My name is Zlata Danese, and I am a special education teacher with over a decade of experience working with students with learning, behavioral, and emotional challenges. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from William Paterson University and an M.A. in Special Education, specializing in learning and behavioral disabilities, from Kean University. I am currently completing my second M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. My passion for teaching with empathy is deeply connected to my personal history. I grew up in Bosnia during the war, experiencing the fear, instability, and loss that come with living in a conflict zone. In 1997, my family immigrated to the United States, starting over in a country where I did not speak the language and had to navigate an entirely new culture. These early experiences of displacement and trauma shaped my belief that all students deserve a safe and supportive environment where they feel valued, heard, and understood.

In my classroom, I approach each student with compassion and patience, recognizing that behavior is often a reflection of underlying needs or past experiences. I believe empathy is not just a personality trait but a skill that can be cultivated at any stage of life, and I strive to model it daily for my students. By leading with empathy, I aim to reduce judgment and bullying, build stronger relationships, and create a classroom culture that fosters self-regulation, resilience, and positive peer interactions. My teaching incorporates trauma-informed practices, individualized supports, restorative conversations, and executive functioning tools to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I know from personal experience that one caring adult can make a lasting impact, and I strive to be that person for every student I meet.