Kathryn PIERSON, Ed.D.
Carson,CA
Summary
Instructional leader and scholar-practitioner with a background in elementary teaching, school psychology, and special education administration. I aim to leverage my experience in research design, data analysis, and scholarly publication to strengthen evidence-based instructional practices, support educator well-being, and enhance student outcomes. Committed to integrating research-informed strategies with practical leadership to build inclusive, trauma-responsive, and high-performing learning environments.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead School Psychologist
Effective Educational Consulting services
Monterey, California
04.2021 - Current
- Edit reports, and provide feedback to other school psychologists.
- Conducted psychological assessments to identify student needs and recommend interventions.
- Participated in multidisciplinary teams to address complex student issues collaboratively.
- Delivered educational workshops on topics related to child psychology, special education law, working with diverse populations and trauma-informed care.
School Psychologist
LBUSD, Palmdale USD , LAUSD
01.2000 - Current
- Provide psycho-educational assessments, consultation, counseling support and participated in individualized educational program meetings for special education students with a variety of disabilities.
- Specialize in mediation, facilitating and resolving difficult and contentious cases involving students with autism or various disabilities, i.e., emotional disturbance, other health impairments or students with a learning disability.
Graduate Research Assistant
American College of Education
Indianapolis, Indiana
03.2025 - 09.2025
- Assisted faculty in developing and organizing course materials for online learning.
- Collaborated with peers on data collection and analysis for various studies.
- Facilitated communication between faculty and students regarding research initiatives.
- Utilized qualitative and quantitative methods to enhance research outcomes and insights.
- Gathered, reviewed and summarized literature from scientific journals.
- Provided guidance to undergraduate students working on independent projects related to the main research focus.
Special Education Administrator
LBUSD
Long Beach, California
05.2022 - 07.2025
- Coordinated staff training sessions.
- Reviewed resumes, participated in hiring panels.
- Initiated and managed special education systems, and student transportation logistics.
- Managed special education staffing, budget, and resources to ensure effective program delivery.
- Collaborated with teachers and families to support student progress and engagement.
Elementary School Teacher
LAUSD
Los Angeles, California
07.1994 - 01.2000
- Instructed students from diverse backgrounds and diverse socioeconomic groups.
- Tailored the curriculum to address student’s individual needs, collaborating as often as possible with professionals and parents.
- Grade level chairperson for two consecutive years and taught regular and special education students.
Education
Ed. D - INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN10-2025
Education Administrative Services -
California State University Dominguez Hills
06.2007
Pupil Personnel Services Credential - School Psychology
California State University Dominguez Hills
06.2001
Master of Arts Degree - Education
California State University Dominguez Hills
05.1999
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
California State University Dominguez Hills
06.1996
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Liberal Studies
California State University Dominguez Hills
05.1994
Skills
- Educational research based presentations
- Trauma-informed practices
- Staff training coordination
- Scholarly researcher
- Solutions-focused
- Curriculum development
Affiliations
- National Association of School Psychologist
- California Association of School Psychologist
- Long Beach Association of School Psychologist
- National Education Association
- Teacher Association of Long Beach
- California Teacher Association
- American Educational Research Association
Accomplishments
- Dean’s List
- 4.0 GPA in Doctoral Program
- Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society Member
Licenses Credentials
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential/School Psychology
- Administrative Services
Professional Experience Summary
As an elementary teacher, I provided high-quality instruction to students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. In my roles as a school psychologist and lead school psychologist, I also supported special education administration as needed. During my doctoral studies, I was selected to serve as a graduate research assistant and continue to contribute to research and scholarly publications for peer-reviewed journals.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
American College of Education
03.2025 - 09.2025
Special Education Administrator
LBUSD
05.2022 - 07.2025
Lead School Psychologist
Effective Educational Consulting services
04.2021 - Current
School Psychologist
LBUSD, Palmdale USD , LAUSD
01.2000 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
LAUSD
07.1994 - 01.2000
Ed. D - INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
American College of Education
Education Administrative Services -
California State University Dominguez Hills
Pupil Personnel Services Credential - School Psychology
California State University Dominguez Hills
Master of Arts Degree - Education
California State University Dominguez Hills
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
California State University Dominguez Hills
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Liberal Studies
California State University Dominguez Hills