Kendra Smiley

Kendra Smiley is the Statewide Family Engagement Director of Arizona, Kendra Smiley works to create a high-impact statewide ecosystem of programs and services that improves academic achievement for disadvantaged families. She earned her Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix and brings 17 years of first-hand experience working with children and families to her current position. Her experience includes working in the nonprofit sector for over 12 years managing several evidence-based early language and literacy programs, as well as teaching preschool for six years. Kendra has also been teaching online for Arizona State University in the Mary Lou Fulton College for the past six years, which provides her the opportunity to teach the following courses: Culture and Schooling, Social Embeddedness, and Innovation in Education Endeavors. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and spending time with her daughter.