Valeria Ossa, LCSW
Freeport,NY
Summary
Appointed Principal of PS 124 with a proven track record in school improvement, trauma-informed leadership, and culturally responsive instructional systems. I lead buildingwide initiatives including Project PLAY to expand hands-on, trauma-sensitive learning; STEM and curriculum-aligned enrichment; and the creation of sensory-responsive environments that support emotional regulation and academic engagement. My clinical and social work leadership experience spans multiple agencies and settings, demonstrating a strong foundation in trauma‑informed practice, crisis intervention, family engagement, and multisystem collaboration. Experienced in staff development, operational management, and strengthening family and community partnerships.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal, PS 124
NYC Public Schools
05.2024 - Current
- Lead Project PLAY, a schoolwide initiative advancing hands-on, play-based learning through a trauma-informed lens to support emotional regulation, creativity, and cognitive development.
- Develop and expand STEM programming, including curriculum-aligned field trips that deepen experiential learning and real-world connections.
- Create sensory-responsive, creative environments throughout the school building to meet diverse student needs and improve student focus, well-being, and engagement.
- Oversee instructional excellence across grade levels, including HMH Reading, IM Math, IREAD supports, and small-group instruction structures.
- Manage school operations: budgeting, STH funds, program scheduling, after-school partnerships, and school-based pantry coordination.
- Conduct staff observations with targeted, evidence-based feedback grounded in the Danielson Framework.
- Facilitate professional learning on trauma-informed practices, paraprofessional protocols, behavior expectations, and safe supervision.
- Strengthen communication with families through crisis response, evaluation guidance, and culturally sensitive conversations.
- Selected Leadership Highlights
- Launched Project PLAY, transforming classroom and common spaces into hands-on, trauma-sensitive learning environments.
- Expanded STEM enrichment and implemented curriculum-aligned field trips across grades.
- Developed creative sensory spaces including calming corners, flexible learning nooks, and movement-integrated pathways.
- Strengthened instructional consistency through differentiated station teaching and early literacy supports.
- Improved communication and operational clarity through paraprofessional protocol systems and family outreach structures.
Supervisor of Social Work / District Administrator
NYC Department of Education
11.2021 - 05.2024
- Supervised district-level social workers, including hiring, coaching, evaluation, and professional development.
- Implemented districtwide counseling & MTSS frameworks aligned to the ASCA National Model.
- Advised principals and leadership teams on operational practices, equity issues, and chronic absenteeism.
- Partnered with NYU Langone, Good Shepherds, Counseling in Schools, ACS, Community Outreach, and other agencies to strengthen supports for families.
- Led crisis response, safety planning, and service delivery for high-needs cases.
- Supported grant writing efforts resulting in Trauma-Informed SEL Curriculum, bullying prevention programming, and mental health resource expansion.
- Monitored data on student incidents, equity gaps, and re-entry plans to improve student outcomes.
Early Childhood School Social Worker
NYC Department of Education
08.2014 - 11.2021
- Managed a caseload of 10–12 schools during rapid expansion of UPK & 3-K.
- Served as Behavior Specialist providing clinical interventions, CPSE guidance, and crisis management.
- Conducted classroom walk-throughs and provided SEL coaching aligned to Early Childhood Outcomes, CLASS, ECERS, and curriculum best practices.
- Developed school-family partnerships including garden initiatives, cozy corners, libraries, and pantry programs.
- Delivered PD in play-based learning, Units of Study, child development, and early childhood climate improvement.
- Supported transitions to kindergarten, parent workshops, and family engagement initiatives.
Education
Masters of Social Work - Social Work
Barry University
Miami, FL12-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
CUNY Baruch College
New York, NY08-2000
School Building Leadership - School Building Leadership
Molly University
Rockville Centre, NY08-2021
Skills
- New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center (NYPCC)
- Nassau University Medical Center
- Vernon Avenue Children’s School – Head Start Program
- Brooklyn Community Services – ACS Homemaking Program
- Memorial Healthcare Systems – Community Youth Services
- Palm Partners Residential Treatment Center
- Delivering individual, group, and family counseling using CBT, play therapy, solution-focused approaches, and trauma-responsive interventions
- Facilitating clinical interventions for students with IEPs, CPSE referrals, and behavioral needs
- Coordinating crisis response, safety planning, risk assessments, and re-entry planning
- Conducting formal and informal observations with evidence-based feedback aligned to the Danielson Framework
- Supporting MTSS structures, attendance initiatives, and cross-agency case coordination
- Partnering with community organizations to secure mental health supports, parent workshops, and wraparound services
Certification
- NYS School Building Leader (SBL)
- NYS School District Leader (SDL)
- DOE Compliance & Safety Certifications
Core Competencies
- Trauma-Informed & Social-Emotional Leadership
- Strategic Instructional Leadership
- Danielson-Aligned Feedback & Coaching (1A, 1E, 2A, 2C, 3B, 3C, 3D)
- MTSS & Special Education Processes
- Culturally Responsive & Sustaining Education (CRSE)
- School Operations, Budget, & DOE Compliance
- Community & Family Engagement
- STEM & Enrichment Program Development
- Sensory-Responsive Environment Design
Clinical & Instructional Leadership Experience
- My clinical and social work leadership experience spans multiple agencies and settings, demonstrating a strong foundation in trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, family engagement, and multisystem collaboration. Agencies and organizations include:
- NYC Department of Education – Division of Early Childhood Education
- NYC Department of Education – District 15 Superintendent’s Office
- New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center (NYPCC)
- Nassau University Medical Center
- Vernon Avenue Children’s School – Head Start Program
- Brooklyn Community Services – Homemaking Program
- Memorial Healthcare Systems – Community Youth Services (Florida)
- Palm Partners Residential Treatment Center (Florida)
- Key clinical leadership activities:
- Delivering individual, group, and family counseling using CBT, play therapy, solution-focused approaches, and trauma-responsive interventions.
- Facilitating clinical interventions for students with IEPs, CPSE referrals, and behavioral needs.
- Coordinating crisis response, safety planning, risk assessments, and re-entry planning.
- Conducting formal and informal observations with evidence-based feedback aligned to the Danielson Framework (1A, 1E, 2A, 2C, 3B, 3C, 3D).
- Supporting MTSS structures, attendance initiatives, and cross-agency case coordination.
- Partnering with community organizations to secure mental health supports, parent workshops, and wraparound services.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Principal, PS 124
NYC Public Schools
05.2024 - Current
Supervisor of Social Work / District Administrator
NYC Department of Education
11.2021 - 05.2024
Early Childhood School Social Worker
NYC Department of Education
08.2014 - 11.2021
Masters of Social Work - Social Work
Barry University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
CUNY Baruch College
School Building Leadership - School Building Leadership
Molly University