Louisa Bancroft Wood
Goleta,CA
Summary
Deeply passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. Dedicated and compassionate professional with extensive experience in special education, disability rights, and program development. Proven track record of championing inclusive educational practices and effectively advocating for individuals with disabilities. Skills include crisis intervention, family support, and collaborative care training. Proficient in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, enhancing the ability to communicate and support diverse populations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District-Wide Behavior Intervention Specialist
Santa Barbara Unified School District
01.2017 - Current
- Spearhead the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans for students with diverse needs, achieving measurable improvements in outcomes.
- Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to enhance student success, fostering cohesive educational environments.
- Deliver training and professional development for district staff on behavior management, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed practices.
- Establish partnerships with community organizations to provide students and families with resources such as mental health services and after-school programs.
- Champion district-wide culture of positive behavior support through effective communication, active listening, and empathy.
- Lead crisis intervention during critical incidents, ensuring safety and maintaining respect for all parties.
- Educate faculty and staff on special education laws and regulations through professional development sessions.
- Advocate for and support families and individuals with disabilities from age three to adulthood, providing necessary resources and guidance.
Adjunct Professor/Lecturer
California Polytechnic State University
09.2015 - Current
- Teach graduate-level courses on culturally responsive teaching, special education law, disability law, and disability rights.
- Mentor and supervise teacher candidates during fieldwork.
Manage student performance using automated reporting systems to identify learning needs and develop action plans. - Cultivate relationships with colleagues and participate in interdisciplinary initiatives.
- Collaborate with colleagues and administrators to create effective education programs.
- Promote diversity by organizing inclusive events and discussions on cultural competency.
- Utilize various learning modalities and support materials to enhance presentations.
- Adapt to educational changes, leveraging digital tools for virtual engagement while maintaining academic standards.
Executive Board Member
Pacific Pride Foundation
01.2023 - Current
- Serve as Chair of the Programs Committee, working with colleagues to ensure program alignment with the organization's strategic plan.
- Help provide strategic direction and oversight for the foundation's programs and initiatives.
- Participate in decision-making processes to advance the organization's mission.
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct throughout the organization.
- Achieve board objectives by collaboratively aligning resources and initiatives with organizational goals.
- Work with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives that advance the organizational mission.
- Assist in developing fundraising partnerships with community members to support the foundation's initiatives.
Programs Committee Member
Pacific Pride Foundation
01.2021 - Current
- Collaborate on the development and implementation of programs that support and advance the foundation's mission.
- Work closely with committee members to identify community needs and create responsive, impactful programs.
- Ensure program alignment with the organization's strategic goals and objectives.
- Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs and making recommendations for improvements.
- Engage with community stakeholders to gather feedback and foster partnerships that enhance program delivery.
City Commissioner
Fire and Police Commission
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Advise the City Council and City Administrator on matters related to efficient and adequate fire and police protection.
- Recommend policies and regulations to enhance the operation and conduct of the Fire and Police Departments.
- Provide expert guidance on improving public safety measures and resource allocation.
- Collaborate with city officials and community stakeholders to ensure responsive and effective emergency services.
- Contribute to the development of strategic plans and initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall safety and security of the city.
City Commissioner
Community Formation Commission
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Explored different civilian police review systems and made recommendations to develop a newly developed commission for police oversight and accountability systems in Santa Barbara.
Program Supervisor and School District Consultant
STAR of California, Behavioral and Psychology Services
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Supervised behavioral programs and provided expert consultation to multiple school districts.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed individualized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of students.
- Trained and supervised staff in the implementation of evidence-based practices, ensuring high standards of care and effectiveness.
- Collaborated with school administrators, teachers, and parents to create supportive and inclusive educational environments.
- Implemented data-driven approaches to monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
- Facilitated professional development workshops and training sessions to enhance staff competencies in behavior management and special education strategies.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during critical incidents, maintaining a focus on student safety and well-being.
Associate Program Supervisor
STAR of California, Behavioral & Psychological Services
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Supervised and managed daily operations of behavioral and psychological services programs.
- Conducted assessments and developed individualized treatment plans based on evidence-based practices.
- Trained and supervised behavioral therapists and support staff to ensure effective implementation of treatment plans.
- Collaborated with clinical psychologists, educators, and stakeholders for integrated client care.
- Monitored client progress and made data-driven adjustments to optimize outcomes.
- Facilitated team meetings and case conferences to discuss progress and address challenges.
- Provided crisis intervention and support, maintaining client safety during critical situations.
- Developed and delivered professional development workshops to enhance staff competencies.
- Assisted in creating organizational policies and procedures to improve service delivery.
- Engaged with clients' families to provide education, support, and resources.
Educational and Behavioral Consultant
Santa Barbara Unified School District, Goleta Union School District, San Luis Obispo Union School District
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Promoted a collaborative approach by involving clients'' families in the development of behavior support plans tailored to their unique circumstances.
- Assisted medical team in providing ongoing assessment of symptoms and responses to interventions.
- Increased client engagement, utilizing positive reinforcement techniques and motivational strategies.
- Assisted families in understanding and managing their child''s challenging behaviors, providing ongoing support and education.
- Utilized crisis prevention strategies to de-escalate situations effectively while maintaining safety for both clients and staff.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive intervention plans for optimal results.
Statewide Program Evaluator and Grant Writer
Family Voices of Minnesota, Parent-to-Parent Program
09.2011 - 01.2017
- Assisted in creating new programs by providing expert guidance on best practices in evaluation methodology and reporting.
- Maintained high-quality evaluation standards by staying current with industry trends and continuously refining evaluation tools and techniques.
- Presented evaluation findings at conferences and workshops, raising awareness of critical issues affecting program success and influencing policy and practice.
- Contributed to grant applications by providing robust evidence of program impact, resulting in increased funding opportunities for the organization.
- Utilized advanced statistical techniques to analyze data sets, ensuring accuracy and reliability in evaluation results.
- Developed strong relationships with program staff, fostering improved collaboration during evaluations and the implementation of recommended improvements.
- Created persuasive case statements using data-driven evidence to demonstrate program impact and the need for support from funders.
- Published evaluation findings in a respected industry publication, contributing to the broader field of program evaluation and nonprofit effectiveness.
Communications and Fundraising Director
Special Olympics, East Asia
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Created and managed a robust volunteer program to engage community members and increase participation in events leading up to the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai.
- Led results-oriented campaigns in both English and Mandarin Chinese, resulting in a significant increase in recurring donations from our network of supporters across Southeast Asia.
- Improved donor retention rates by implementing thoughtful stewardship practices and timely acknowledgment processes, fostering strong relationships with existing donors.
- Strengthened the funding pipeline through the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of new prospects, expanding the organization's donor base.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to create compelling promotional materials that showcased the impact of the Special Olympics, enhancing visibility and support.
- Managed successful fundraising events, generating increased revenue and providing donor appreciation opportunities.
- Worked with creative teams to introduce rich media assets into ongoing development cycles, enhancing the effectiveness of communication and promotional efforts.
Developmental Volunteer (Teacher Training and Development)
United States Peace Corps
06.2005 - 12.2006
- Conducted teacher training programs on modern pedagogical techniques and classroom management.
- Developed workshops on curriculum development, lesson planning, and assessment strategies.
- Provided one-on-one coaching and mentoring to improve instructional practices.
- Facilitated cross-cultural exchanges between American and Chinese educators.
- Designed language improvement courses to enhance English proficiency among teachers.
- Promoted the integration of technology in classrooms through targeted seminars to the extent possible in rural China.
- Created resource materials and teaching aids to support professional growth.
Education
Ph.D. - Family & Disability, Teacher Education & Professional Development, Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06.2016
M.A. in Education - Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06.2014
Education Specialist Credential - Special Education
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06.2013
B.A. in Theater & Music, Minor in Spanish -
Bates College
Lewiston, ME06.2002
Skills
- Special Education and Disability Law: Expert in developing support plans with comprehensive legal knowledge, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations
- Behavior Intervention and Crisis Management: Proficient in creating behavior management plans and certified in crisis prevention techniques, maintaining safe and supportive environments
- Program Development and Implementation: Experienced in designing and launching programs that align with organizational goals and meet community needs
- Family Support and Advocacy: Strong background in supporting individuals with disabilities and their families, providing advocacy and resources to enhance their quality of life
- Training and Supervision: Extensive experience in training professionals, individuals, and families; skilled in collaborative care practices and fostering professional growth
- Multilingual Communication: Proficient in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, enhancing communication and engagement with diverse and international populations
- Strategic Visioning and Organizational Management: Capable of developing strategic plans and leading teams to achieve organizational objectives
- Diversity and Inclusion: Advocate for inclusive practices, promoting diversity and effective teamwork within organizations and communities
Certification
- Certified Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention Trainer
- Qualified Autism Services Practitioner
- Member, Golden Key International Honor Society
- Member, TASH/Cal-TASH
- Member, Council for Exceptional Children
- Member, Parent-to-Parent National
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification
- Pivotal Response Training Certification
Publications
- Wood, L. B. & Singer, G. H. S. (2014). Parent-to-parent support for diverse low-income families: A study of the voice of the lifeworld in a medical context. TASH Connections, 39(4), 15-19.
- Numerous professional presentations on special education, disability rights, and inclusive practices at national and regional conferences.
Musician, Band Creator, Member
- Creator and proud member of an all-female identified band, performing regularly at various venues across Santa Barbara County with plans to expand to other areas of California and beyond. Foster a supportive and inclusive environment for women in music and engage with the community through music and advocacy for gender equality in the arts. Play cello, sing, and play ukulele and mandolin.
Timeline
Executive Board Member
Pacific Pride Foundation
01.2023 - Current
City Commissioner
Fire and Police Commission
10.2022 - 06.2023
Programs Committee Member
Pacific Pride Foundation
01.2021 - Current
City Commissioner
Community Formation Commission
01.2021 - 01.2022
District-Wide Behavior Intervention Specialist
Santa Barbara Unified School District
01.2017 - Current
Adjunct Professor/Lecturer
California Polytechnic State University
09.2015 - Current
Program Supervisor and School District Consultant
STAR of California, Behavioral and Psychology Services
01.2015 - 01.2017
Associate Program Supervisor
STAR of California, Behavioral & Psychological Services
01.2014 - 01.2017
Educational and Behavioral Consultant
Santa Barbara Unified School District, Goleta Union School District, San Luis Obispo Union School District
01.2014 - 01.2017
Statewide Program Evaluator and Grant Writer
Family Voices of Minnesota, Parent-to-Parent Program
09.2011 - 01.2017
Communications and Fundraising Director
Special Olympics, East Asia
01.2007 - 01.2009
Developmental Volunteer (Teacher Training and Development)
United States Peace Corps
06.2005 - 12.2006
Ph.D. - Family & Disability, Teacher Education & Professional Development, Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies
University of California, Santa Barbara
M.A. in Education - Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies
University of California, Santa Barbara
Education Specialist Credential - Special Education
University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. in Theater & Music, Minor in Spanish -
Bates College
- Certified Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention Trainer
- Qualified Autism Services Practitioner
- Member, Golden Key International Honor Society
- Member, TASH/Cal-TASH
- Member, Council for Exceptional Children
- Member, Parent-to-Parent National
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification
- Pivotal Response Training Certification
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