
SELF
09.1996 - 12.2014
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction/Teaching
Regent University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology w/ Special Education Endorsements
Norfolk State University
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies - Education Administration
Cambridge College
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