Dana Budd
Dana Budd received her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fresno and her M.A. in Instruction/Technology and Teaching Credential in Physical Education before earning her Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership. Dana now works as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. She works to support student learning through collaborative teams focused on learning, collective inquiry, guaranteed and viable curriculum, and through data-based decisions. She coordinates and oversees the VAPA program, GATE program, Instructional Coaches, Assessment Coordinator, and Professional Development. Dana co-leads the roll-out of MTSS with the district’s Knowledge Development Site and then district-wide through Cohort 1. Dana has worked with administrators, teachers, and students across all grade levels to facilitate high-quality learning, collaboration, and teaming to meet the needs of all students.
Professional Experience: Dana started her career in public education teaching middle school for Central Unified School District. She has been a K-12 Instructional Coach, District Educational Technology Coordinator and is currently the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Paso Robles Joint Unified School District.
Personal Experience: Dana Budd grew up in Fresno, California dancing under the direction of Sue Sampson-Delena at the Dance Studio of Fresno. She has studied Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, modern, and contemporary at Houston Ballet (Houston, TX), Joffrey Ballet (NY), American Ballet Theatre (NY), and with Chebar Williams (LA). Dana danced for five seasons with the State Street Ballet Company in Santa Barbara, where she performed in a variety of ballets including as a soloist or principal dancer in Shed Your Skin, Texas 4TH, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nutcracker, and Swan Lake. She also performed for five years as a member of Martha Kelly-Fierro’s Altered Modalities contemporary company. She has traveled across the country assisting Chebar Williams with Nuvo Dance Convention. Dana has also taught classes and choreographed numbers for the State Street Ballet Company Evening Program and Young Dancers. She won the top choreography prize at The Dance Awards in New York City as well as many other choreography awards throughout California.
Scholarly Interests: Dana enjoys reading about Instructional Leadership. Her continual growth and support for teachers and students both academically and social emotionally.
Honors and Awards: Dana won Best Choreographer award at The Dance Awards in New York City. She was recognized at the 2017 MTSS Conference for Paso Robles work around inclusive practices and systems implementation.
Recommended Reading: Anything John Hattie, Michael Fullan. Personally, my favorite book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 41:10 ~ “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Favorite Music: FFH, Everybody Duck, Jars of Clay, Francesca Battistelli, Cory Asbury
Favorite Activities: Going to the beach with my family, teaching, working with students, dancing, going on vacations.
Family Info: I have been married to the love of my life, Daniel Budd, for 6 years. We have two amazing children; Charlotte Lucy Budd (3) and Deacon Michael Budd (7 months).
What Matters: That our families focus is God, that I spend time with my family, my amazing mom, friends, trust, integrity, work.
Pet Peeves: I don't really have any.
What I Like About FPU: That FPU is a Christian university that connects every student with what they need academically, spiritually, and social-emotionally. That the university provides unlimited opportunities for professional, personal, and ethical growth.