Gillian Smith immigrated, with her family, from Trinidad at a young age. She attended K-12 schools and institutions of higher learning in New York City including, BMCC, City College and Capella University.
Through various collaborations with organizations she created a blueprint for school improvement through building comprehensive professional learning communities, productive and difficult conversations, and developing constructive methods for celebrating student voice she and her team birthed The Facing History High School.
The opportunity to replicate these learning structures designed at The Facing History School led to a transition from school leadership to that of District leadership as a Network Leader of 36 schools across New York City. Subsequently, serving as the Director of Student Services for Queens North wherein she supervised a portfolio of 163, K-12 schools.
Presently, this professional journey finds Gillian as a leader at the Central Office level, as the Executive Director for the Office of Safety and Youth Development Counseling Support. It is in this space she welcomes opportunities to advocate for the voiceless students and families, support and supervise those responsible for the academic and social-emotional growth of young people across New York City, and lobby for resources for the disenfranchised students and families in the shadows.
Gillian has also taught as an adjunct professor at NYU and Antioch University.
Educational Background
Qualifications
MAEd, Secondary Education Administration, Capella University
