Director, Continuous Improvement
Santa Cruz County Office of Education

California Hub | USA

My name is Maria Reitano, and I am delighted to live and work in beautiful Santa Cruz County on the Northern California coast. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the towering sequoias, it is easy to feel connected to and inspired by nature here. 

I have always found that the individuals I walk alongside in my journey are more remarkable than the landscape. The cultures, stories, languages, foods, music we find in community with one another inspired me to a career learning alongside children and youth. 

I have spent 27 years as a public educator, including 21 years in school leadership. My work is grounded in a deep commitment to supporting our most vulnerable students and families and creating learning spaces in which all students feel safe, connected, challenged, and inspired to achieve. I believe this is most possible within an intentional community of care, in which we recognize and nurture interconnected relationships and authentic ways of being.

In my current role as Director of Continuous Improvement, I am fortunate to work with an amazing team supporting district and site leaders with equity focused improvements and systems changes. Compassionate Systems practice has enhanced my work and personal relationships by knitting together my core values and providing a framework to further guide my heart and mind.  

Outside of work, I am a proud mother, dog lover, and partner to my husband of 35 years. I find renewal in a community of faith, contemplative practice, or just being out in nature, paddling a kayak, hiking and camping in the redwoods. I am an avid reader who is always curious to learn and grow.

I am excited for the opportunity to learn more through this course and community, and to fold what I am learning into the work of supporting leaders to build more caring, compassionate, and intentional schools.