Kaitlin Smoot
Strasburg,VA
Summary
Licensed special educator and department lead with strong experience in instructional leadership, behavioral intervention, and crisis-responsive school support. Proven success in coordinating IEP/504 compliance, building schoolwide systems, leading multidisciplinary teams, and strengthening positive school–community relationships. Skilled in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, data-driven decision making, and creating equitable, high-quality instructional experiences for diverse learners. Currently completing administrator preparation and will hold full administrative licensure in spring 2026.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher and Department Chair
Warren County Public Schools
07.2017 - Current
- In my role as Special Education Teacher and Department Leader, I provide instructional leadership, case management oversight, and crisis-responsive support across multiple grade levels. I collaborate closely with building administrators and the Special Services Department to develop and implement a comprehensive schoolwide plan for special education that strengthens compliance, instructional quality, and program alignment. I coordinate departmental operations, mentor new teachers, and lead initiatives that improve service delivery and communication with families. My work emphasizes building effective systems, supporting teachers with behavioral and academic interventions, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality instruction for all students.
- Provide specially designed instruction through multiple co-teaching models and individualized instructional supports.
- Develop, write, and implement IEPs; ensure full compliance with federal and state special education regulations.
- Coordinate with families, teachers, specialists, and administrators to support student progress and behavior planning.
- Lead department meetings, mentor new teachers, and collaborate with building administrators on schoolwide initiatives.
- Support crisis response, behavioral intervention, and positive behavior systems across grade levels.
Clinical Counselor and Education Liaison
Center for Discovery
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Supported the academic, clinical, and operational needs of a residential treatment program serving adolescents with complex mental health and behavioral needs. Played a key role in coordinating academic services, facilitating therapeutic groups, assisting in crisis intervention, and maintaining communication among families, schools, clinical providers, and administrative teams.
- Coordinated academic plans for adolescents in residential treatment with complex mental health needs including eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorders.
- Collaborated with schools, counselors, and families to modify curriculum, adjust instruction, and support educational transitions.
- Managed educational assessments, progress notes, tutoring coordination, testing, and reintegration planning upon discharge.
- Conducted psychotherapy groups (CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, self-esteem, and process-focused groups).
- Provided individual and family counseling, therapeutic meal support, and crisis intervention.
- Trained new counselors in crisis response protocols and milieu management.
- Supported admissions, assessments, and communication with medical and insurance professionals.
Guidance Department Intern
Shenandoah County Public Schools
01.2011 - 2011
- Served as a key support to the school counseling and administrative team, contributing to academic advising, crisis response, and student support services. Gained hands-on experience with schoolwide operations, student discipline processes, family communication, and college and career programming.
- Assisted guidance staff with academic advising, graduation preparation, transcript audits, and student scheduling logistics.
- Supported crisis-response practices by helping counselors triage student concerns, document interventions, and coordinate follow-up with families and administrators.
- Facilitated college and career readiness activities by guiding students through applications, scholarship searches, and career exploration resources.
- Helped manage daily office operations, including student records, front desk communication, and routing requests from faculty, staff, and families.
- Supported the guidance team by coordinating student schedules and assisting with course selection processes.
- Participated in the development and implementation of school-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing student well-being and academic success.
Education
M.Ed. Educational Administration & Supervision -
Liberty University
School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Coursework - undefined
Capella University
Special Education Licensure Coursework - undefined
University of Virginia’s College at Wise
B.S. Psychology - Undergraduate Thesis in Team Leadership
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Skills
- School Leadership & Student Support Systems
- Special Education Compliance & Program Coordination
- Curriculum Modification
- Family Engagement Community Partnerships
- MTSS/Behavioral Intervention Case Management
- Staff Training, Coaching and Collaboration
- Data Tracking
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
Certification
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), 2015
- Virginia Medication Aide – Virginia Nurses Association, 2016
- Emergency First Aid, Crisis Response & De-escalation
- MANDT Behavioral Safety Training
- Suicide and Self-Harm Assessment
- Human Rights & Ethics in Treatment
- CPR, First Aid, and AED – American Red Cross, 2025
- Young Children & Trauma
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Common Psychiatric Medications
Timeline
Special Education Teacher and Department Chair
Warren County Public Schools
07.2017 - Current
Clinical Counselor and Education Liaison
Center for Discovery
01.2013 - 01.2016
Guidance Department Intern
Shenandoah County Public Schools
01.2011 - 2011
School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Coursework - undefined
Capella University
Special Education Licensure Coursework - undefined
University of Virginia’s College at Wise
B.S. Psychology - Undergraduate Thesis in Team Leadership
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
M.Ed. Educational Administration & Supervision -
Liberty University
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
- Undergraduate Research Assistant 2011-2012
- PANDA Lab (Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research)
- Assisted with data collection, behavioral observations, and participant coordination for autism-spectrum research studies.
- Supported graduate student researchers on psychosocial and neurodevelopmental projects.
- Contributed to lab documentation and study preparation (supervisor confirmation available upon request).
- Undergraduate Senior Thesis – Team Leadership 2012
- Virginia Tech, Department of Psychology
- Conducted an independent research project examining leadership dynamics, team functioning, and performance outcomes.
- Designed study methodology, analyzed qualitative and quantitative data, and presented findings to faculty evaluators.
VOLUNTEER WORK & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- National Eating Disorders Association – Helpline, Advocacy, Walks (2016–Present)
- National Museum for Women in the Arts – Volunteer & Benefactor (2021–Present)
- Hokie Ambassador – Virginia Tech: Selected student representative supporting university outreach, campus tours, and prospective student engagement.
- Alpha Chi Omega Sorority – Virginia Tech: Active collegiate member involved in philanthropy, leadership development, and community service initiatives.
- Virginia Tech Volleyball: Former student-athlete contributed to team culture, mentoring, and program representation.
- Virginia Tech Club Volleyball: Competed at the collegiate club level; supported team coordination, travel, and competition responsibilities.
AWARDS & HONORS
Virginia High School League Female Leadership Award (2008), Virginia Tech Dean’s List (multiple semesters), Northern Virginia Daily Best of Warren County 2024 (Elementary Teacher Finalist), Who’s Who Among America’s College Students, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society – Liberty University, Hokie Ambassador, Virginia High School League Volleyball State Player of the Year (2007), Winchester Star Player of the Year (2007), WHSV Student Athlete of the Week, Northern Virginia Daily Player of the Year (2007), Northern Virginia Volleyball Association MVP (Skyline 17s)