Email: [email protected]

Ms. Smith has been the Principal at DPMHS since 2012. As Principal, she has many responsibilities to continue the positive direction of the school and student achievements. She supervises the faculty and staff, encourages her staff to stay current with 21st century, research-based instructional pedagogy, and holds the belief that all students will achieve their highest potential in a school that sets high expectations and nurtures personal growth. She is a member of the School Site Council, and she oversees budget, curriculum, and student activities.

Ms. Smith received a Master’s Degree in Organizational Consulting from Phillips Graduate Institute and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. She holds a Multiple Subjects, Learning Handicapped, and Severely Handicapped Credentials along with a Resource Specialist Certificate. In addition to her time at DPMHS, she has been an adjunct faculty member at Phillips Graduate Institute, teaching in the School Psychology Credential Program.

Ms. Smith has taught for a number of LAUSD schools as well as out of state, and has served the District as a Special Education Program Specialist and Behavior Specialist. Her career spans more than 35 years in Education; she has taught all grade levels and in all levels of schools from elementary to high school.

She maintains memberships in professional organizations such as the Association of California School Administrators, the Council for Exceptional Children, Teaching Tolerance, and is a member of the planning committee for the annual Models of Pride, an event hosted by LifeWorks.

Ms. Smith was recognized as the Principal of the Year 2009 by GAALA and was honored at the 2012 Models of Pride Conference for her commitment and dedication to the event over the past 19 years. She was recognized by John A. Perez, Speaker of the California Assembly, in 2012 and by Fabian Nunez, Speaker of the California Assembly, in November 2007, for her volunteerism to the youth of Los Angeles.