Allison Hanson
Loveland,CO
Summary
Experienced educational leader with expertise in special education administration, affective needs programming, behavioral supports, instructional leadership, trauma-informed practices, and systems improvement. Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships, supporting legal compliance, strengthening systems, and fostering equitable outcomes for students with disabilities.
Professional with background in leadership and operational excellence, ready to drive strategic initiatives and streamline processes. Known for fostering team collaboration and delivering consistent results, adapting effectively to evolving demands. Expertise spans project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication. Possesses strong problem-solving abilities and proactive mindset, ensuring organizational goals are met efficiently and effectively.
Professional with history of driving team success and achieving organizational goals. Proven ability to streamline processes and implement strategic initiatives that enhance productivity. Known for collaborative leadership, adaptability, and focus on results. Key strengths include strategic planning and effective team management.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director of Integrated Services
Poudre School District
Fort Collins, CO
02.2026 - Current
- Provide district-level leadership and consultation related to affective needs, behavioral supports, and specialized programming.
- Partner with school teams to support students with complex behavioral and social-emotional needs.
- Collaborate with families, administrators, and community agencies to resolve concerns and strengthen partnerships.
- Support implementation of IDEA and ECEA requirements while promoting equitable outcomes.
- Provide coaching and technical assistance to staff across schools and programs.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to strengthen systems of support and improve service delivery.
- Developed and implemented professional development workshops for staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Analyze student data to identify trends, leading targeted interventions that improved overall student outcomes.
- Manage budget allocations for programs, optimizing resource distribution to maximize impact on student learning experiences.
- Lead professional development workshops on topics such as classroom management, differentiated instruction, and assessment strategies.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Establish team priorities, maintain schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluate employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Define clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Support 11 schools across the district, including one high school, one middle-high school, two middle schools, and seven elementary schools.
Dean of Upper School/Principal and Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Merit Academy
Woodland Park, CO
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Provided instructional and organizational leadership while overseeing curriculum, staff development, and school improvement efforts.
- Supervised and evaluated licensed staff.
- Facilitated instructional coaching and professional learning.
- Led curriculum implementation and school improvement initiatives.
- Strengthened intervention systems and inclusive practices.
- Fostered strong partnerships with students, families, and staff.
School Principal and Education Director
Colorado Division of Youth Services and Harrison School District 2
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Directed educational programming within secure youth facilities serving students with significant behavioral, social-emotional, and academic needs.
- Supervised staff and school operations.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams and transition planning.
- Implemented trauma-informed and restorative practices.
- Presented webinars regarding the Sanctuary Model and trauma-informed care.
- Collaborated with outside agencies and community partners.
- Ensured accountability and compliance within highly specialized settings.
- Developed engaging and effective curricula for students aged 10 to 17.
- Organized and allocated resources required to meet needs of 75 students and 16 instructors.
Special Education Coordinator
Academy School District 20
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Provided district-level leadership and support across five high schools, five middle schools, and six elementary schools.
- Collaborated extensively with MTSS, CLDE, Professional Development, Learning Services, and Curriculum and Instruction departments.
- Supported administrators and multidisciplinary teams through evaluation, eligibility, and IEP processes.
- Conducted IEP audits and procedural reviews to strengthen districtwide compliance.
- Served as a parent liaison and facilitated collaborative problem solving with families and school teams.
- Assisted in mitigating legal concerns and resolving complex situations.
- Participated on district committees and improvement initiatives.
- Evaluated 27 special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VASpecial Education Director Licensure Program -
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO08.2026
Principal Licensure - Educational Administration
University of Phoenix
Colorado Springs, CO01-2012
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Special Education
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO01-2009
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Recreation and Leisure Studies, Minor: Psychology
Winona State University
Winona, MN01-2001
Skills
- Special Education Leadership
- IDEA and ECEA Compliance
- Affective Needs Programming
- Behavioral Supports
- Staff Supervision and Coaching
- Family Engagement
- Data Analysis
- Cross-Department Collaboration
- Trauma-Informed Practices
- Legal Risk Mitigation
- Professional Development
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Strategic planning
- Conflict resolution
Certification
- Colorado Principal License
- Colorado Special Education Generalist License (Ages 5–21)
- Colorado Elementary Education License (K–6)
- Colorado Special Education Director License (anticipated August 2026)
ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Interventionist — Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center, Cheyenne Mountain School District (2024–2026) Behavior Interventionist — Colorado Springs School District 11 (2019–2020) Academy Teacher and Special Education Contractor — Lake George Charter School (2017–2018, 2020–2021) Fourth Grade Teacher — Merit Academy (2021–2024) English Teacher and Special Education Case Manager — Children's ARK School and Residential Treatment Facility (2005–2007, 2009–2011) K–5 Affective Needs Center-Based Teacher — Colorado Springs School District 11 (2008–2009) K–5 Special Education Resource Teacher — Cripple Creek-Victor School District (2007–2008)
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Presenter on the Sanctuary Model and trauma-informed practices in secure educational settings. Member of district committees and cross-functional teams focused on systems improvement and student support services. Collaborated with MTSS, CLDE, Professional Development, Learning Services, and Curriculum and Instruction departments to strengthen districtwide practices. Supported administrators and school teams in navigating complex situations involving compliance, behavioral needs, and family engagement.
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
Collaborative and relationship-driven special education administrator with nearly two decades of experience leading instructional specialists, specialized programming, and student support services. Skilled in fostering strong partnerships, navigating complex situations, and developing systems that promote compliance, equity, and positive outcomes for students with disabilities. Committed to supporting schools through collaborative problem solving, continuous improvement, and high-quality services that meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students.
Timeline
Assistant Director of Integrated Services
Poudre School District
02.2026 - Current
Dean of Upper School/Principal and Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Merit Academy
01.2021 - 01.2024
School Principal and Education Director
Colorado Division of Youth Services and Harrison School District 2
01.2013 - 01.2017
Special Education Coordinator
Academy School District 20
01.2011 - 01.2013
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Special Education Director Licensure Program -
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Principal Licensure - Educational Administration
University of Phoenix
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Special Education
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Recreation and Leisure Studies, Minor: Psychology
Winona State University