Hi, I’m
Sara Midura Smith
Traverse City,MI
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in education and mental health, specializing in classroom teaching, professional and curriculum development, and educational innovation. Proven success in leading cross-sector collaborations and developing brain-based programs through Applied Educational Neuroscience that improve outcomes for school communities. Eager to apply my expertise in educational growth and community well-being to drive meaningful change.
Overview
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Northwest Education ServicesTraverse City, MI
Engagement & Behavior Specialist
08.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Led cross-agency collaborations to design and implement data-driven Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) across 16 districts, improving behavior outcomes for at-risk youth through trauma and culturally-sensitive strategies.
- Established empathetic communication with team members across 16 districts during critical situations, ensuring their validation prior to assisting them in addressing issues in a trauma-sensitive manner.
- Led professional development of Crisis Intervention Protocols to over 300 peers over a 2-year period.
Revelations in Education, LLC
Independent Consultant
09.2018 - Current
Job overview
- Spearheaded 30+ professional development initiatives tailored to educational institutions and community organizations, focusing on trauma-informed care and neuroscience applications to enhance well-being for youth and professionals.
- Engaged in collaborative work with Dr. Lori Desautels for diverse initiatives.
- Through the use of technology, increased comprehension of neuroscience and psychological concepts among professionals in various sectors.
Northwest Education ServicesTraverse City, MI
Teacher for the Emotionally Impaired
08.2020 - 08.2022
Job overview
- Developed lesson plans and tailored curriculum across Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Social-Emotional Learning, ensuring alignment with educational standards and differentiation to meet the diverse needs of students,
- Managed caseload of students with significant emotional impairment, utilizing relationship-based and trauma-informed techniques to prioritize individual progress towards goals.
- Collaborated with mental health agencies, law enforcement, and the justice system to provide integrated support for students and families, enhancing well-being.
Riley Hospital for ChildrenIndianapolis, IN
Educational Liaison/Teacher- Adolescent Behavioral Health
05.2016 - 05.2020
Job overview
- Developed cohesive and tailored school transition strategies that contributed to patients' smooth re-entry into academia, fostering continuity of care and better mental health outcomes.
- Established school-hospital partnerships to facilitate smooth educational transitions for adolescents in psychiatric care, resulting in improved academic and mental health outcomes for at-risk youth.
- Received accolades for contributions to the field with recognition as Indiana Top 25 Teacher of the Year.
Butler University Indianapolis , IN
Adjunct Professor- Summer Session
06.2019 - 06.2019
Job overview
- Developed and implemented new course syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments based on novel transition planning template
- Awarded 3 credit hours to graduate-level students based on understanding of supportive transitions from acute psychiatric care to schools.
- Collaborated with other faculty members in developing curricula for course
Education
Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
Master of Science from Effective Teaching & Leadership
05-2020
University Overview
- Studied research-based practices, completed thesis work, and developed leadership skills applicable to both education and nonprofit/startup sectors.
Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
Certification from Applied Educatonal Neuroscience
05-2018
University Overview
- Gained an in-depth understanding of neuroscience and psychology in relation to behavior and trauma-sensitive care. Certification provided insights into how trauma physically affects the brain and nervous system, emphasizing the importance of community and connection in promoting healing, positive health and behavior outcomes.
Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
Bachelor of Science from Elementary Education
05-2016
University Overview
- Achieved certification in Elementary Education & Special Education-Mild Intervention. Completed coursework to recieve minors in English as a New Language and Reading
Timeline
Engagement & Behavior Specialist
Northwest Education Services
08.2022 - Current
Teacher for the Emotionally Impaired
Northwest Education Services
08.2020 - 08.2022
Adjunct Professor- Summer Session
Butler University
06.2019 - 06.2019
Independent Consultant
Revelations in Education, LLC
09.2018 - Current
Educational Liaison/Teacher- Adolescent Behavioral Health
Riley Hospital for Children
05.2016 - 05.2020
Butler University
Master of Science from Effective Teaching & Leadership
Butler University
Certification from Applied Educatonal Neuroscience
Butler University
Bachelor of Science from Elementary Education
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Care: Expertise in applying trauma-sensitive practices across educational settings
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Experience collaborating with schools, mental health agencies, and law enforcement
- Professional Development: Skilled in creating and leading training programs for educators and professionals
- Applied Educational Neuroscience: Integration of brain-based strategies to enhance learning and well-being
- Curriculum Development: Tailored lesson plans and differentiated instruction for diverse learners
- Community Engagement: Fostered strong partnerships to support at-risk youth and families
Awards
- 2020 Distinguished Young Alumni Award, Butler University College of Education
- 2020 Nan Songer Distinguished Member Award, The Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison (HEAL) Association
- 2018 Top 25 Finalist - Indiana Teacher of the Year, Indiana Department of Education
- 2016 Outstanding Future Educator Award, Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
- 2015 J.D. Miller Outstanding Local Student Leader Award, Indiana Student Education Association
Publications & Articles
- First Author- Supportive Transition Planning for Adolescents Transitioning From Psychiatric Hospitalization to School: A Systematic Literature Review and Framework of Practices. Continuity in Education, 01/2023. https://continuityineducation.org/articles/10.5334/cie.61
- Featured in Chalkbeat Indiana- https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2018/9/20/21105717/how-this-indiana-teacher-helps-hospitalized-students-transition-back-to-school/
References
References available upon request.
Leadership & Community Experience
- Prevention Council Member- Traverse Bay Area Children's Advocacy Center (August 2024-current)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer Trainer (May 2024-current)
- Expert Education Panelist for Indiana School of Medicine Project ECHO (2019-2020)
- Board Member for the Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison Association (2017-2020)
- Member of Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana - Educational Outcomes (2018-2020)
- Butler University Student Ambassador (2013-2016)
- Founder and President, Answers for Autism - Butler University Chapter (2015-2016)
Awards
- 2020 Distinguished Young Alumni Award, Butler University College of Education
- 2020 Nan Songer Distinguished Member Award, The Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison (HEAL) Association
- 2018 Top 25 Finalist - Indiana Teacher of the Year, Indiana Department of Education
- 2016 Outstanding Future Educator Award, Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
- 2015 J.D. Miller Outstanding Local Student Leader Award, Indiana Student Education Association
Publications
- First Author- Supportive Transition Planning for Adolescents Transitioning From Psychiatric Hospitalization to School: A Systematic Literature Review and Framework of Practices. Continuity in Education, 01/2023.
References
References available upon request.
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