Dr. LASHONDA ABDUSSATAR
Painesville,OH
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record in driving district-wide initiatives that promote student success across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Specialized in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), student services, and compliance, with a strong emphasis on designing and implementing programs that improve outcomes and ensure equitable access while adhering to state and federal regulations. Expertise in data-driven decision-making and cross-functional leadership, effectively building capacity among school teams to achieve sustainable improvements. Committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment that empowers all students to thrive.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Director - Social Emotional Learning & Academic Support
Cleveland Heights - University Heights School District
University Heights, OH
08.2022 - Current
- Led the design and implementation of a K–12 Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), integrating academic, behavioral, and social-emotional strategies while facilitating secondary MTSS cycles to drive data-based decision-making and targeted intervention planning
- Implemented strategic initiatives focused on attendance, student behavior, and social-emotional learning to promote academic achievement and support student well-being.
- Designed and executed processes to support compliance with federal and state regulations, including Section 504 and McKinney-Vento, while providing comprehensive training and oversight.
- Guided school teams in the analysis of attendance and discipline data to enhance program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
- Managed financial resources to support effective program execution and enhance operational efficiency.
- Supervised and supported school social workers across the district, providing coaching, ensuring alignment of services with MTSS, and monitoring compliance with student support and intervention requirements.
- Supervised school counselors, guiding development and implementation of comprehensive school counseling programming, strengthening data-informed practices, and ensuring alignment with district priorities and student needs.
- Developed and Facilitated professional development sessions for staff to enhance instructional practices and student engagement.
Principal - Renwood Elementary
Parma City School District
Parma, OH
08.2015 - 07.2022
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior supports.
- Led school-wide implementation of behavioral and instructional frameworks to improve student outcomes.
- Managed staff evaluation, development, and school operations to ensure a positive learning environment.
Assistant Principal - Pleasant Valley Elementary
Parma City School District
Parma, OH
08.2014 - 07.2015
- Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies while supporting positive interventions.
- Analyzed student data to identify trends, drive decision-making, and implement targeted interventions for at-risk populations.
Dean of Students - Shiloh Middle/Green Valley El
Parma City School District
Parma, OH
08.2013 - 07.2014
- Developed strategies to improve student behavior school-wide and help teachers better manage classroom environments.
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
Intervention Specialist
Lamuth Middle School/Buckeye Elementary
Painesville, OH
08.2005 - 06.2013
- Collaborated with teachers to implement academic and behavioral intervention strategies.
- Developed data-driven intervention plans based on thorough analysis of assessments, observations, and individual student needs.
- Led workshops on best practices for inclusive education and support strategies.
- Built strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication regarding student progress and needs.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH05-2021
Master of Education - Curriculum And Instruction
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH05-2004
Master of Public Administration - Organizational Leadership
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH08-2001
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH05-1997
Skills
- Data-driven evaluation
- Financial resource management
- Conflict resolution
- MTSS coordination
- Group facilitation
- professional development coordination
- Trauma-sensitive approaches
- Strategic planning
- Team management
- Relationship building
Affiliations
- School Social Work Association of America
- American School Counselor Association
- Ohio School Counselor Association
- Ohio School Social Worker Association
- Organizing Forward
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
- Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators
- First Ring Leadership Academy
- American School Leader Panel
Certification
- Trauma and Resilience Specialist - 2026
- MTSS Certification - 2025
- Section 504 Compliance Specialist - 2025
- Wellbeing Information and Strategies - 2024
- Youth Mental Health First Aid - 2024
- Restorative Practices - 2023
- PBIS Tier 1 & Tier 2 - 2023
Timeline
Director - Social Emotional Learning & Academic Support
Cleveland Heights - University Heights School District
08.2022 - Current
Principal - Renwood Elementary
Parma City School District
08.2015 - 07.2022
Assistant Principal - Pleasant Valley Elementary
Parma City School District
08.2014 - 07.2015
Dean of Students - Shiloh Middle/Green Valley El
Parma City School District
08.2013 - 07.2014
Intervention Specialist
Lamuth Middle School/Buckeye Elementary
08.2005 - 06.2013
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Youngstown State University
Master of Education - Curriculum And Instruction
Cleveland State University
Master of Public Administration - Organizational Leadership
Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Cleveland State University
Professional Leadership & Affiliations
- CASEL Fellow, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (National)
- SEL Network Facilitator, Education Service Center (Regional)
- Education Department Advisory Counsel, Hiram College
- What Works In Schools, Case Western Reserve University
- First Ring Leadership Academy, Cleveland State University
- School Turnaround Leaders, Harvard University
- Mental Health In Schools - Building Systems of Care, Harvard University