Kierra McShine-Gregory
Houston,TX
Summary
Vision-driven change agent with career-long record of student learning and engagement, mental health, restorative justice practices, and school leadership success. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication with good understanding of business principles, project management and team leadership. Collaborative with relentless work ethic. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
State Director of School Climate and Health
KIPP Texas Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Enhanced regional leadership through implementation of culture systems (discipline, SEL, restorative, staff retention) that support achieving a 5% increase in positive student outcomes for students in the focus areas of engagement, relationships, and growth mindset
- Developing and facilitating professional development for state, regional and campus-based teams to build mindsets and capacity for the culture goals (Restorative Practice, Equity, Discipline, Culture, Wellness)
- Enhanced program impact by implementing data-driven strategies and monitoring progress.
- Communicated effectively with internal teams and external partners, ensuring timely updates on project progress and maintaining transparency throughout all stages of implementation.
- Increased operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the department, encouraging staff to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions that led to better overall performance.
Assistant Principal of Student Services
YES Prep Public School System
01.2020 - 08.2023
- Played a key role in fostering a supportive environment for academic success and student social, emotional, and behavioral needs by developing impactful programming and leading the student support team
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of the school by actively participating in accreditation processes and developing action plans for growth.
- Achieved the highest social-emotional learning (SEL) data out of 22 schools districtwide; increased the number of students meeting SEL district standards by 15% from 70% to 85%
- Successfully reduced student suspension by 10% in SY2021-2023 with ongoing improvements each year; measured discipline data by overseeing school-wide behavioral system of historical student data
- Spearheaded new technology platforms to monitor and improve student attendance rates and persistence
- Achieved a promotion to Summer Principal for SY2021 and SY2022
- Achieve promotion to District Leader Director in SY2022 responsible for advising district leadership
Dean of Students
YES Prep Public School System
01.2017 - 07.2020
- Oversaw disciplinary processes with fairness and consistency while adhering to institutional policies.
- Partnered with senior administration to create cohesive vision, balancing structure and creative expression to drive productive student learning.
- Promoted operational excellence and ongoing student support by coordinating and leading both grade-specific and whole staff professional development sessions related to school culture and student behavior
- Developed strategic initiatives to address crucial areas such as student success, diversity, and inclusion.
- Evaluated and assessed program effectiveness to inform data-driven decision-making for continuous improvement to met the needs of 1200 middle school students
- Coordinated outreach events to bring in parents, family members and community at large to support students.
- Achieved 97% student attendance and 80% teacher retention for grade nine for SY2018-2019.
SENIOR COMMUNITY LIAISON
Houston Public Library
10.2015 - 07.2017
- Served as a liaison between different departments internally ensuring maximum efficiency in addressing community needs.
- Developed long-lasting partnerships with local leaders, management team and peers with active engagement, exemplary communication and consistent issue resolution (105+ community organizations)
- Managed grant applications process to secure funding for essential programs and services benefiting local residents.
- Assessed program effectiveness through regular data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform improvements in service delivery.
- Monitored actual spending against approved budgets to identify variances and recommend corrective actions when needed.
- Conducted comprehensive training needs assessments to identify skill gaps and develop appropriate training programs for staff development.
TEACHER/GRADE LEVEL CHAIR
KIPP Houston Public Schools
05.2013 - 10.2015
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Mentored 4 teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Utilized diverse teaching techniques and activities to appeal to 146 students with diverse learning styles
- Trained 6 teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
CORE MEMBER
Teach for America/AmeriCorps
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Expanded awareness of the achievement gap and need for educational reform by proactively engaging with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community partners (Star of hope, Fuel Ed, Relay Graduate School of Education, Baker Ripley, Houston Public Library)
- Incorporated diverse teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles, ensuring that all students made progress toward academic goals.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum, enhancing students'' understanding of the broader context.
- Selected to serve as a member of the Aspiring School Leadership Fellowship (ASLF) in 2019-2020, a four-month cohort-based leadership development experience to support future leaders in driving school change; completed a capstone project focused on student DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) placement and the impact of continued campus support through restorative justice initiatives.
STUDENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR (Part-time)
Strayer University
09.2012 - 05.2013
- Evaluated over 200 student progress reports regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to meet individual needs.
- Coordinated tutoring services for struggling students, resulting in higher academic achievement.
- Collaborated with 40+ faculty to create individualized learning plans for at-risk students, leading to improved performance.
- Partnered with community organizations to connect students with additional resources such as internships or volunteer opportunities for skill development outside the classroom setting.
- Organized workshops and seminars on study skills, time management, and stress reduction techniques to promote student success.
BEHAVIORAL COUNSELOR
Hampton-Newport News Community Service Board
11.2010 - 05.2013
- Conducted 120 patient intake assessments and interviewed families to gather psychiatric histories and develop treatment plans.
- Facilitated 25+ psychoeducational workshops for clients on topics such as stress management, emotional regulation, and healthy communication skills.
- Supported 60+ clients by providing referrals and linkages to substance abuse, mental, and medical services.
- Developed, coordinated and organized anger management and family resolution programs to address needs of clients and families.
- Enhanced client coping skills through group therapy sessions, role-playing exercises, and cognitive restructuring activities.
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute distress, preventing potential harm or negative consequences.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
Education
Ph.D. - Social Services
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN12.2022
Master of Arts -
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Developmental Psychology
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD05.2009
Skills
- Program Management
- Strategic Planning and Partnerships
- Change and Growth Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Leadership and People Development
- Operations Management
- Quality Assurance and Crisis Management
- Business Development
- Organizational Development
- Staff Management
Additional Credentials
- Texas Education – Generalist (4-8) Certification
- Certificate in English Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) Training
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training
Speaking Engagements And Community Projects
- Socio-Emotional Learning Professional Development, Houston, TX, 2022, 2023, Delivered high-quality SEL training sessions to 600+ YES Prep District staff in SY2023, including “How to Facilitate Highly Effective SEL Lessons for Students” (Q2) and “Emotional Regulation for Students” (Q3).
- TED Talk – The Transition: From External Candidate to Internal Leader, Houston, TX, Dec 2019, Dec 2020, Led a presentation to prepare potential external candidates for employment with YES Prep Public School System.
- Healthy Relationship Boundaries in School, Houston, TX, Nov 2019, Educated attendees on building healthy relationships between students and staff on campus and how to effectively handle “grey” areas.
- Oak Park Annual Restorative Justice Conference, Chicago, IL, Oct 2018, Served on the “What is Restorative Justice?” Panel and supported two student leaders in presenting three “Implicit Bias and How to Implement a School-Based Restorative Justice Program” sessions.
- Benefits of Mindfulness for Adolescents, Denver, CO, Apr 2018, Discussed the benefits of mindfulness for adolescents and the alternative treatment gap in mental health services for underserved populations.
Awards
- Summer Program Counselor Award, Hampton-Newport News Community Service Board, 2011
- Highest Campus SEL Student Survey Results, YES Prep Public Schools, 2021-2023
- Highest Campus Student Climate Survey Results, YES Prep Public Schools, 2022
- Distinguished Leadership Award, Yes Prep Public Schools, 2023
Certification
- Teacher Generalist 4-8 (5/25 Exp.)
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Certification
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
State Director of School Climate and Health
KIPP Texas Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Principal of Student Services
YES Prep Public School System
01.2020 - 08.2023
Dean of Students
YES Prep Public School System
01.2017 - 07.2020
SENIOR COMMUNITY LIAISON
Houston Public Library
10.2015 - 07.2017
TEACHER/GRADE LEVEL CHAIR
KIPP Houston Public Schools
05.2013 - 10.2015
CORE MEMBER
Teach for America/AmeriCorps
01.2013 - 01.2015
STUDENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR (Part-time)
Strayer University
09.2012 - 05.2013
BEHAVIORAL COUNSELOR
Hampton-Newport News Community Service Board
11.2010 - 05.2013
Ph.D. - Social Services
Walden University
Master of Arts -
Norfolk State University
Bachelor of Arts - Developmental Psychology
University of Maryland Baltimore County
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