November 11-15 is 2019 School Psychology Awareness Week and to celebrate Shelby County Schools is highlighting some of our hardworking school psychologists in the 901 who exemplify heart, determination, innovation, soul, and pride.

SCS school psychologists work in every school in the District serving children with special needs beginning as early as age three. 

Their mission is to collaborate with our schools to help students achieve and experience success in and out of the classroom. Because some of our children have learning differences and need additional support, they work with our teachers, administrators, and parents when conducting evaluations to determine if students have an educational disability.  Although SCS school psychologists are assessment specialists, they also work with our schools by participating in meetings where data-driven decisions are made to help our students maximize their success.

As part of the Department of Exceptional Children and Health Services (DECHS), the 58 school psychologists support Dr. Ray’s initiative to provide equity, education, and empowerment to our students.  They are actively working with the Creative Learning In a Unique Environment (CLUE) Program on the new universal screening process to help better identify gifted students. 

Many of our school psychologists are Shelby County Schools Alumni, which they take great pride in and makes their mission to support our schools even more heartfelt.

This week you will get to know several of our dedicated and highly qualified school psychologists who personify 901 heart, determination, innovation, soul, and pride as well as our bilingual psychologists.

Today we introduce you to Kirenia Scott.

Kirenia Scott exemplifies “determination” as a not only a school psychologist but as an incredibly steadfast person.

Born in Cuba, Kirenia migrated at the age of 12 with her family to the United States. Upon her arrival in the U.S. she did not speak English and received English as a Second Language (ESL) services. It took five years for Kirenia to master the English language.

Kirenia joined the Navy at the age of 17. After completing basic training, she was sent to Keflavik, Iceland and spent 2 years working at a squadron providing aviation support. While in Iceland, she attended college and learned about the culture. Following her time in Iceland, Kirenia was stationed in Jacksonville, FL and then Virginia Beach, VA where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

Kirenia was then transferred to San Diego, CA where she began working at a center for children on the Autism spectrum and discovered the profession of school psychology. She then earned her Master’s degree in school psychology at National University in San Diego and has since worked as a school psychologist in Japan and Italy.

Kirenia is married with three 9-year-old triplet sons as well as a 7-year-old-son. Her passions include her family, traveling, learning about different cultures and making a difference in her profession.