Process Coordinator

With over 15 years of experience in education, Danielle Overly is a passionate and effective leader in special education, behavior support, and inclusive school systems. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education and a Specialist Degree in School Administration, combining strong academic preparation with deep, hands-on experience supporting students with disabilities. Her leadership is rooted in inclusivity, equity, and a deep belief in the transformative power of supportive educational environments.

Throughout her career, she has served in a wide range of roles across diverse educational settings, including paraprofessional, Essential Skills classroom teacher, Autism Consultant, 504 Coordinator, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator, Building Special Education Process Coordinator, and Social Emotional Learning Program Coordinator. In every position, she has demonstrated a commitment to building equitable, student-centered systems that prioritize access, support, and emotional well-being.

She holds multiple educational certifications, including 5–12 Social Sciences Education, K–12 Cross-Categorical Special Education, and K–12 School Administration. In addition, she is a certified In-District Autism Consultant (IDAC) through Project ACCESS and a certified CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) instructor.

A recognized advocate for trauma-informed care and restorative practices, she is deeply knowledgeable in relational neuroscience, brain-state-aligned behavior strategies, co-regulation, and the natural stress responses of the nervous system. Her approach to student behavior emphasizes sustainable, relationship-based support—empowering educators to model self-regulation and foster safe, responsive learning environments. She believes that sustainable student progress begins with empowered educators, and she actively promotes professional learning that supports adult self-regulation and restorative practice.

Driven by a commitment to inclusion, social-emotional learning, and educator development, she continues to lead with compassion, science, and a vision for systems where all students and staff can thrive. 

If you have questions related to special education processes and evaluation, accessing early childhood programming at Gerner or other community-based resources, please feel free to contact Mrs. Overly by email or by phone at 816-359-5426.