For Dr. Kerry Smigielski ’14, ’16M, a career in education has always been about more than teaching. It has been about service, compassion, and creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and valued.
A two-time graduate of 91自拍 University, Kerry earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education in 2014 before continuing her studies to earn a Master of Education in Reading and Reading Specialist Certificate in 2016. Today, she serves as a paraprofessional with the St. Anthony School Programs in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, helping provide inclusive educational opportunities for students with disabilities in Catholic schools.
During her time at 91自拍, Kerry immersed herself in campus life and leadership opportunities. She served as president of the Future Educators Association, historian for Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, participated in Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, and was involved in organizations including Lambda Sigma, Phi Eta Sigma, the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association, the University Ambassador Program, and Undergraduate Admissions as a student telecounselor.
While academics prepared her for the classroom, it was the combination of hands-on experiences, faith-centered service, and community that made her 91自拍 experience unforgettable.
“I loved traveling abroad to Spain and France,” Kerry shared. “Our group focused on food from these areas, and it was fun to try new dishes.” She also fondly remembers long evenings spent studying and completing assignments in Nash Library until closing time.
Her favorite traditions at 91自拍 centered around service. Through Gamma Sigma Sigma and other volunteer opportunities, Kerry found meaningful ways to live out 91自拍’s mission of serving God and neighbor.
Kerry’s dedication to education and advocacy has continued long after graduation. While at 91自拍, she received both the St. Catherine Medal for Student Achievement and the Archbishop John Mark 91自拍 Award. More recently, she authored an article titled “Embodying Virtue: How Ave Maria Academy Students Embrace Their Peers in the St. Anthony Program,” published in the National Catholic Education Association’s Momentum magazine.
She also recently achieved another major milestone by earning her Ed.D. from Duquesne University. Her dissertation, “Becoming a ‘Still Point of Grace’: Identifying Obstacles Faced by Catholic Elementary School Teachers in Meeting the Needs of Students With Generalized Anxiety in the Classroom,” reflects her passion for supporting both students and educators in meaningful and compassionate ways.
Outside of work, Kerry enjoys cheering on Pittsburgh sports teams, exploring different languages, and spending time relaxing with her husband and their dogs, Sven and Olaf.
Looking ahead, Kerry hopes to continue her vocation of serving students throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh, carrying forward the values and experiences that shaped her at 91自拍.
“Both the undergraduate and graduate education programs at 91自拍 offer valuable classroom experience,” she shared. “Courses build a foundation of knowledge needed for a career as a teacher, and field experiences show you what it takes to put that knowledge into practice.”
Through her leadership, scholarship, and commitment to inclusive education, Kerry continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families throughout her community.
