SPC’s College of Education congratulates Heidi D’ Ambrosio on her new position as Principal of Richard L. Sanders School! SPC is proud of your accomplishments!

Principal Heidi D’ Ambrosio began her love of education at St. Petersburg College. She graduated in 2004 with a B.S. in Exceptional Student Education K-12 with ESOL Endorsement. She then went on to obtain her master’s degree and finally her doctorate in Special Education Policy and Leadership from the University of South Florida.  Heidi was hired as Assistant Principal for Calvin Hunsinger School in 2013. This school serves K-12 children who have sensory, emotional or behavioral challenges with a positive support program.

Recognition for Achievement

In 2016 while at Calvin Hunsinger, she was recognized for her work at the statewide Florida Council for Exceptional Children conference. She received the Florida Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders award for Outstanding Leadership by providing innovative programs.

Heidi’s newest challenge in Fall 2017 will be in the role of principal for Richard L. Sanders School K-12 program. Originally called Parkland School, the facility was built in 1958 as a school for the mentally handicapped. The school’s mission is to help students learn the effective skills necessary to grow into successful adults in a positive, safe, and respectful school environment. Their motto is learning, growing, and succeeding.

Heidi believes that helping lay the foundation for students to learn and grow helps children succeed both behaviorally and academically. This not only includes school staff, but family support.

“Working as a team we can help each child find success,”  she said.