Joan DeAngelis
Smithfield,Rhode Island
Summary
Innovative leader in special education and program development with expertise in budget management and compliance oversight. Enhanced district ratings and minimized out-of-district placements through strategic planning. Engaged stakeholders to promote inclusive education and social-emotional learning for diverse student populations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Special Education and Student Services
Wachusett Regional School District
Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling, MA
07.2023 - Current
- Oversaw district-wide special education services for 13 schools in the largest regional school district in Massachusetts, integrating health, guidance, school counseling, and special education programs PreK-21+.
- Executed strategic overhaul of special education procedures and processes, establishing comprehensive programs and realigning faculty and staff, managing $37 million budget including multiple grants, and training district-wide staff on special education law.
- Developed special education programs aligned with district goals and regulations.
- Enhanced district rating from needs improvement to meet standards in Special Education Determination rating from DESE within one year.
- Resolved compliance issues in 2023, leading to DESE rating of full compliance in 2024 through a Tier Focused Monitoring Evaluation.
- Developed district-wide professional development tailored to the needs of teachers, paraprofessionals and related service providers.
- Significantly expanded inclusive opportunities for students, including creating Unified Courses, MAIPSE partnership QCC, Unified Sports and International Best Buddies
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Nashoba Regional School District
Bolton, Lancaster, Stow, MA
08.2016 - 06.2023
- Oversight of all students in tri-town regional school district across 6 schools; oversaw special education programs including 12 district programs; served as district-wide compliance officer; supervised and supported all district principals; oversaw guidance and school adjustment counselors.
- Supervised district principals and vice principals; managed 10.5m budget including multiple grants; planned professional development across district; coordinated 504 program; provided training on education law and discipline policy; reviewed data to inform programming recommendations; evaluated faculty and staff; completed mandated state indicator and fiscal audit reports.
- Commended for creating four district-wide special education programs to ensure a continuum of services; Redesigned and realigned PreK programming in each town, significantly reduced out-of-district placements, expanded after-school activities to enhance programming for students.
- Developed and implemented innovative curriculum initiatives for various educational programs across the district.
- Delivered clinical consultation on social emotional learning and interventions.
- Ensured budget compliance while effectively addressing diverse needs of all learners.
- Developed comprehensive COVID procedures and protocols, achieving compliance with DESE recommendations.
Director of Student Services and Special Education
Attleboro Public Schools
Attleboro, MA
12.2013 - 08.2016
- Oversaw programming for 1,100 special education students, managing 24 district-wide programs and supervising 5 district coordinators and 9 TEAMS chairs across 11 schools PreK-12+. Coordinated Central Registration, ELL programs, 504 McKinney Vento, home schooling, guidance, nursing services, and ancillary service providers to ensure comprehensive services for 6,000+ students.
- Highly commended for redesigning and realigning programming to ensure a continuum of services for students throughout the district, including the development of a middle school public day school.
- Realigned special education budget for 2016 to meet budget expectations while addressing diverse needs of all learners.
- Delivered comprehensive professional development on disability identification, 504 regulations, English Language Learning, and effective IEP goal writing.
- Received a superior rating from DESE on the Civil Rights, ELL, Special Education, and McKinney Vento Coordinated Program Review.
- Developed programs to enhance student engagement and academic success.
- Guided principals in implementing leadership strategies across 10 schools, fostering effective educational environments.
- Collaborated with district schools, students, and families to resolve questions, concerns, and complaints effectively.
Elementary Principal
West Warwick Public Schools
West Warwick, RI
08.2012 - 12.2013
- Dedicated, resourceful principal who is fully committed to providing quality education by developing a rich climate and rigorous academic program for students in PreK through fourth grade.
- Developed teachers through professional development focused on student-centered instruction; fostered a positive climate encouraging open communication with colleagues, students, parents, and the community; coordinated 504 plans and led special education initiatives as LEA team chair. Developed yearly schedule and school-wide budget; implemented research-based practices for teacher evaluations. Provided clinical consultation to an emotionally fragile classroom while coordinating and supporting students with outside service providers.
- Led curriculum development to enhance student learning experiences and engagement.
- Facilitated faculty meetings to discuss curriculum updates and strategies for improving student achievement. to discuss curriculum and student achievement strategies.
- Met the Highly Effective category as a School Administrator. Successfully met the rigorous requirements to be a Rhode Island evaluator. Implemented research-based assessments and reading interventions across elementary school district, mentoring teachers in a balanced literacy approach to enhance student reading outcomes. Introduced parent/student/teacher conferences, enabling students to set individual goals and develop portfolios supporting self-directed learning. Enhanced school climate through PBIS implementation, fostering a positive environment and promoting student engagement. Created opportunities to connect students as community members through public engagement by implementing Greenbush Bakes a Difference, The Giving Tree, and Donate-A-Dress.
- Implemented collaborative faculty evaluations to enhance teaching and learning.
- Managed safety drills for the school community to enhance preparedness and ensure student safety during emergencies. and emergency preparedness plans for the school community.
Elementary Principal
Somerset Public Schools
Somerset, MA
07.2003 - 08.2012
- Led quality education initiatives by fostering a collaborative climate among professionals and students while implementing rigorous academic programs for Kindergarten through fifth grade.
- Managed school operations to create an optimal learning environment for students. to foster a positive learning environment.
- Organized staff meetings to improve communication and collaboration among educators to enhance collaboration among teachers and administrators.
- Designated as a High Performing School.
- Recognized for implementing cutting edge research-based practices such as: Reader's and Writer's Workshop, Six Traits and Math Workshop. Designated a lab school site to provide mentoring and training for district teachers in research-based methodologies. Developed Teacher/Student/Parent Conference to foster communication and engagement among stakeholders. Enhanced technology by developing class websites and piloted Honeywell Instant Alert System, which was adopted district-wide for improved communication. Secured grants to establish The Garden of Good Luck, an outdoor classroom that enriched content-based curriculum and provided experiential learning opportunities. Created a Math Glossary for K-5 students and developed Math Nights for K-2, and 3-5 students and parents.
Secondary Assistant Special Education Director
Swansea Public Schools
Swansea, MA
11.2001 - 07.2003
- Assisted in implementing special education programs, policies, and procedures to enhance student support; served as district liaison for out-of-district placements; wrote grants to secure funding; consulted with teaching staff to improve instructional strategies; chaired IEP and TEAM meetings to ensure compliance and student advocacy; provided clinical consultation to Case Alternative High School Program; prepared state and federal mandated reports; maintained records according to legal standards; evaluated special education programs to consistently meet individual student needs.
- Managed special education services for secondary students
- Decreased out of district placements by creating and expanding school program within district. Collaborated with parents and district personnel to enhance support for students.
- Developed educational programs aligned with district goals and state standards.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance curriculum and instructional practices.
- Led professional development workshops for staff to improve teaching strategies.
Special Education Director/Principal
Saint Vincent's Home
Fall River, MA
11.1999 - 11.2001
- Private residential treatment center for children, adolescents and young adults with severe social, emotional and behavioral difficulties.
- Oversaw educational programming for 130 special needs students (kindergarten - grade 12) across two campuses, ensuring compliance with individualized education plans. Supervised and trained approximately 50 staff personnel, enhancing instructional strategies and support for special needs students.
- Supervised special education staff in implementing individualized education plans.Developed and implemented an innovative educational program for special education students, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes.
- Supervised development of individualized education programs for students with disabilities.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff on special education best practices.
- Coordinated training sessions for educators on special needs strategies and techniques.
- Developed and maintained compliance with special education regulations and policies.
School Administrator/Clinical Social Worker
South Coast Educational Collaborative
Seekonk, MA
08.1993 - 11.1999
- Day treatment school for children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral concerns
- Oversaw educational programming while delivering individual and group therapy to special needs students, fostering a supportive learning environment. Duties included: Conducted functional behavioral assessments and ongoing treatment; facilitated crisis intervention and prospective student interviews; chaired administrative meetings; enforced program rules and regulations; supervised teachers and clinical staff; organized community
- service projects; developed hands-on curriculum; coordinated substance abuse treatment referrals and family interventions.
- Facilitated effective communication among teachers, parents, and administration to enhance student support and engagement. with parents, staff, and community stakeholders.ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Managed clients' educational and clinical issues, earning recognition from local school districts for effectiveness. Received commendation from Program Director for excellence in administrative tasks and clinical follow-up.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, parents, and administration.
- Managed daily operational tasks to improve the effectiveness and delivery of educational programs. to enhance the effectiveness of educational programs. of educational programs and activities.
- Coordinated and arranged staff and student schedules to facilitate smooth execution of school events. for staff and students, facilitating efficient planning of school activities. for staff, students, and school events.
Psychotherapist/Intern Supervisor
Tides Family Services
West Warwick, RI
08.1988 - 09.1996
- Supervised student interns, implemented individual, family, and group therapy for diverse client population, trained interns from Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island, facilitated student learning contracts, provided clinical treatment, wrote grants, developed presentations for schools, conducted research, and represented agency in local schools, family court, and DCYF meetings, strengthening community partnerships.
- Provided clinical supervision to staff and delivered individual, group, and family therapy to DCYF-involved clients, enhancing therapeutic support.
- Conducted individual therapy sessions with diverse clients and families.
- Conducted individual therapy sessions to support client mental health needs.
- Utilized evidence-based techniques to support client mental health needs.
- Assisted in developing treatment plans tailored to client goals and challenges.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive client care.
- Recognized by the Agency Director for addressing challenging clinical issues and fostering therapeutic relationships.
Education
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies - Educational Leadership
Cambridge College
Boston, Massachusetts12-2009
Master of Social Work - Master of Social Work
Rhode Island College
Providence, Rhode Island05-1992
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Social Work/Psychology
North Adams State College
North Adams, Massachusetts05-1988
Skills
- Legal compliance
- Data decision-making
- Financial management
- Strategic planning
- Program evaluation
- Staff development
- Dispute resolution
- Stakeholder engagement
- Social-emotional support
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Complex problem-solving
- Communication strategies
Certification
- Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent MA DESE
- Supervisor/Director MA DESE
- Director of Special Education MA DESE
- Elementary School Principal MA DESE
- Middle School Principal MA DESE
- High School Principal MA DESE
- Independent Clinical Social Worker RI ISW01021
Accomplishments
- Named "Educator of the Year" Somerset Public Schools
- Nominated "Change Agent of the Year" St. Vincent's Home
Timeline
Director of Special Education and Student Services
Wachusett Regional School District
07.2023 - Current
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Nashoba Regional School District
08.2016 - 06.2023
Director of Student Services and Special Education
Attleboro Public Schools
12.2013 - 08.2016
Elementary Principal
West Warwick Public Schools
08.2012 - 12.2013
Elementary Principal
Somerset Public Schools
07.2003 - 08.2012
Secondary Assistant Special Education Director
Swansea Public Schools
11.2001 - 07.2003
Special Education Director/Principal
Saint Vincent's Home
11.1999 - 11.2001
School Administrator/Clinical Social Worker
South Coast Educational Collaborative
08.1993 - 11.1999
Psychotherapist/Intern Supervisor
Tides Family Services
08.1988 - 09.1996
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies - Educational Leadership
Cambridge College
Master of Social Work - Master of Social Work
Rhode Island College
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Social Work/Psychology
North Adams State College