Wendy L. Luce
Dean Of Students 5-8
Gowanda,NY
Summary
Relationship-driven Dean of Students focused on maximizing student learning by developing positive student culture and structured, supportive environments. Excellent disciplinarian with compassionate, analytical approach to addressing and solving behavior issues.
Experienced with student development and academic success strategies. Utilizes leadership to enhance student engagement and resolve conflicts. Track record of fostering positive academic environments and promoting student well-being.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Dean of Students
Gowanda Central School District
02.2026 - Current
- Established and enforced clear school-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and staff.
- Led efforts to boost student attendance and on-time arrivals.
- Developed strategies to improve student behavior school-wide and help teachers better manage classroom environments.
- Organized individualized behavior improvement plans for students struggling with compliance.
- Backed up instructors in handling disruptive students and implemented fair protocols to resolve situations.
- Served as a liaison between students, parents, faculty, and administration to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts.
Permanent School Social Worker
Gowanda Central School District
06.2023 - 02.2026
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to create supportive learning environment, leading to improved student academic performance.
- Served as a liaison between the school, family, and community agencies to ensure effective communication and collaboration around student needs.
- Facilitated push-in and pull-out ESE support instruction.
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
- Participated in IEP, RTI and other related meetings that determined and implemented school-wide policies.
- Worked with teachers to implement behavioral improvement plans based on established assessments.
- Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
- Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
- Resolved conflicts among students with mediation techniques, promoting harmonious school community.
Private Practice, Owner and Clinician
Off the Grid
02.2020 - 07.2025
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
Provisional School Social Worker
Gowanda School District
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Facilitated transition for students changing schools or entering post-secondary education, promoting academic and social success.
- Identified student barriers to self-sufficiency and created relevant IEPs.
- Complied with federal, state and local standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment, and reporting and documentation.
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
Vice President of Behavioral Health Services
Brooks-TLC Hospital System
12.2018 - 02.2020
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Spearheaded organizational restructuring initiatives, streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
Vice President of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Services
TLC Health Network
12.2013 - 12.2018
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Ensured regulatory compliance at all times by implementing robust internal controls systems coupled with proactive monitoring mechanisms.
Director of Behavioral Health Services and Journey to Excellence Champion
TLC Health Network
05.2012 - 05.2013
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Director of Chemical Dependency Services
TLC Health Network
10.2009 - 05.2012
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Achieved remarkable turnaround of underperforming divisions through strategic leadership and restructuring.
Education
Educational Leadership Certificate Program - Educational Leadership
State University of New York At Fredonia
Fredonia, New York05-2026
Masters of Social Work Degree - Social Work
State University of New York At Buffalo
Buffalo, New York09-2002
Skills
Student engagement
Behavioral management
Parental communication
Crisis management
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving abilities
Planning and coordination
Problem-solving aptitude
Adaptability
Certification
Permanent School Social Worker 6/21/23
Timeline
Dean of Students
Gowanda Central School District
02.2026 - Current
Permanent School Social Worker
Gowanda Central School District
06.2023 - 02.2026
Provisional School Social Worker
Gowanda School District
03.2021 - 06.2023
Private Practice, Owner and Clinician
Off the Grid
02.2020 - 07.2025
Vice President of Behavioral Health Services
Brooks-TLC Hospital System
12.2018 - 02.2020
Vice President of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Services
TLC Health Network
12.2013 - 12.2018
Director of Behavioral Health Services and Journey to Excellence Champion
TLC Health Network
05.2012 - 05.2013
Director of Chemical Dependency Services
TLC Health Network
10.2009 - 05.2012
Educational Leadership Certificate Program - Educational Leadership
State University of New York At Fredonia
Masters of Social Work Degree - Social Work
State University of New York At Buffalo