Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Special Education Principal Danielle O’Brien, Ed.D, recently received her Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College, fulfilling a promise she made to herself years ago.

To receive her degree, O’Brien had to write and defend her dissertation on organizational resilience, which is a theory examining the ability of an organization to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to change or adversity when needed.

O’Brien said she has a passion for systems, structure, and policy, and noted that her degree will help her to grow in those areas. O’Brien originally intended to have her doctorate by the age of 30, but then her family grew by three.

“I wanted to have my degree early… but then I had triplets,” O’Brien said laughing.

O’Brien’s three daughters announced her as “doctor” during a ceremony at St. John Fisher College, a surprise that made O’Brien’s achievement even more special.

Special Education Director Susan Lynch said she is proud of O’Brien for the hard work and dedication she displayed while balancing her educational goals, raising a family, and working tirelessly at BOCES. 

“We are so proud of you Danielle and fortunate to have you as a valued member of the special education team,” said Lynch.