Nichole Salles-Cunha
Watsonville,CA
Summary
Special Education Administrator with over a decade of expertise in enhancing educational frameworks and fostering inclusive learning environments. Demonstrates a strong ability to align programs with both educational and community stakeholders, ensuring impactful outcomes. Committed to creating equitable opportunities for all students by leveraging skills in strategic planning, program development, and stakeholder engagement.
Analytical director with comprehensive background in special education leadership. Developed and implemented programs that improved educational outcomes for students with diverse needs. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and staff development.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Program Specialist
Scotts Valley Unified School District
07.2025 - Current
- Improved overall program effectiveness through comprehensive data analysis and evaluation of key performance indicators for students and staff.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal education law and regulations throughout program implementation across the continuum of educational settings TK - 12.
- Serve as LEA Representative and oversight for students in programs countywide and outside placements (preschool, charter, private, alternative, district transfers, Foster Youth and Homeless, nonpublic school/agency, residential treatment centers)
- Achieved successful outcomes for students and teachers through effective team management and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Planned and executed meetings and training sessions to connect district classified, certificated and management level educators.
- Facilitated cross-functional team collaborations, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Monitored employee work and developed improvement plans.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with district and school site goals and specifications.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies and maximize individuals' strengths.
Program Director, Special Services
Pajaro Valley Unified School District
07.2022 - 06.2025
- Led strategic district-wide planning, boosting student success and teacher effectiveness
- Collaborative leader for the district MTSS implementation team
- Fostered inclusive practices, enhancing special education in 16 elementary and three charter schools (TK-8)
- Supervision of 36 Speech Language Pathologists and responsible for oversight of the implementation of comprehensive programs for speech and language services in a linguistically-diverse community
- Identified key areas for optimization, achieving significant program efficiency gains
Principal, Duncan Holbert Preschool
Special Services, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Led early childhood special education initiatives
- Supervised the Early Start/Preschool Program Specialist, 13 Certificated Special Education Teachers, nine Speech Language Pathologists, three Occupational Therapists, and 35 classified employees
- Expanded inclusive practices by collaborating with early learning community and restructuring supports and resources
- Pioneered integration of general curriculum into special education programs, promoting inclusivity and broadening educational opportunities
- Cultivated staff expertise through targeted professional development, focusing on developmentally responsive and culturally sensitive practices
- Implemented MTSS and PBIS frameworks, significantly improving program efficiency and student outcomes in early childhood special education
- Cultivated strong partnerships with families and staff, facilitating personalized IEP meetings and fostering a supportive educational environment
Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
Special Services, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Mentored and coached six new teachers through the New Teacher Project induction program
- Coached general education and special education co-teaching teams in inclusive education and co-teaching models at three elementary schools
- Drove systemic change with the Fidelity Integrity Assessments (FIA-SWIFT) evaluation process
- Facilitated cross-school inclusion initiatives for enhanced student support across extensive support needs and mild/moderate support needs programs
- Fostered professional growth of special education teachers, facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices implementation across the district
Credential Course Instructor
Be A Teacher Project, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Led inclusive curriculum design for intern teachers
- Enhanced syllabi alignment with credential standards for core subjects
- Mentored interns, boosting their curriculum application proficiency
- Conducted interactive sessions for direct learning application
- Fostered educational equity through inclusive learning strategies
Special Education Teacher & Instructional Coach
Mar Vista Elementary School & SELPA, Pajaro Valley USD
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Formulated adaptive learning strategies boosting student engagement
- Mentored educators on autism support services, fostering inclusive environments through instructional coaching and partnership with CDE Diagnostic Center North
- Led district-wide training sessions on evidence-based proactive teaching strategies, elevating overall instructional quality and effectiveness
- Spearheaded PBIS implementation, achieving bronze status, while coordinating disability services to drive substantial improvements in student outcomes
- Case manager and primary teacher for 17 students receiving mild/moderate special day class services
Special Education Teacher, Mild/Moderate SDC GR. 3-5
Mintie White Elementary School
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Developed and implemented specialized academic instruction for neurodiverse students, ensuring positive learning outcomes
- Led multidisciplinary team efforts, ensuring collaborative expertise to craft and implement comprehensive individualized education plans
- Championed inclusive education initiatives, breaking down barriers and cultivating a more integrated learning environment
- Conducted in-depth assessments of student needs, tailoring social, emotional, and behavioral support strategies for optimal outcomes
- Spearheaded Positive Discipline program, markedly improving school-wide student engagement and fostering a culture of mutual respect
Education
Master of Arts - TK-12 Educational Leadership
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA01.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA01.2003
Skills
- Developmentally appropriate education planning
- Community engagement
- Strategic policy development
- Compliance management
- Program design and implementation
- Program Evaluation
- Goal-oriented planning
- Innovative problem-solving
- Mentorship
- Positive school culture cultivation
Affiliations
Association of California School Administrators
Certification
Administrative Services Credential, San Diego State University
Timeline
Program Specialist
Scotts Valley Unified School District
07.2025 - Current
Program Director, Special Services
Pajaro Valley Unified School District
07.2022 - 06.2025
Principal, Duncan Holbert Preschool
Special Services, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
01.2020 - 07.2022
Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
Special Services, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
01.2019 - 01.2020
Credential Course Instructor
Be A Teacher Project, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
01.2019 - 01.2020
Special Education Teacher & Instructional Coach
Mar Vista Elementary School & SELPA, Pajaro Valley USD
01.2016 - 01.2019
Special Education Teacher, Mild/Moderate SDC GR. 3-5
Mintie White Elementary School
01.2014 - 01.2016
Master of Arts - TK-12 Educational Leadership
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
San Diego State University
Awards
Administrator of the Year District Nominee, Association of California School Administrators, 2024
Innovator of the Year, Pajaro Valley Unified School District, 2019
Additional Experience and Information
2011 - 2013 Director, Children's Ministry, The Anchor Church, Solana Beach, CA
2009 - 2010 Assistant Director, Children's Ministry, Seacoast Community Church, Encinitas, CA
1999 - 2004 Preschool Teacher, Little Steps Christian Preschool, La Jolla, CA