Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kelly Utt

Mount Airy,North Carolina

Summary

I am dedicated to fostering a love of learning in young students, with a particular focus on reading, writing, and mathematics. My approach emphasizes building strong academic foundations while nurturing the holistic development of each child. I hold students to high standards, encouraging them to approach challenges positively and consistently strive to do their best. Over the years, I have developed and implemented personalized interventions to support academic and personal growth. Additionally, my experience in mediation allows me to effectively collaborate with students, parents, and colleagues to resolve challenges and create a supportive learning environment. I also integrate a classical model of social-emotional learning, prioritizing character development, self-discipline, and virtue, enabling students to succeed academically while flourishing.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Reading and Math Interventionist

Millennium Charter Academy
08.2023 - Current
  • As the K-5 Reading and Math Interventionist, in collaboration with the MTSS Coordinator, I provide targeted academic support in reading and math and implement evidence-based interventions
  • The reading interventions I used include systematic phonics instruction, guided reading practices, fluency development strategies, comprehension development strategies, and intervention strategies that involve multisensory phonics, repeated reading activities to build fluency, vocabulary development, and scaffolded strategies to support comprehension
  • This takes place in small groups and uses an inclusion model when needed
  • Math interventions follow Singapore Math, highlighting number bonds, bar models, problem-solving strategies, and differentiated instructional strategies to support a deep understanding of the curriculum at all grade levels while supporting students' moral development as complete individuals
  • My role is responsible for the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), ensuring effective academic and social-emotional interventions
  • My responsibilities include identifying students needing support, conducting assessments, tracking their progress, and ensuring accurate documentation towards referrals to Exceptional Children (EC) services, Section 504 plans, or other needed accommodations when those are needed
  • The interventionist collaborates with the EC Department to ensure students go through Tier 1 to Tier 3 interventions before referrals are considered and assists teachers in implementing MTSS strategies in the classroom
  • In addition to academics, my position plays a vital role in student well-being through the social-emotional component of MTSS
  • I coordinate and facilitate SEL group meetings, partner with school personnel and administrators to provide behavioral and emotional support, and assist with setting up the required two-hour annual SEL training for staff to ensure compliance with state mandates in that area

Director of Marketing and IT

Millennium Charter Academy
10.2021 - 06.2023
  • As the Director of Marketing and IT, I managed the school’s marketing strategies and IT infrastructure
  • My responsibilities included overseeing the school’s webpage, social media, and publications, ensuring content was up to date and engaging, and rebuilding connections within the community, which led to higher enrollment at the time
  • Because of the influx of admissions, I managed the first kindergarten lottery in two years
  • In IT, the role involves maintaining systems, managing budgets, coordinating equipment replacement, and overseeing alarm systems, Wi-Fi, HVAC, and plumbing
  • Filing insurance claims on Chromebooks rather than taking numerous hours to repair by hand was also implemented during my time
  • Documentation and maintenance of all email addresses, keys, and entrance dots were also completed
  • Additionally, the Director ensures compliance with state-mandated mental health requirements by implementing SEL coordination meetings, training staff, and completing DPI documentation
  • As a Qualified Professional (QP), the Director attends IEP meetings, assists with behavioral plans, and provides support for intensive mental health issues, such as self-harm, eating disorders, and suicidal ideations
  • The Director also helps with behavior management in the lower school
  • As we all support Millennium in our roles, I also covered study halls and lunch duties for approximately 4.5 hours a day while completing the above responsibilities

Restorative Justice Director

Surry/Stokes Friends of Youth
01.2010 - 12.2022
  • The Restorative Justice Director collaborated with juveniles within the court system, providing counseling services as a Qualified Professional (QP)
  • This role involved supporting youth populations in Surry and Stokes Counties through community service and other restorative justice practices
  • As director, I implemented mediation services for conflicts between children and families in the program
  • As the director implemented programs focused on rehabilitation, accountability, and personal growth, assisting youth in navigating the consequences of their actions while promoting positive change and reintegration into their community
  • As Director, I supervised counselors and other volunteer staff, ensuring that all files were in compliance
  • In this position, I also contributed to writing grants at the state level, managed the budget, and oversaw loss prevention strategies that continue to be utilized today

Landscape Designer and Director of Operations

Southern Horticulture
01.2000 - 12.2010
  • As a Landscape Designer, I created sustainable, cost-effective designs using AutoCAD, earning recognition in Southern Living, Architectural Digest, and other publications for pioneering green walls and eco-friendly initiatives
  • In operations, I managed two subsidiaries
  • I oversaw a 100-acre leatherleaf fern farm in Costa Rica with 80 employees, exporting exclusively to Westland Bloemen in the Netherlands
  • I also handled scheduling and budgeting for Green Planet Roofing, a sustainable roofing company in Mount Airy with 20 employees
  • Additionally, I secured funding and incentives through sustainability programs, ensuring compliance and maximizing benefits for green projects
  • My work combined design and operations to drive sustainability in both local and international markets

Education

Associates in Science -

Surry Community College
01.1999

Bachelor's in Elementary Education -

Western Governors University
04.2025

Certified Landscape Technician Certification -

North Carolina State University
01.2004

Skills

  • Response to intervention
  • Parent communication
  • Instructional strategies
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Classroom management
  • Creative problem solving
  • Lesson planning
  • Behavior management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Data collection
  • Crisis intervention
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Student development
  • Individualized education plans
  • Standardized testing

Certification

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) Certification, A counseling method used to help people find the motivation to make positive changes. May transfer into three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Domestic Violence Counselor Certification, Prepares professionals to work with individuals involved in domestic violence situations. May transfer into three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Trainee or Associate Certification, Training in the core principles of marriage and family therapy. May transfer into three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Certification, Designed for those who wish to work with populations affected by trauma. May transfer into three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Child and Adolescent Counseling Certification, Specialization in counseling children and adolescents. May transfer into four credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, Teaches individuals how to help youth experiencing mental health issues. May transfer into three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Art Therapy Certification, Trains mental health professionals to use creative techniques in therapy. May transfer into three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)is basic training in helping people with mental health issues. It may transfer into three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), Training counselors to support families dealing with trauma. May transfer into three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), Uses lived experience with mental illness or addiction to help others. May transfer into four credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS), Training for mental health professionals responding to crises. May transfer three credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training focuses on changing negative thought patterns. It may transfer into four credit hours toward a counseling degree.
  • Grief Counseling Certification, Training in how to support individuals dealing with grief and loss. May transfer three credit hours toward a counseling degree.

Timeline

Reading and Math Interventionist

Millennium Charter Academy
08.2023 - Current

Director of Marketing and IT

Millennium Charter Academy
10.2021 - 06.2023

Restorative Justice Director

Surry/Stokes Friends of Youth
01.2010 - 12.2022

Landscape Designer and Director of Operations

Southern Horticulture
01.2000 - 12.2010

Bachelor's in Elementary Education -

Western Governors University

Certified Landscape Technician Certification -

North Carolina State University

Associates in Science -

Surry Community College
Kelly Utt