Her Story
About Kristin
Kristin Capezio is an experienced educational leader and school principal with nearly two decades of experience spanning classroom instruction, school administration, instructional coaching, and educational program management. She currently serves as an Elementary School Principal with Windham Southwest Supervisory Union, following several years as an assistant principal and instructional coach in Massachusetts. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating supportive, equitable learning environments that prioritize student success, safety, and belonging. Her professional expertise encompasses literacy instruction, social-emotional learning, developing school culture and instructional capacity, student support and restorative practice. Earlier in her career, Kristin served as a reading and literacy interventionist and as the Director of Education for School on Wheels of Massachusetts, where she supported educational opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness through partnerships with schools, on-site tutoring and access to technology. Her leadership experience also includes school operations, professional development, personnel evaluation, program enhancement, and strategic planning. Kristin is a lifelong learner with an extensive academic background in educational leadership and administration. She pursued doctoral studies at Lesley University and completed postgraduate study in education administration at UMass Boston. Passionate about mentorship and professional growth, she advocates for ongoing professional learning, high-quality instruction, and empowering educators to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives. Her commitment to children and families, combined with a student-centered leadership approach, continues to shape her work as an educational leader.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to practical classroom experience, advanced education, strong mentorship, and a passion for making a meaningful impact on children’s lives. Along the way, adversity has helped to shape my resolve and commitment to being a champion for school-aged youth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received is to follow the 80/20 Principle. Expect things will go well 80% of the time, and plan for the 20% failure margin. Shoot for 100% success, contentment, accuracy but be happy and satisfied with 80%. Understand that 20% of every day may not go well. Plan for the 80% that does.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to persevere, build strong mentorship networks, and not let systemic barriers diminish their perspective or confidence. Be willing to take calculated risks, seek trusted guidance, and make choices that align with your own goals and values. Do not allow your performance and decisions to be dictated by conventional wisdom, past practice, or the status quo.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In education, it needs to be everyone’s number one priority to keep children in schools. Schools are permanently closing at alarming rates. Enrollment dwindles every year. We need to pour our energy and resources into making schools a place that children want to be and parents can feel good about sending them. We don’t need to have all the answers; we don’t need to be afraid of making mistakes—but we do need to learn from them… and we need to be transparent with our stakeholders about systematic limitations and shortcomings. Above all of that, the message still needs to be that every individual student is integral to the success of the building, and that our school community is not whole without you.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think when we show up for ourselves, we show up for others. So often adults, especially in this industry, but also in others, give endlessly to their clients, patients, students, families and children. It’s essential that we find ways to fill our cups; it’s the pathway to longevity. I fill my cup through swimming and connecting with nature. I stop often to smell plants and flowers. I stay curious about the world and people around me. I invest in my own development. I cultivate hobbies and appreciate artistic expression in many forms. I’m a movie lover. I’ll catch a good audiobook. I’m a bit epicurean. And, finally, I have a loving dog I come home to and she spins my world. Work and life are hard enough. There’s no shortage of challenges to overcome. Invest in the things that make you happy. Commit, unapologetically, to your own well-being.
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