Dr. Jessica Ocasio is an Associate Consultant in the Bureau of Educator Effectiveness and Professional Learning for the Connecticut State Department of Education. A native of Waterbury, Mrs. Ocasio is guided by an ardent commitment to holistic excellence and service. She is also the Executive President of the nonprofit Rivera Memorial Foundation, named after her father, firefighter Eddie Rivera. Jessica has led the organization’s creation of its strategic approach. Jessica’s ability to develop collaborative relationships has assisted the RMF’s mission of ensuring youth and families have the opportunity to thrive educationally, socially, emotionally, and economically. Jessica is also the Founder and Executive Director of Annabella’s Angels, a Waterbury-based non-profit that strives to provide support and raise awareness and education for pregnancy and infant loss families and medical professionals. Annabella’s Angels works tirelessly to raise funds to purchase and donate a CuddleCot to hospitals. Annabella’s Angels has placed 13 CuddleCots and 2 Caring Cradles in Connecticut, 1 CuddleCot in New York, and 1 CuddleCot in Massachusetts. Additionally, she is a member of the Connecticut Community Foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee, the Waterbury Public School District Equity Leadership Team, the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, and the Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival Organization.
Dr. Ocasio obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology, and Master of Science in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a 6th Year Certificate of Advanced Studies and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport.