4 Fairchild Place

Whippany, NJ 07981
mariesagrado.weebly.com
mmgrado@yahoo.com * 973.573.3805

Profile
Vision, leadership and creativity are the characteristics I attribute to my success in business and
in education. I absolutely love working in the field of education and consider my work both a
privilege and a service to which I am proud to be held accountable.

Employment History 
The Deron School of New Jersey, Inc. 
 Assistant Director/Supervisor of Personnel & Staff Development 2019-present
 Principal                                                                       2017-2019
 Assistant Principal                                                       2013-2016
 Supervisor of Elementary and Secondary Education  2012-2013
 Art Teacher                                                                 2006-2012
Morris School District Community School            
Teacher (Summer Plus, Sunset Aftercare, adult evening classes) 2004-2010
Parsippany High/ Hills High                          
Art Teacher (9-12 general and special education)   2004-2006

Highlights in Educational Leadership

Special Education Expertise and Leadership
• 15+ years experience in special education for learners ages 3-21
• Restructured dual campus program for 200+ out of district students with special needs and
implemented long-range plans for growth
• Broadened the school’s ability to service learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD),
maladaptive, and aggressive behaviors by through large-scale programmatic changes
• Implemented large scale training on Applied Behavior Analysis, Natural Environment
Teaching and positive behavior supports to decrease behaviors and increase learning
• Developed campus-wide sensory integration program, protocols and documentation,
significantly decreasing time and intensity of student aggression
• Ongoing recruitment of highly skilled staff to align with expected outcomes
• Effective coordination of CST, teachers, support staff, and related service providers
• Oversight of IEP development and implementation to ensure compliance and student success
• Train teams on effective use of DLM, modifications and positive behavior supports
• Extensive knowledge of transition planning, including Structured Learning Experiences (SLE)
and Community Based Instruction (CBI)
 973.573.3805

Prioritized Safety of Students & Staff

• Developed cross-campus training for administration to ensure the safety of students with
special needs during school security drills, and in other crisis situations
• Developed cross-campus training for administration on safe and appropriate use of restraints,
documentation and protocols in accordance with state and federal regulations
• Implemented effective crisis response teams, aligned protocols, documentation and training
• Handle With Care trainer and CPI trained
• Experience as Anti-Bully Coordinator and Anti-Bully Specialist including required
documentation and timelines 
Proven Record of Strategic Planning for Growth
• Conducted large-scale needs analysis and successfully completed 5 year plan to redevelop the
school’s vision and plan to meet the needs of 200+ out of district students
• Recognized Team Chair for Middle States Association (MSACESS) and Internal Coordinator
responsible for obtaining reaccreditation through a cross-campus study
• Regularly assess needs and implement cost effective solutions for quantifiable growth
• Utilize business development strategies to effectively lead in a culture of change
Transformational Leadership Characteristics
• Drive and ability to effectively manage large scale, goal-oriented projects
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution/ team building
• Successfully balance accountability for self and others while fostering the supportive
relationships needed to develop a school culture characterized by high expectations
Community Relations, Budgets & Fundraising
• Generated $300K in one year through new programs and classes 
• Increased community partnerships 40% in one year
• Consistently generate positive media attention
• Maintain positive relationships with families, local businesses and agencies
• Ensure relevant services are offered to parents, partnering districts and the community

Business Experience 
Small business owner                                                                            2006-2011
Growth and development
• Successfully managed all administrative aspects of finance, daily operations and growth plans
• Careful brand development ensured maximum growth
• Increased revenue through unconventional marketing, advertising and incentive opportunities
• Fostered community relationships to cultivate business partnerships and sustainability
• Ensured adequate cash flow for daily operating expenses
• Maintained transparency and fair business practices with employees, subcontractors and clients