Find commentary below from some of my professional references, which are available upon request.
"Mackenzie has always approached her work with a counselor’s heart. She builds trust quickly, listens without judgment, and creates a sense of safety that allows students to open up and grow. I watched her support students through academic challenges, social conflict, and emotional struggles with a calm, steady presence that many adults in the building relied on just as much as the kids did. Her ability to blend trauma‑informed practices, restorative
conversations, and solution‑focused strategies made her a go‑to person whenever a student needed connection or guidance."
-Dray Snyder, School Counselor- Massillon City Schools
"Beyond her own classroom, Mackenzie has become a cornerstone of our professional community. As an excellent voice on our Building Leadership Team (BLT), she doesn't just attend meetings; she generates the ideas and asks the difficult, insightful questions necessary to push our team forward. Her impact is further amplified through her mentorship of teacher teams and student groups. She has a natural gift for coaching her peers, helping them refine their practice while simultaneously empowering students to find their own leadership potential."
-Jeanie Bowling, Principal- Canton City Schools
"Ms. Smith brings intentionality and insight to her classroom, designing lessons grounded in research and thoughtful preparation. Her practical, real-world approach naturally engages students and fosters meaningful learning experiences. Her commitment extends well beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her involvement in after-school programs, camp outings, and regular attendance at student events—often on her own time. She is deeply invested in the whole child, supporting students not only academically but also emotionally and socially."
-Rhonda Kates, Gifted Coordinator- Canton City Schools
"I can unequivocally state that Mackenzie was an outstanding intern who juggled her duties as a classroom teacher and school counseling internship in an exceptional manner. As a teacher in an elementary school, interning at the high school is not the first option for school counseling. However, Mackenzie jumped into the internship and quickly became an integral part of the staff. Mackenzie was willing to learn new skills, manage and counsel students, and was very active in learning the high school environment. In addition, there were several students at Timken/Early College who had her as a classroom teacher. The rapport that she had with those particular students was an amazing sight to see because you could see the impact she had on them because they gravitated towards her every time she was in the building. Her ability to work with students, willingness to adapt and adjust, and the ability to learn from errors and improve her daily performance was impressive."
-Dave Kliem, School Counselor- Canton City Schools
"I have every confidence that Ms. Smith will excel in any school environment. She has performed her duties with immense competence and often goes the extra mile- doing far more than is expected or required. She is a proven leader who is talented, committed, and hard working."
-Charla Malone, Principal, Canton City Schools