She’s excited to take the next step in her career as principal of Vista Charter Academy, she said, adding a big draw was the school’s Moral Focus virtues, which are integral to helping students develop into caring, considerate members of their community.
“It feels like it’s the right fit,” she said. “Everyone has been open and receptive to my leadership approach, which is working side-by-side with them.”
Throughout her career, Donati has forged relationships with families to give students hope for their future. Now, backed by a curriculum that also helps students grow in empathy, self-awareness, and kindness, she aims to do the same in a new setting at Vista and steer students to make better, more informed choices.
“Being able to see students graduate from high school, go to college, and actually come back to our building as a school nurse, as teachers, as instructional aides; and being able to watch them grow and develop and learn the importance of discipline and expectations is a success,” she said. “Graduates would bring their kids to the building because they know it was a sense of family and a sense of community and love.”
Throughout her 30-plus years in education and her time as an administrator, Donati has relied on a collaborative approach that starts with identifying and leveraging the strengths of each individual. She also knows that collaboration is a two-way street, and will diligently work to maintain and grow Vista as the best educational choice for local families while building relationships with teachers, staff, and the community.
“I will not ask anybody in the building to do something that I would not do myself,” she said. “I really believe that if you have high expectations with high supports and a clear vision, you’re working with people; you’re not working at them.”
Quick Facts:
- She earned a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College, a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, and an education specialist degree and superintendent certification from Western Illinois University.
- She was selected to the prestigious Ryan Fellowship for aspiring principals.
- She has completed three Ironman races.
- She enjoys running, dogs, and autumn.
Check out a school near you!
About Vista Charter Academy:
Vista Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes over 95 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Vista Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.