Employer: Rocky River (OH) City School District
Title: Executive Director, Pupil Services
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Making a meaningful difference in students’ lives means the world to me! While advocating for students is not always easy, it certainly is rewarding. When I left the building level, there was no doubt I missed the kids. In my current position, I am confident that each day I continue to contribute to making a difference for all students, and my impact is far greater. Working daily with teachers and parents to target true needs and develop or find the perfect solution to meet those needs is so rewarding. Finding programming and developing procedures that are implemented districtwide allow students to be their absolute best. Ensuring the district implements research-based, data-driven, and child-centered approaches is essential to what we do. Students need a consistent flow of services and teachers need to be able to interpret what is being handed to them. Being at central office allows me to be a district visionary and support person for staff. The foundation for the program is driven by the bricks laid and what I am doing has to be driven by my “why,” the students. Everything I do has to be centered around the core value of what the child needs. They are the heart of our business and our children for half of each day.
What is the greatest benefit of being a NAPSA member?
I’m not sure I can point to only one benefit of being a NAPSA member. While all interconnected, the information, networking, and professional development surpass expectations. NAPSA listens to its members and designs professional development that is student-centered based on what they hear is happening and needed in the field. It’s truly the nuts and bolts of what we need to know when we need to know it. Sharing experiences with others around the country and taking back the tools acquired is invaluable. NAPSA is a fun group! I never miss a social! The best way to network with professionals!