Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced the appointment of Dr. Stacey Heiligenthaler as chief officer of special education and student supports, removing her interim title.
“Over a very short period, Dr. Heiligenthaler has led our special education department with significant progress in our long and short-term goals, including the creation of the comprehensive Special Education Action Plan,” Dr. Jones said. “She is committed to enhancing academic success for all students and access to programs, protocols, practices, and compliance across the entire District with tremendous compassion, responsiveness, and professionalism.”
Heiligenthaler, who has served as GPS’ interim chief officer of special education and student supports since July 1, 2021, works with the special education team to ignite a collaborative and supportive environment with families and students, monitors the implementation and compliance with State and Federal laws, regulations, and guidelines regarding Special Education and related services, and maintains strong student supports for social and emotional learning and the mental health of students. She has played a key role in leading the “Special Education Action Plan 2021-2024” to create positive change in culture, climate, process, instruction, and compliance.
“Greenwich Public Schools is comprised of an amazing group of administrators, staff, parents, and students that welcome our collaborative efforts,” Dr. Heiligenthaler said. “Together as a group, we have completed amazing work over the past seven months, but it is only the beginning. We all look forward to the critical and rewarding work ahead of us.”
Prior to her time in Greenwich, Dr. Heiligenthaler served as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Norwalk Public Schools. She holds a bachelor of science degree in intensive special needs and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Boston University; a master’s degree in human development with an emphasis in elementary education with crosscultural language and academic development from Pacific Oaks College; a master’s degree in legal studies with high honors from Santa Barbara College of Law; and a Ph.D. in organizational systems from Saybrook University. Dr. Heiligenthaler also completed graduate coursework in finance, supervision and instructional leadership, data-driven decisions for school improvement, and curriculum from Grand Canyon University.