Employer: Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 (CIU20)
Title: Assistant to the Executive Director for Student Services
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is leading the effort to provide appropriate support and services for our Local Education Agencies to serve students with special needs. It’s incredibly fulfilling to lead over 1,500 professional and support staff in delivering these essential special education and mental health services, and to develop and implement innovative programs, such as CIU20’s successful Project SEARCH Programs, Cafe ’71, and the Possibilities Program for children with special needs. These programs aim to help students acquire job skills that lead to competitive employment. With the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 collectively supporting over 12,500 students across various programs annually—including school-age, itinerant services, Early Intervention, and transportation—the work has a significant impact on the community. However, the true heart of the reward lies in celebrating student growth and success—seeing our students achieve milestones and grow into confident young adults who are part of their local community. Furthermore, deep collaboration with families is vital, as we work together to build a continuum of services that truly impact a student’s life trajectory, ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates while leading with heart, passion, and a student-focused approach.
What is the greatest benefit of being a NAPSA member?
The greatest benefit of being a NAPSA member is the opportunity to be part of a professional network dedicated to excellence in pupil services administration. This membership connects me with other professionals who share a commitment to supporting all students. The membership offers a valuable platform for shared learning, leadership development, advocacy for the field, and access to resources that maintain compliance and enhance programs available to students.