Quick look: Dr. Amita Cloke has been named OCDE’s next assistant superintendent of Special Education. The longtime educator, clinician and school psychologist will oversee programs that support students with disabilities across Orange County, including the department’s Connections schools.
For Dr. Amita Cloke, special education has always been about opening doors.
Throughout a career spanning more than 25 years in education, mental health and student services, she has focused on helping students access opportunities, overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Starting July 1, she’ll bring that philosophy to her new role as assistant superintendent of Special Education for the Orange County Department of Education.
Cloke succeeds Analee Kredel, who recently announced her retirement after nearly 30 years with OCDE.
“Students with disabilities are students first,” Cloke said. “They may require additional support, but they deserve access to the same opportunities, experiences and pathways as every other student.”
Cloke currently serves as executive director of Special Education and Student Services within OCDE’s alternative education program, known as ACCESS. There, she oversees special education and mental health services for students in alternative education settings.
As assistant superintendent, she is now poised to lead a program that touches nearly every corner of special education in Orange County — supporting districts in their work with students with disabilities while also overseeing Connections, OCDE’s specialized program for students with the most significant needs.
County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean said Cloke’s commitment to students and families distinguished her throughout the selection process.
“What impressed me most was the way Amita consistently centered students and families in every conversation about this role,” Bean said. “She understands that special education is about more than services. It’s about creating opportunities, building relationships and ensuring that students and families feel supported every step of the way.”
Creating opportunities for students
Before entering educational leadership, Cloke worked as a licensed clinician and collaborated closely with families navigating educational and mental health systems. She later became a school psychologist and went on to serve as a special day class teacher, program specialist and executive leader.
She holds a doctorate in educational psychology and maintains credentials as a school psychologist and school counselor, along with licensure as an educational psychologist and professional clinical counselor.
Looking ahead, Cloke said she is eager to work alongside the county’s 28 districts to identify emerging needs and explore innovative approaches.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to make an impact across Orange County,” Cloke said. “By partnering with districts, families and educators, we can continue creating opportunities for students and ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed.”
Outside of work, Cloke and her husband, Michael, have been married for nearly 30 years and are the parents of two adult children. Their daughter, Madison, works as a deputy district attorney, and their son, Michael, is a police officer. The family enjoys traveling, attending sporting events and spending time together on the water. They also spend time in Tennessee, where their son lives.
Thoughtful and compassionate leadership
OCDE’s Special Education program administers Connections, which provides specialized instruction and support for learners with the most significant disabilities, as well as students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and those with emotional disturbance disabilities. Through 48 classes at 13 school sites, Connections serves students from across Orange County who are referred by their local school districts.
In addition, the program partners with local school districts to support special education services, provide technical assistance and help expand opportunities for students with disabilities countywide.
Bean said Cloke’s combination of experience, compassion and collaborative leadership makes her well suited to lead the division into its next chapter.
“Amita is a thoughtful and compassionate leader who never loses sight of the students and families at the heart of this work,” Bean said. “I am confident she will build upon the strong foundation established by Analee and her team while continuing to expand opportunities for all students.”