Press Releases

ACES Whitney Academy Assistant Principal Appointed

June 6th, 2025

(Hamden, CT – June 2, 2025) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is proud to announce the promotion of Chamone Dobbs, LMSW, to Assistant Principal of ACES Whitney Academy, effective July 1, 2025. Dobbs brings a wealth of experience in student advocacy, behavior intervention, and school-based leadership to this new position, where she will serve as a vital member of the administrative team at ACES’ therapeutic educational program for students ages 14–22 with a range of specialized needs.

“Chamone has been an invaluable asset to ACES with her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive school environments and empowering both students and staff,” said Dr. Thomas Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. “Her background as a licensed social worker, along with her leadership in behavioral and social-emotional support systems, aligns perfectly with the values and mission of Whitney Academy. We look forward to her impact in this new role.”

Currently serving as a school social worker and team leader at ACES Ansonia Middle School, Dobbs has developed and implemented individualized education goals, provided trauma-informed counseling, and worked as a trusted liaison among families, educators, and students. She also serves on multiple school-based leadership teams including the Crisis Support Team, Attendance Committee, and Student & Staff Support Team (SSST).

Dobbs holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut and is completing her Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Leadership at Sacred Heart University, with eligibility for Intermediate Administrator Certification (092) in April 2025.

In her new role at ACES Whitney Academy, Dobbs will collaborate with Principal Juliellen Rodriguez and school staff to ensure a safe, high-performing learning environment through thoughtful instructional leadership, data-informed decision-making, and a focus on continuous improvement. She will also support programming that emphasizes students’ growth in areas such as employment, independent living, and community participation.

ACES Whitney Academy is a specialized therapeutic school that prioritizes individualized education, life skills training, and transition services for students with complex behavioral, cognitive, and medical needs. With this promotion, ACES reaffirms its commitment to developing home-grown leadership and enhancing services that transform students’ lives through education, innovation, and inclusion.

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About ACES:
Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven County. Established in 1969, ACES strives each day to fulfill its vision of creating an equitable and socially just world, one life at a time. ACES serves its members districts and others through an ever-growing array of programs, services, and schools that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. As a school district, ACES operates three magnet, seven special education schools, and five alternative education programs. ACES services range from transportation, professional development, school improvement services, technology, translation, international, security, and occupational and physical therapy. ACES operates the Open and Magnet School Parent Choice programs for New Haven County. Its programs include a federally funded Early Head Start Program and ACES ACCESS, a vocational and life skills program for developmentally and physically disabled adults ages 23 and older. For more information, go to www.aces.org.