CHRISTINA COLEY
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Experienced and equity-driven educational leader with over a decade of success supporting diverse learner populations across international and U.S. settings. Holds a PreK–12 licensure in Special Education with Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) certification. Skilled in developing inclusive programming, leading multidisciplinary teams, and implementing evidence-based practices that promote student growth and whole-school improvement. Proven ability to coach educators, facilitate professional development, and align instructional practices with data-informed goals. Adept at navigating complex systems and fostering strong relationships among families, educators, and external agencies. Committed to cultivating inclusive school cultures that prioritize student wellbeing, access, and achievement.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic & Life Skills Lead SENCo – Upper School
Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Children Operated by The New England Center
Abu Dhabi
08.2022 - Current
- Lead academic and life skills programming for upper school students with autism and related needs, integrating inclusive curriculum, vocational readiness, and independent living instruction
- Supervise and evaluate staff through formal observations, performance reviews, and individualized coaching
- Provide onboarding and continuous professional development to new hires and current team members
- Design and manage the Independent Living Skills Room to deliver real-world, goal-aligned instruction
- Oversee IEP development and data-driven practices to monitor student progress across academic, behavioral, and life skills domains
- Collaborate with partner schools, therapists, and external agencies to ensure smooth transitions into inclusive and post-secondary settings
- Integrate educational technology to support hybrid instruction, engagement, and skill acquisition
- Act as key liaison between families, service providers, and leadership to strengthen team alignment and student outcomes
Supervising Practitioner & Mentor
Simmons University
Boston
12.2019 - Current
- Mentored graduate-level teacher candidates during their practicum placements
- Conducted observations and provided feedback on lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies
- Facilitated weekly check-ins and collaborated with university supervisors to support candidate growth and reflection
Lead Academics & SEN Coordinator – Lower School
Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Children Operated by The New England Center
Abu Dhabi
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Oversaw academic programming and compliance with UAE educational standards across lower school classrooms
- Led IEP development and implementation in collaboration with teachers, therapists, and specialists
- Directed schoolwide professional development in inclusive practices and UDL-based instruction
- Conducted staff observations, performance feedback sessions, and mentoring for growth
- Collaborated with families and external agencies to align academic goals with therapeutic supports
- Used assessment data to guide instructional planning and enrichment interventions
Educational Technology Coordinator
Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Children Operated by The New England Center
Abu Dhabi
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Led the integration of educational technology to support blended and virtual learning
- Trained staff and families on digital tools, aligning usage with IEPs and student needs
- Maintained technology licenses, supported content updates, and ensured resource availability
- Designed and delivered user-friendly training sessions and job aids for staff on educational platforms
- Collaborated with leadership to evaluate tool effectiveness and implement improvements
- Developed hybrid learning strategies tailored to students with diverse learning profiles
- Participated in technology planning and contributed to decisions on software purchases and deployment
Transition Lead
Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Children Operated by The New England Center
Abu Dhabi
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Led integration of students from satellite classrooms into partner mainstream schools
- Developed transition plans and trained external staff on inclusive strategies and accommodations
- Coordinated with school leaders, therapists, and families to ensure alignment and successful placement
- Delivered functional instruction to prepare students for inclusive and post-secondary settings
Therapist, Case Manager
New England Center for Children & MRC-NECC
Southborough
11.2014 - 08.2018
- Delivered direct behavioral and academic support to students with autism
- Participated in IEP development, family communication, and data collection
- Trained incoming staff on ABA strategies and instructional consistency
- Supported collaborative decision-making within multidisciplinary teams
Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Education/Human Resource Development
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA12-2025
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - PreK–12 Special Education
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts05-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Rochester
Rocheser, New York01.2012
Skills
- Educational Leadership
- Staff Training & Development
- Instructional Coaching & Mentorship
- Inclusive Curriculum Design
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Behavior Management
- Differentiated Instruction
- SEI & ELL Instructional Strategies
- Transition Planning & Life Skills Instruction
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Academic & Life Skills Lead SENCo – Upper School
Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Children Operated by The New England Center
08.2022 - Current
Lead Academics & SEN Coordinator – Lower School
Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Children Operated by The New England Center
08.2020 - 08.2022
Supervising Practitioner & Mentor
Simmons University
12.2019 - Current
Educational Technology Coordinator
Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Children Operated by The New England Center
08.2019 - 08.2020
Transition Lead
Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Children Operated by The New England Center
08.2018 - 08.2019
Therapist, Case Manager
New England Center for Children & MRC-NECC
11.2014 - 08.2018
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Education/Human Resource Development
Drexel University
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - PreK–12 Special Education
Simmons University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Rochester
Similar Profiles
Tamara InadTamara Inad
Lead Therapist at Mohamed Bin Rashed Center For Special Education Operated By New England CenterLead Therapist at Mohamed Bin Rashed Center For Special Education Operated By New England Center
ABDULLA MOHAMMED AMIRIABDULLA MOHAMMED AMIRI
Financial and investment analyst at Mohammed bin Rashid Housing EstablishmentFinancial and investment analyst at Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment
Mohammed KhursheedMohammed Khursheed
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU)Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU)