New Special Education Coordinators Named In Greenwich Public Schools

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools has appointed Dr. Deborah Perry and Jennifer Stewart as special education coordinators, Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced Tuesday. The appointments are effective immediately.

Perry and Stewart succeed Theresa Fox and Leah Zilich, who recently left the district to accept special education leadership roles in other school systems. Fox became a special education supervisor, while Zilich was named director of special education and pupil personnel services.

In their new roles, Perry and Stewart will oversee the planning, coordination, and supervision of special education services across the district.

Their responsibilities will include supporting school administrators in monitoring instruction for students with disabilities, serving as evaluators for Special Education staff, assisting with IEP and PPT meetings, and advising Dr. Stacey Heiligenthaler, chief officer of special education and student supports.

"Dr. Deborah Perry and Ms. Jennifer Stewart bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to the Special Education and Students Supports team," Heiligenthaler said in a prepared statement. "They will prove to be a valuable resource to our schools and all families."

Perry returns to Greenwich from Norwalk Public Schools, where she served as director of scientific research-based interventions and 504s since 2021. She previously held positions as department head of special education at Stamford High School and education director at Devereux Glenholme School in Washington, CT.

She began her career in 2006 as a special education teacher in Greenwich and has also taught in Ridgefield and at Devereux Glenholme. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education from the University of Connecticut and a doctorate from the University of New England.

"Seeing students reach their goals gives me joy, and I want to share that passion with Greenwich Public Schools," Perry said in a prepared statement. "I hope to help families and students build more collaborative relationships with the schools, and listen and support what is best for our students."

Stewart most recently worked as director of pupil personnel services for Milford Public Schools. She previously served in North Haven Public Schools as special education coordinator and later as director of student services. Her earlier experience includes teaching special education for 14 years in Stratford, Westport and Trumbull. She has also held administrative roles in Regional School District 16 and Trumbull Public Schools.

"Strong engagement with the students, staff, families, and administrators enhances instructional practices to ensure students have meaningful and authentic opportunities with the curriculum,” Stewart said. "Students are at the center of my work as I strive to help each one reach their full potential and discover new ways to be an active and contributing member of the Greenwich community."