Greetings Obama Family,

I am very humbled and honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Barack Obama Elementary School. I can assure you that I share in the district’s mission to educate students through expectations of excellence, and to prepare them for a lifetime of success. I firmly believe that every child can succeed and that the cooperation between home and school builds trust and self-esteem in students. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Akron. I went on to further my education at Cleveland State University earning both a Master of Education and Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership. I received my doctorate of education from Youngstown State University where I presented my dissertation, Disproportionate Representation of African American Males in Special Education . It has been published in the Journal of Educational Leadership.

Education has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Professionally and personally I have experience developing and implementing instructional programs for youth. I have background presenting within multicultural, inclusionary, and regular education classrooms. My interests include: special education, family therapy, restorative justice, and dispelling microaggressions in education. My hobbies include serving the community through my organizations, traveling whenever and wherever I can (I enjoy beaches the most!), planning and hosting parties, baking, making chocolate treats, making candles, and reading and writing.

Respectfully,

Dr. Kiena S. Hughley