MELANNY SENA
Summary
Dynamic and equity-driven educational leader with over a decade of experience in early childhood, special education, and leadership coaching. A proud multilingual learner and immigrant, I bring deep cultural humility and a systems-level lens to my work. Committed to building inclusive, trauma-informed communities that nurture the success of all students—particularly those historically marginalized.
Program Management expert with proven ability to drive project success and deliver measurable outcomes. Skilled in strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk management, ensuring projects align with organizational goals. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability, consistently delivering results in fast-paced environments. Known for effective communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Senior Early Childhood Education Program Management Specialist – Citywide Leadership Coach
New York City Department of Education – Division of Early Childhood Education
08.2023 - Current
- Coach and supervise early childhood program leaders and instructional coaches across NYC.
- Design and lead citywide professional development sessions for educators, school leaders, and families.
- Strengthen leadership capacity and collaboration to promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices.
Administrator, Districts 7, 9 & 10
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), Bronx, NY
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Managed assessments, placement, and service implementation for preschoolers with disabilities.
- Led interdisciplinary teams to ensure IEP goals were met in the least restrictive environments.
- Developed PD plans to increase staff capacity around inclusive practices.
Special Education Teacher, Grades 3–8
Extended School Year Services, NYC DOE
06.2016 - 09.2021
- Provided academic and social-emotional support for 12-month classified students during ESY.
Special Education Teacher, Grades 3–5
PS 152 Dyckman Valley Magnet School of Innovation
09.2016 - 08.2021
- Delivered specialized instruction in both ICT and self-contained settings.
- Coordinated Magnet Clubs, curriculum development, and afterschool literacy programs.
- Promoted PBL and family engagement through innovative schoolwide initiatives.
ABA Therapist (Bilingual)
Department of Health
06.2017 - 09.2020
- Delivered individualized ABA therapy and tracked developmental progress for multilingual families.
Bilingual Certified Teacher Assistant – Level III
NYC DOE
01.2014 - 06.2016
- Supported 13:1 special education classroom; reinforced teacher-led, child-centered instruction and interventions.
Bilingual Administrative Assistant Intern
Jeffrey Zeichner Law Firm, Bronx, NY
03.2015 - 05.2015
- Provided bilingual legal support and client-facing services in a fast-paced legal environment.
Bilingual Tutor (Grades 5–12)
Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL)
10.2011 - 08.2014
- Led targeted academic interventions and supported language development in afterschool programs.
Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership And Management
Russell Sage College
Albany11.2025
NYC DOE Aspiring Managers Program (AMP) -
Office of Organizational Development, Talent & Culture
06.2023
MS - Educational Administration
Mercy College
01.2020
MS - Childhood Education & Special Education (Grades 1–6)
Touro College
01.2017
BS - Criminal Justice
Monroe College
01.2015
AS - Early Childhood Education (Birth–2)
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
01.2014
Skills
- Early childhood education
- Leadership coaching
- Bilingual communication
- Team leadership skills
- Educational policy implementation
- Problem-solving
- Scheduling and planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Influencing skills
Certification
- Professional Certificate: Childhood Education & Students with Disabilities
- School Building Leader (SBL) – Professional Certificate
- School District Leader (SDL) – Initial Certificate
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Early Childhood Education Program Management Specialist – Citywide Leadership Coach
New York City Department of Education – Division of Early Childhood Education
08.2023 - Current
Administrator, Districts 7, 9 & 10
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), Bronx, NY
09.2021 - 07.2023
ABA Therapist (Bilingual)
Department of Health
06.2017 - 09.2020
Special Education Teacher, Grades 3–5
PS 152 Dyckman Valley Magnet School of Innovation
09.2016 - 08.2021
Special Education Teacher, Grades 3–8
Extended School Year Services, NYC DOE
06.2016 - 09.2021
Bilingual Administrative Assistant Intern
Jeffrey Zeichner Law Firm, Bronx, NY
03.2015 - 05.2015
Bilingual Certified Teacher Assistant – Level III
NYC DOE
01.2014 - 06.2016
Bilingual Tutor (Grades 5–12)
Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL)
10.2011 - 08.2014
MS - Educational Administration
Mercy College
MS - Childhood Education & Special Education (Grades 1–6)
Touro College
BS - Criminal Justice
Monroe College
AS - Early Childhood Education (Birth–2)
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership And Management
Russell Sage College
NYC DOE Aspiring Managers Program (AMP) -
Office of Organizational Development, Talent & Culture
RECENT CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS & FACILITATIONS
- Upcoming (2025)
- Elevating Latina Leaders in Education: Empowering Through Equity, Cultural Identity, and Courage - July 2025, San Antonio
- Building Resilient Educational Communities Through Collaborative Leadership – July 2025, San Antonio
- Transforming Early Childhood: Engaging Literacy and Math for Diverse Learners – July 2025, San Antonio
- What I Show, What I Shield: Queer Latina Leadership & Motherhood in the Spotlight – PFLAG National Convention 2025
- Déjalos Hablar: Claiming Space & Leading with Corazón – ACTIVATE DEI Conference 2025, Hunter College
- Elevating Latina Leaders in Education – July 2025
- Past (2023–2024)
- “Igniting Family Engagement: Unveiling Implicit Bias” – ASCD Annual Conference 2024, Washington D.C.
- “Clear is Kind, Unclear is Unkind: How Do You Show Up to Work?” – NYC DOE DEIB Conference, July 2024
- “Developing YOUR Emotional Intelligence to Support Students with Disabilities” – ASCD Annual Conference, April 2023, Denver, CO
- “A Culturally Responsive Preschool Toolkit: Sustaining Family Engagement” – NYC DOE DEIB Conference, July 2023