Her Story
About Karleigh
Karleigh Lamoureux is a second grade teacher at Smithfield Public Schools in Smithfield, Rhode Island, where she is now entering her third year in the classroom. A hometown educator, she began her teaching career in Lincoln Public Schools instructing third grade before returning to the district where she grew up. Beyond the classroom, Karleigh stays active as a Pilates instructor at Blooming Bodies Boutique Pilates and previously spent several years working as a waitress, experiences that helped shape her strong work ethic and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. In college, she competed on an NCAA Division I equestrian team, an experience that reflects the discipline and determination she continues to bring to her career today.
Karleigh's academic path began with an interest in nursing, but she ultimately found her calling in psychology and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and went on to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Elementary Education at Rhode Island College. This foundation in psychology continues to inform the way she connects with her young students, blending academic instruction with a deep understanding of social and emotional development.
Inclusion sits at the heart of Karleigh's professional mission. Alongside a co-teacher, she helped launch her school's Best Buddies chapter, an initiative she considers one of her proudest achievements, designed to foster genuine friendships between students with and without intellectual disabilities. She credits her accomplishments to her independence, her drive, and the unwavering support of her family, and she encourages young women entering education to embrace failure as a stepping stone toward discovering their true passion. Recognized for her contributions to the field, Karleigh has been selected for feature in the 2026 edition of Influential Women, a testament to her dedication to mental health advocacy, self-advocacy, and building meaningful, inclusive communities both in and out of the classroom.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karleigh
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my independence and go-getter personality, along with the strong support system my family provides. As the oldest daughter, cousin, and grandchild in my family, I've naturally taken on the role of "family manager," which has shaped my organization, persistence, and drive to succeed on my own terms.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to always reflect on everything I do. Taking the time to look back on my experiences allows me to grow, adapt, and continually improve in both my professional and personal life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women not to be afraid to try something and fail. It's often through failure that you discover your true passion, so it's important to explore different paths before committing to just one. Above all, enjoy the journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is that kids simply want to be kids, yet it's harder than ever for them to do so in a world full of so many pressures and challenges. Education is also a selfless profession, and not everyone enters it for the right reasons — combined with the fact that educators are often undervalued, underpaid, and overworked, burnout becomes a real concern. That said, I see real opportunity in the strong administrative support and collaborative colleagues I work alongside, as well as in inclusion initiatives like Best Buddies that strengthen our school community and improve outcomes for students.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Communication, time management, and mental health are central to how I approach both my career and personal life. I place a high value on self-care and self-advocacy, as well as maintaining strong, genuine relationships with my family, friends, and colleagues — all while striving to succeed independently.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.