INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Susan Salvati, Orange County Public Schools

Susan Salvati, a Windermere resident, is an Exceptional Student Education District Behavior Coach for Orange County Public Schools.

As a coach, she provides behavioral support to 15 schools by conducting observations and making recommendations for behavioral interventions, while also developing capacity at each school. She meets with site-based teams, providing specialized training and consultations to child study teams and assisting with monitoring students who exhibit behavioral concerns. The collaborative approach allows the team to develop individualized interventions, increase student success and address behavioral concerns throughout the school. 

What brought you to OCPS?

My three children started their academic career at Lake Whitney Elementary School. I was very active on the PTO and in my children’s classrooms. We fell in love with school and the community as it became an integral part of our family. When my youngest child entered kindergarten, I decided to give substitute teaching a try. Between subbing and volunteering, I lived at the school. A paraprofessional position opened, and it seemed like a natural transition. Ten years later, and the rest is history!

What do you love the most about the district?

What I love most about OCPS is its dedication to serving a richly diverse student population. The district works hard to ensure that students from all cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as those with varying disabilities, feel seen, supported and empowered. Whether it’s through multilingual programs, culturally responsive teaching or community engagement efforts, OCPS prioritizes creating an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

As a Behavior Coach, I have the opportunity to serve 15 different schools, which means I can support and hopefully make a positive impact on more staff, teachers and students. I love developing relationships and feeling part of the school family at each and every school I support. Each school functions differently, and I benefit from learning about the unique approaches of each school community.  

What would you be if you were not in this profession?

If I were not in this profession, I would be a licensed clinical social worker. I have a master's degree in social work and have worked with foster children, as well as in a hospital, in both the psychiatric department and the cancer clinic. I took time off to raise my children and then changed course. I guess I would still be focused on supporting people through difficult times and situations.  

Who influences you?

When I think about the people who influence me, two sets of people come to mind. My three children have a profound influence on me as I watch them grow, mature, figure things out and become their own people at such an early age, which inspires me. I learn something new about myself from them every day. My last two school-based principals had a significant impact on me and influenced my leadership style. How I approach my coaching position and the successes I have had building trust, rapport and collaboration are a direct reflection of the experiences I had with them!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Well, I love to run, or I did. I wish I still could, I miss it. So, I fill my time with pickleball now—I'm obsessed! I also enjoy spending time with my family and our two dogs. When I have alone time, I binge Netflix.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My favorite teacher was my third-grade teacher at Irwin School in East Brunswick, New Jersey. When I think about why she was my favorite teacher, it is because of the way she made me feel. I learned a lot from her, and I worked hard because she knew how to engage us, make learning fun and make us feel loved.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower, it would be to read people's minds. I would choose this professionally so I could better understand the students and staff I support. It would be helpful to work through barriers to achieve better success and progress. I would not want this in my personal life, though, because I think it is none of my business what people think of me.

What is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book was “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds, a book I read with my middle school son from the Sunshine State Books in 2018. This is remembered as my favorite because I loved reading it with my son and the discussions we had about resilience and overcoming barriers.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as a student?

I remember loving the cheeseburgers, French fries, and pizza on Fridays! I also loved the warm chocolate cookies.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I have loved watching my children learn and live the spirit and meaning of the holiday as they grew and matured each year.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?  

I am not in touch with any friends from elementary school, but I am still in touch with all my best friends from middle school and high school. I have four best friends from high school with whom I talk daily. We do girls' trips, and one of them even lives across the street from me now, so now she is also considered a neighbor. I am also still friends with four of my closest college friends. I consider myself one lucky girl!

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I played soccer and was a cheerleader through middle school. When I got to high school, I chose to focus on being a cheerleader, which kept me very busy.