Credentials:
PHD Student Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA
Research Topic: ASD-1 and Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Special Education Pace University Pleasantville, NY
Bachelor of Science Elementary Education Minor in Art Pace University NY, NY
NYS Licensed Educator: Special Education Generalist Certified Grades K-12 (permanent)
NYS SOCE ELA Grades 7-12
NYS Licensed Educator: Elementary Education Certified Grades Pre-K – 6 (permanent)
Professional:
Janine D’Anna found her passion for special education early in her career when she entered the world of Residential Treatment. For the majority of her career, she functioned as Dean of Students managing a school population ranging from ages 5 – 21 within a special act district, in one of the most intensive special education environments in Westchester County, New York. She was a member of the district’s Emotional Intelligence Anchor Team, training for more than 3 years in conjunction with consultants via Yale University. She had the opportunity to train in DBT for educators and has facilitated group lessons for youth ranging from ages 12 -21. She was part of the admissions team, both interviewing and touring potential new students as well as coordinating the orientation of new entrants. Janine’s emotional intelligence and down-to-earth leadership style has enabled her to build lasting relationships and the trust of students, their families, and her constituents – both internally and externally. With a wealth of knowledge in the areas of classroom and behavior management, she has mentored educators in residential settings and in other educational forums; facilitated various educational and behavior initiatives for students, faculty and staff within a collaborative setting for over a decade; and as Dean of Students, supported the individualized needs of students.
Personal:
With a minor in Visual Arts, Janine enjoys employing a creative approach to meeting the individualized and diverse needs of the faculty she has mentored and the students she has supported ranging from Kindergarten through grade 12. Knowing that language and communication come in many forms, Janine has integrated her knowledge and love of art into her educational approaches.
She is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Thomas Jefferson University where her thesis entitled “Art on the Spectrum” explores the efficacy of learning environments rich in art, sensory experiences and Biophilic Classroom Design for students with ASD and co-occurring mental health conditions. A wife and mom of two, Janine values her large extended family and enjoys spending time with her children as well as her 12 nieces and nephews.
Working in Education since 1995
Working in Residential Education since 1999
Working at Shrub Oak International School since 2023