Patricia Daniels is a dedicated educator with a deep passion for supporting children with disabilities and autism in alternative school settings. Her journey began as a teacher assistant while pursuing a B.A. in child study with a concentration in speech communication from St. Joseph’s University in New York. She went on to teach in self-contained classrooms within separate-setting schools, where her commitment to inclusive education and individualized support inspired her to foster growth and confidence in every student.
Patricia later earned an M.S. Ed., in Students with Disabilities and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from Long Island University at CW Post. These credentials, paired with hands-on experience, have equipped her to lead programs that meet the complex needs of students with disabilities. Before relocating to Union County, North Carolina, she held leadership roles at SCO Family of Services, a NYSED-approved nonprofit organization serving diverse and high-needs populations. As Assistant Principal, Principal, and Program Director, she partnered with families and worked with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, dually diagnosed youth, and adjudicated and at-risk youth.
In August 2022, Patricia was honored to join Wolfe School as principal. Her broad experience has shaped a compassionate leadership style rooted in empathy, collaboration, and high expectations. She feels privileged to serve alongside the Wolfe community as a committed advocate for equity and inclusion—ensuring every learner is valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential within UCPS.
Adria Speights brings 23 years of valuable experience in special education to her current role. As the Exceptional Children's Coordinator at Wolfe School, her previous role involved ensuring program compliance, delivering professional development, and supporting staff and students. Her extensive background also includes time as an exceptional children's teacher, where she served students with special needs in a variety of settings: within the separate setting classroom, in an alternative school’s inclusion setting, an after school center and through homebound instruction. She also served as an autism specialist, providing direct support to students and professional development to teachers across multiple campuses.
For Ms. Speights, leadership begins with a clear vision centered on building strong relationships and coaching staff. She fosters an atmosphere of respect and collaboration, emphasizing roundtable discussions to make decisions as a team. Rather than telling others what they should do, Ms. Speights guides and coaches staff toward finding their own solutions and encourages every individual to utilize their unique strengths to work toward their common vision for Wolfe School. In recognition of her dedication, Ms. Speights was the recipient of the Teacher of Excellence Award for Stanly County Schools in 2018.
She is a proud graduate of Sun Valley High School (1997). She earned her bachelor of arts in political science with minors in communication: mass media and sociology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2000 and returned in 2004 to complete her special education teaching certification. Most recently, she graduated with her master's in school administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May 2025.
