Newport-Mesa Unified School District Hires a Coordinator of Special Education
Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Kristen Henry as a coordinator of special education. Ms. Henry has 14 years of experience in education, and has been lauded as a collaborative leader with unwavering dedication to maintaining a student centered perspective.
Ms. Henry most recently served as a mental health program specialist for Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD). In that role Ms. Henry supported the district’s special education program for children with severe social emotional/mental health needs. She was instrumental in the coordination of community services and developed resources that support student growth and learning. She provided leadership and guidance to the special education teams, district wide mental health professionals, and school administration to improve and maintain a successful special education program.
Prior to her role at SAUSD she served as a school psychologist and was a lead school psychologist for Ocean View School District. As lead psychologist she was responsible for collaborating with local universities to develop and sustain school psychologist interns and practicum programs. She coordinated staff and parent education trainings, managed the district crisis response team, created and implemented a suicide prevention and threat assessment model, conducted Individual Education Program assessments, Section 504 assessments, and facilitated Student Study Team meetings.
“We are excited to have Ms. Henry join our team,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Dr. Sara Jocham. “She has an inspiring passion, welcoming personality, and positive approach that’s a perfect fit for our team,” she said.
Ms. Henry received her master’s degree in education counseling, and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in school psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Clemson University in South Carolina and a post-graduate certificate in school neuropsychology from Texas Women’s University.
Ms. Henry’s appointment was approved at the December 11, 2017 Board of Education meeting. Her start date with NMUSD is January 8, 2018.
