Meet Dr. Lisa Smith, a mama-scholar-advocate from South St.
Petersburg, Florida, championing families facing disproportionate
discipline and exclusion with 19+ years of early childhood
expertise.
Julian Moreira
7 min read
Featured Advocate
Dr. Lisa Smith
Doctor of Education | Early Childhood Education Specialist |
Mama-Scholar-Advocate
This month, we're honored to feature Dr. Lisa Smith, a dedicated
advocate from South St. Petersburg, Florida, whose personal
journey through her son's educational challenges fuels her
mission to combat exclusionary practices and elevate family
voices. With over 19 years in early childhood education—spanning
Local Education Agencies, Early Steps, Head Start, and Pyramid
Model Framework—Dr. Smith brings both professional depth and
lived experience to every family she serves.
Her approach is grounded in understanding the weight of
exclusion and creating lasting solutions for children with ADHD,
504 plans, and those facing disproportionate discipline. Get to
know Dr. Smith below.
A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Smith
Tell us a little about your background and what led you to
advocacy.
I'm a humble girl from South St. Petersburg, Florida—a
mama-scholar-advocate, and the proud mother of two children. I
earned my bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and
Disorders, my Master's degree in Early Childhood Studies, and
my Doctor of Education in Program Development with a
concentration in Educational Innovation.
When my son was labeled a bully at just two years old by his
licensed Family Child Care Home Provider, I had no idea that
my advocacy journey had already begun. What started there only
deepened as he continued to face behavior infractions
throughout preschool. His ADHD diagnosis during VPK preschool
years gave us some answers, but it didn't stop the daily calls
home. The challenges followed us into elementary and middle
school.
This is a major part of my why—to ensure schools truly
understand the weight of exclusion, to elevate the voices of
families, and to hold space for deeper conversations about
inclusion and real, lasting solutions.
What services do you currently offer to parents?
Parent consultation, preparation for and attendance at 504
meetings, observation of child, coaching, action planning, and
reflection with caregiver. Parent Workshops: Preschool to
Prison Pipeline, Infant Mental Health, Preschool Suspension &
Expulsion, and Tools for Advocacy.
What makes your approach unique?
My humble lived experiences and over 19 years of experience in
the Early Childhood Education sector qualify me to speak on
these issues and trends in our field. Workforce experience
includes the LEA (Local Education Agency), Early Steps (Early
Intervention), Head Start/Early Head Start, and Pyramid Model
Framework.
What's one piece of advice you give every parent prepping for
an IEP meeting?
Before any 504 or IEP meeting: Know that you are the expert,
your voice is valuable, and the meeting is a shared learning
space. There is no power in the room.
What kind of families or challenges are the best fit for your
services?
I welcome families who are facing disproportionate discipline,
suspensions, and expulsions. Additionally, families who have a
child/ren living with ADHD, current 504 plans in place OR
interested in exploring 504 plans for their child/ren.
Dr. Smith works with families throughout Florida, bringing deep
expertise in early childhood education, 504 planning, and ADHD
advocacy. Whether you're facing preschool suspensions,
navigating disproportionate discipline, or seeking guidance on
504 accommodations, her approach is rooted in lived experience
and professional excellence.
