B. Danielle Patterson
Seaside,CA
Summary
Growth-oriented educational leader with 20+ years of experience driving system-level improvement, leadership development, and student-centered innovation across independent, non-public, and public education settings. Proven success partnering with school leaders, boards, and multidisciplinary teams to design and implement strategic initiatives that strengthen instructional quality, operational effectiveness, and organizational culture. Adept at virtual coaching, facilitation, and relationship-building in remote and hybrid environments, with a strong equity lens and data-informed approach to sustainable growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of School – Outreach & Family Engagement
Chartwell School – Independent & Non-Public School
Seaside, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for all aspects of school operations and strategic direction
- Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Trustees; prepare reports and oversee governance communication
- Lead and support senior leadership team; supervise approximately 90 employees
- Oversee division programming, student life, admissions, outreach, advancement, business affairs, and budgeting
- Serve as key liaison to parent and caregiver community
- Ensure mission-aligned decision-making grounded in equity and student-centered practice
- School serving students with language-based learning differences including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, Autism, and social-emotional challenges
Director of Outreach & Family Engagement -Assistant Head of School
Chartwell School – Independent & Non-Public School
Seaside, CA
10.2017 - 12.2022
- Partnered with the Head of School on strategic planning and daily operations
- Led admissions and outreach, including student profile review, campus tours, and virtual presentations
- Collaborated with local school districts, SELPAs, and community partners
- Ensured compliance with California Department of Education requirements for Non-Public School certification
- Maintained district and SELPA relationships for a population of 160+ students
- Supported High School Social Emotional Academic Development (SEAD) team
- Facilitated staff orientation, observations, and support planning
- Managed IEP case coordination for district-placed students
- Prepared and presented Board reports related to outreach and admissions
- School serving students with language-based learning differences including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, Autism, and social-emotional challenges
Program Director
Chancelight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education
Pittsburg & Antioch, CA
08.2011 - 10.2017
- Directed multi-campus special education programs serving 90–100 students with diverse disabilities
- Ensured compliance with California Department of Education regulations and accreditation requirements
- Maintained district and SELPA partnerships
- Supervised interdisciplinary teams of 80+ staff, including educators, behavior analysts, therapists, and vocational specialists
- Led budget development, fiscal analysis, enrollment management, and resource projections
- Oversaw CDE reporting, Quality Monitoring Reports, WOIR, CFS reporting, and accreditation processes
- Managed recruitment, marketing, staff orientation, and campus operations
- Reviewed disciplinary actions and ensured equitable behavioral practices
- Spectrum Center – Delta Campus, Antioch Campus & Kimball Collaborative Program
Education Coordinator – Site Management Team
Chancelight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education
Pittsburg & Antioch, CA
08.2010 - 08.2011
- Ensured instructional and regulatory compliance across academic and behavioral programs
- Wrote and reviewed IEP goals aligned with California State Standards
- Facilitated IEP meetings and collaborated with families in conflict resolution
- Supervised teachers and classroom staff; supported data-driven instruction
- Developed and implemented behavior intervention plans and transition plans
- Provided behavior assessments and clinical problem-solving support
- Participated in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training and implementation
- Spectrum Center – Delta Campus, Antioch Campus & Kimball Collaborative Program
Educational Behavioral Specialist, Family Liaison & Staff Supervisor
Sunny Hills Services – Marin Academic Center
San Rafael, CA
06.2007 - 08.2010
- Collaborated with the Principal on program planning, funding, and site growth
- Supported hiring, training, and coaching of classroom staff
- Led staff development meetings to strengthen collaboration and communication
- Practiced and supported implementation of Project-Based Learning
Head Special Education Teacher / Milieu Counselor
Seneca Center
Concord, CA
10.2005 - 04.2007
- Served students in a locked residential treatment setting (Grades 8–12)
- Participated in the successful attainment of WASC accreditation
Head Special Education Teacher / Staff Supervisor
Oakland Unified School District
Oakland, CA
08.2001 - 09.2005
- Led a school-based day treatment classroom (Grades 1–5)
- Implemented Open Court curriculum and participated in all associated trainings
- Prepared and facilitated IEP meetings with multidisciplinary teams
- Advanced student achievement through inclusive practices, IEP goal attainment, and therapeutic supports
Education
Preliminary Administrative Credential - Equity Leadership
University of Southern California - School of Education
12.2025
Master of Arts - Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Transition
Touro University Graduate School of Education
Vallejo, CA01-2014
Master of Science - Special Education
Portland State University Graduate School of Education
06.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies/ Pre-Teaching
Santa Clara University
06.1999
Skills
- Strategic Educational Growth & Change Leadership
- Leadership Coaching & Executive Support
- Professional Development Design & Facilitation (Virtual & In-Person)
- Instructional Quality & Program Improvement
- Equity-Centered Systems Design
- Board Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
- Organizational Culture & Team Development
- Admissions, Outreach & Enrollment Strategy
- Budgeting, Resource Alignment & Operational Oversight
- Visionary thinking
- Diversity and inclusion
- Special education
- Parent engagement
- Crisis management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
Certification
- California State Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
- California State Preliminary Administrative Credential in Equity Leadership
Timeline
Head of School – Outreach & Family Engagement
Chartwell School – Independent & Non-Public School
01.2023 - Current
Director of Outreach & Family Engagement -Assistant Head of School
Chartwell School – Independent & Non-Public School
10.2017 - 12.2022
Program Director
Chancelight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education
08.2011 - 10.2017
Education Coordinator – Site Management Team
Chancelight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education
08.2010 - 08.2011
Educational Behavioral Specialist, Family Liaison & Staff Supervisor
Sunny Hills Services – Marin Academic Center
06.2007 - 08.2010
Head Special Education Teacher / Milieu Counselor
Seneca Center
10.2005 - 04.2007
Head Special Education Teacher / Staff Supervisor
Oakland Unified School District
08.2001 - 09.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies/ Pre-Teaching
Santa Clara University
Preliminary Administrative Credential - Equity Leadership
University of Southern California - School of Education
Master of Arts - Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Transition
Touro University Graduate School of Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Portland State University Graduate School of Education