Dr. Terri Edmunds-Heard became the assistant superintendent for the Department of Special Services in June 2023, after serving as the department's interim assistant superintendent for the year prior. In her role as interim, Edmunds-Heard implemented several key improvements, such as a strategic emphasis on inclusive education practices, effective solutions for compensatory education, and a robust plan to address the findings of the Special Education audit.

Previously, she was the executive principal for school improvement for Region 5 where she reviewed and monitored school achievement data, coached and developed principals, and served as an instructional leader and advocate for all students and schools. Prior to Region 5, she was an executive principal for Region 4.

Edmunds-Heard brings a wealth of experience to the Department of Special Services. She taught special education in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Davison County Public Schools, Fluvanna County Public Schools, Cabarrus County Public Schools, Richmond City, and Fairfax County Public Schools.

Edmunds-Heard's administrative experience includes school-based administrative duties in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Fairfax County. She has served as a special education department chair and as the administrator over the school’s special education department.  

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in special education, Dr. Edmunds-Heard earned her master’s in special education from Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, and her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.