Janine D'Anna Appointed as New Assistant Director of Education at Shrub Oak

Shrub Oak International School Welcomes Janine D'Anna as Assistant Director of Education

In an exciting new development for the Shrub Oak International School, Janine D'Anna, M.S. Ed., has been appointed as the Assistant Director of Education. This announcement, made on March 27, 2026, highlights Ms. D'Anna's multi-faceted experience and deep commitment to the school's mission of supporting diverse learners.

With an impressive background spanning over 25 years in special education, Ms. D'Anna is not new to the Shrub Oak community. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles and has consistently demonstrated her dedication to mentoring both educators and students. Her academic credentials include undergraduate and graduate degrees in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Special Education, from Pace University. She also holds a K–12 Special Education license, which underlines her qualifications and readiness for this new position.

Ms. D'Anna's educational philosophy reflects a creative and individualized approach, which is essential for meeting the diverse needs of students. Known for her ability to integrate her knowledge of various communication styles alongside her passion for the arts, she crafts educational experiences that resonate with each learner. Her emotional intelligence and relationship-focused leadership enable her to build strong connections with students, their families, faculty members, and community partners.

In her new role, Ms. D'Anna aims to further enhance the already thriving educational programs at Shrub Oak. Over the years, she has showcased her expertise in classroom and behavior management and has been pivotal in facilitating educational and behavioral initiatives aimed at benefiting both students and faculty.

Lauren Koffler, MSW, Head of Admissions and Organizational Growth, expressed her enthusiasm for Ms. D'Anna's appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to recognize Janine in this role. Her long-standing commitment to Shrub Oak, combined with her extensive knowledge of special education and her collaborative leadership style, make her exceptionally well-suited to advance our educational program further."

When reflecting upon her new position, Ms. D'Anna expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm: "I am honored to continue my journey at Shrub Oak in this new role. I am deeply committed to supporting our students, families, and educators, and strengthening the collaborative partnerships that are so essential for each student's success. I look forward to building on the incredible work already taking place across our programs."

In addition to her position at Shrub Oak, Ms. D'Anna is a lifelong learner currently pursuing her PhD at Thomas Jefferson University, underscoring her dedication to professional growth and educational advancement.

About Shrub Oak International School

The mission of Shrub Oak International School is to transform the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults on the autism spectrum. Through individualized, strengths- and passion-based educational approaches, students are guided to develop meaningful relationships, overcome challenges, and realize their full potential.

Located on the same campus, The Pines at Shrub Oak offers specialized therapeutic programming that caters to the specific needs of neurodiverse students and those who require intensive psychiatric support. Shrub Oak International School has received accreditation from several respected educational bodies, ensuring the highest standards of quality in education and therapeutic practices.

For further information, please visit www.shruboak.org or contact Lauren Koffler at [email protected].