Degrees:
Ph.D., School Psychology (APA Approved Program), University of Oregon
Biography:
Kelly A. Powell-Smith, Ph.D., NCSP, is a Professor in the Reading Science Program, located in the School of Education at Mount St. Joseph University. With expertise in reading development, effective instruction, assessment, and data-based decision-making within Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), she also specializes in single-case research designs.
Dr. Powell-Smith earned her doctorate in school psychology from the University of Oregon. She has served as an Associate Professor of School Psychology at the University of South Florida, a faculty associate at the Florida Center for Reading Research, and a consultant for the Eastern Regional Reading First Technical Assistance Center. Previously, she was the Chief Science Officer at Acadience Learning, where she led the development of tools such as Acadience RAN, Acadience Reading Diagnostic, and Acadience Spelling, among others.
She actively contributes to the academic field through her work on editorial boards for prominent journals, including School Psychology Review and The Elementary School Journal. Currently, she co-leads the special education team at the Evidence Advocacy Center and serves on a workgroup for teaching single-case designs in higher education. Her research has been cited in over 216 peer-reviewed publications.
Over her 33-year career, Dr. Powell-Smith has conducted more than 290 national, state, and regional workshops, training educators in 23 states and Canada. She is deeply committed to improving literacy and educational outcomes for all students, driven by a passion for equity and excellence in education.