About me
Dr. Rachel Heenan has worked in special education for two decades. She began her career in Massachusetts, working in the field of deafness as an instructional aide, a speech and language specialist, and a school counselor. After relocating to California, Dr. Heenan served as a social worker for a foster family agency serving Deaf/hard-of-hearing children and families.
Along with her extensive local experience, Dr. Heenan has also served in various education leadership roles as assistant principal, early intervention service coordinator, and special education administrator.
Prior to joining the CDE, Dr. Heenan was the director of special education and the Special Education Local Plan Area director for the Long Beach Unified School District, the fourth-largest district in the state. As the CDE special education director, her work will continue to focus on serving the underserved, addressing disparities in our educational system, breaking down barriers, and creating a more equitable learning environment that benefits all students.
Dr. Heenan holds a doctorate from the University of Southern California in educational leadership, a master’s degree from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.
