If you see our new Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Ms. Maria Dougherty, don’t hesitate to say hello!
Dougherty stepped into the role previously filled by Kateri Warren, who retired at the end of the 2022-23 school year. She comes to Bloomfield with experience in both building and district leadership, most recently as the Elementary Coordinator of Special Education at Spencerport Central School District. Prior to that, Dougherty served as Assistant Principal at Irondequoit High School in the West Irondequoit Central School District. She also worked as Educational Leader (Principal) of the Rochester Career Mentoring Charter School, as well as an English as a New Languages teacher in the Buffalo Public School District.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Bloomfield Director of Pupil Personnel Services,” said Dougherty. “This position will allow me to bridge my elementary and secondary professional experiences, while tying in my passion for supporting students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and mental and physical health of Bloomfield's students.”
Dougherty lives with her son Charlie, partner Kyle, and dog Wilma (a big, goofy Saint Bernard). They are in the process of moving to Canandaigua in order to be closer to the Bloomfield community. Charlie will also be starting at Bloomfield journey this year as a first grader, come the first day of school.
“I feel lucky to be in a place where so many staff feel so passionately and positively about the district, so much so that they have chosen to send their own children to the school district,” Dougherty said. “This sense of pride and confidence empowered me to enroll my son as a student in Bloomfield as well. I can't wait to see how he begins to weave himself into the fibers of this community and grow his pride as a Bloomfield Bomber.”
Outside of work, Dougherty says she loves doing projects around her home and learning new skills in home repair and remodeling, so much so that she thinks there’s a good chance she’d be a general contractor or interior designer if she had to do her life all over again. She also loves to be outdoors with her family, be it enjoying the lake or going for nature walks.
“I hope to have the opportunity to serve as Director of Pupil Personnel Services in Bloomfield for many years to come,” said Dougherty. “There is nothing that I hold above advocacy for students, and I hope that those who work with and begin to know me will see that my heart is always in the place of what is best for students. My door is always open and I welcome anyone to stop in and say hello. Thank you for having me in this wonderful district!”
Fun Facts About Ms. Dougherty
- She was born in Serbia and immigrated with her family to the United States when she was in fourth grade, and she moved to the west side of Cleveland, Ohio.
- She is a big fan of Cleveland and everything that the city has to offer. Her sister and parents still live in the Cleveland area.
- She came to Rochester for college, where she attended the University of Rochester for her bachelors and first master's degree, and has stayed in this area of New York state ever since.
- She speaks three languages: Serbian (her first language), English, and Spanish (which she learned in school and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in.
