Message from the Head of School

Danielle Patterson was appointed Head of School in the 2022-2023 academic year. 

Prior to her appointment, Danielle was the Director of Outreach and Family Engagement for Chartwell, increasing enrollment from 75 to more than 180 during her tenure and helping build a more engaged and integrated parent community. 

Danielle has served as a teacher and administrator across the East and North Bay regions with positions at several public and non-public schools. Her career has been devoted to working with students in special education, primarily those with Autism, emotional disturbance, and intellectual disabilities. 

“Danielle has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education, teaching, learning, and individuals with learning differences,” said Katrina Maestri, chair of the Chartwell board of trustees. “She is a fierce advocate for justice and inclusion and embodies the mission we stand for - to empower students with dyslexia and associated learning differences to unlock their full potential. Danielle is a bold leader with an extraordinary heart - the perfect fit for this leadership role at such a critical and opportunity-filled moment for Chartwell.”

Prior to Chartwell, Danielle was the Program Director at Spectrum Center in Pittsburg, CA. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts/Pre-Teaching from Santa Clara University, an MS in Special Education from Portland State University, and an MA in Special Education Autism Specific and TES Certification from Touro University.