Kathleen Bolella Smith
Myrtle Beach,SC
Summary
Dynamic Educational Leader and School Administrator with a proven track record at Horry County Schools, demonstrating expertise in strategic program development, crisis management, and institutional excellence. Skilled at exercising comprehensive leadership and supervisory capabilities to foster parental engagement, enhance student success through innovative strategies, and create supportive learning environments. Committed to promoting the educational development of each student, the professional development of each staff member, and advancing overall school performance through collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and a passion for personal growth.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Horry County Schools
Conway, SC
07.2023 - Current
- Cultivated partnerships by engaging parents and families.
- Successfully maintained a positive and supportive school environment.
- Oversaw special education programs and coordination of Section 504 plans.
- Collaborated with base school leadership to ensure seamless student transitions.
- Oversaw administrative functions to enhance student safety.
- Conducted classroom visits to assess teaching methodologies and learning environments.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations, reviews of lesson plans and feedback from parents and students.
- Developed and implemented school policies, procedures and programs for student achievement.
- Developed positive school climate by building effective communication within school.
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Horry County Schools
Conway, South Carolina
08.2016 - 07.2023
- Created a program that enhanced student success upon returning to base schools from alternative education placement.
- Provided crisis intervention and management to address immediate behavioral concerns safely and effectively.
- Provided crisis management training enabling school staff to handle escalating behaviors.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies in one-on-one and group settings to improve student outcomes.
- Offered counseling to students to increase personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management.
Special Education Teacher /Behavior Interventionist
Cumberland Valley School District
Mechanicsburg, PA
08.2005 - 07.2014
Special Education Teacher /Instructional Support Teacher
West Shore School District
Lewisberry, PA
08.1991 - 08.2004
Special Education Teacher
East Brunswick Public Schools
East Brunswick, NJ
08.1989 - 06.1990
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership And Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT09-2024
Master of Science - Special Education / Learning Disabilities
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg, PA05-1995
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ05-1989
Matriculated Student -
Bulmershe College - Reading University
United Kingdom01-1988
Skills
- Parental engagement
- Crisis management
- Team collaboration
- Program development and implementation
- Organizational leadership
- Staff assessment and evaluation
- Organizational skills
- Policy and procedure development
- Operational planning
- Relationship building and networking
- School safety and security
- Special education coordination
Affiliations
• Presented at Southeastern Behavioral Health Conference
• First Recipient of SOAR Academy Top Eagle Award, 2020
• Spearheaded fundraising events, silent auction and raffles to benefit Special Olympics
• Annual Polar Plunge Participant for Special Olympics, 2006-present
• CEC Member
• Foster and Adoptive Parent
• Extensive Training Experience: Mandated Reporter, Safety Care, Behavior Management Through Adventure
• First Recipient of SOAR Academy Top Eagle Award, 2020
• Spearheaded fundraising events, silent auction and raffles to benefit Special Olympics
• Annual Polar Plunge Participant for Special Olympics, 2006-present
• CEC Member
• Foster and Adoptive Parent
• Extensive Training Experience: Mandated Reporter, Safety Care, Behavior Management Through Adventure
Certification
- Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher - RYT 200
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Horry County Schools
07.2023 - Current
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Horry County Schools
08.2016 - 07.2023
Special Education Teacher /Behavior Interventionist
Cumberland Valley School District
08.2005 - 07.2014
Special Education Teacher /Instructional Support Teacher
West Shore School District
08.1991 - 08.2004
Special Education Teacher
East Brunswick Public Schools
08.1989 - 06.1990
Master of Science - Educational Leadership And Management
Western Governors University
Master of Science - Special Education / Learning Disabilities
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Rowan University
Matriculated Student -
Bulmershe College - Reading University