Meet Dr. Brown

Dr. Brown began her teaching career at New Directions Center (NDC), an alternative school in Portsmouth, VA (2009-2010). Responsible for enhancing academic development and mitigating behavioral issues for students’ grades K-7th. These students not only thrived for academic achievement, but also needed social and behavioral modeling to attain success which at the time Dr. Brown was able to offer by identifying the “why” in their behaviors. Dr. Brown implemented the first school store at NDC. This school-wide initiative allowed students the opportunity to earn NDC bucks each week to shop in the school store. Students were rewarded for achieving successful grades and displaying positive behavior. The mission was to demonstrate a grave sense of support from staff, allowing students to purchase their NEEDS from the school store (as lack of having these needs contributed to their behaviors). Items included hygiene products, gently used shirts/pants/shoes, non-perishable items, paper/pencil/pens/highlighters, to name a few.
She managed and coordinated Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and manifestations as well as participated in transitional placements for students to return to their zone schools. As a member of the Homebound Committee, Dr. Brown dedicated 36 hours/wk of after school instruction for students who were suspended from alternative school placement and needed continual educational services; this instruction was provided in the student’s home, three times a week. During her tenure, Dr. Brown also provided training to special education staff members on functional behavior assessments, behavioral intervention plans, and positive intervention and support as well as Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) training; all mandated by the state.

Dr. Brown ventured to Yokosuka, Japan (2010-2013) and taught students with special needs in grades 3rd-5th at The Sullivans School, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) organization. Her case load consisted of no more than 15 students with disability categories of specific learning/other health impairment. Dr. Brown was responsible for supervising 4 paraprofessionals who provided academic resource support in math and language arts through a push-in model assessing students ability to understand grade level skills.
Dr. Brown served as a Continuous School Improvement (CSI) Local Assessment Team Chairperson for grade levels K-4th for schools AdvancEd Accreditation. Responsibilities included collaboration with assessment/rubric team members ensuring the local assessments were testable, valid and data driven to show student growth or lack thereof. She also performed as a site evaluator for a local school in the Kanto plain.
She initiated two mentorship programs for (25) fourth and (25) fifth grade students. The Sullivans Guiding “STAR” program (during school hours) was designed to improve student academic achievement, self-esteem and avoidance of problematic behavior as base Sailors volunteered and provided mentorship to students. The second program was an after-school program for girls called “Real Talk”. This was a forum to improve the mentality of young girls in the areas of self respect, attitude, self-esteem and poise. The Sullivans School received positive feedback from parents describing the positive character their child displayed during their experience with “Real Talk.”
Dr. Brown’s teaching tenure ended with Portsmouth Public Schools in 2016 after serving 5 years with the district as special education teacher, and Positive Behavior Intervention Coach. Her demonstration and dedication to ensure students with special needs received the most appropriate education, treated with equity and equality was her overall mission.

Dr. Brown served as the Director of Education at North Spring Behavioral Healthcare (2017-2019). There she supervised 10 teachers and over 20 paraprofessionals daily. Ensured student accuracy of student enrollment (87 maximum), approved class schedules, communicated with liaisons/stakeholders regarding student progress. Reported to CEO daily of education processes, conducted teacher/paraprofessional evaluations, performed monthly fire drills, created yearly school schedule and ensured overall daily activities of the school was maintained in accordance with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), Virginia VAISEF, and AdvancEd; which she was solely recognized by her CEO for attaining this accreditation.

Degrees:

Doctoral of Education Leadership – 2020 – North Central University
Master of Education Leadership – 2015 – Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts Special Education (Cross Categorical) – 2010 – University

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