Her Story
About LaVita
LaVita R. Winfield is an accomplished educational leader, child advocate, and professional school counselor with more than 11 years of experience in education and youth services. She currently serves as Dean of Scholars at Gestalt Community Schools in Tennessee, where she focuses on student achievement, school climate and culture, family and community engagement, teacher coaching, behavioral interventions, and discipline. Her career in education includes roles as a professional school counselor, special education teacher, and general education teacher with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, where she supported students through academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development.
Winfield’s professional background is supported by a strong academic foundation in psychology, social work, counseling, and educational leadership. She holds an associate degree in social work, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a master’s degree in Human Services with a focus on Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University. She also earned an Education Specialist degree in Educational Supervision and Leadership from Christian Brothers University and holds certifications in K–12 intervention and school counseling from UT Martin. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Union University, continuing her commitment to professional growth and educational leadership. Her earlier experience in juvenile detention and probation counseling also shaped her holistic approach to supporting young people and addressing their academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and life-skills needs.
Throughout her career, Winfield has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, staff wellness, and positive school communities. Her accomplishments include recognition as part of the Tennessee School Council of the Year for 2026, a Silver Award from Cigna as a school Wellness Champion, and multiple America's Healthiest Schools recognitions for her work promoting positive school climate, tobacco-free environments, and staff wellness. She is an active member of the American School Counselor Association, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and an alumna and volunteer with Leadership Memphis. Guided by a servant-leadership philosophy, Winfield continues to champion educational innovation, organizational development, and holistic support systems that empower scholars, educators, families, and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with LaVita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a strong support system that has encouraged, motivated, and believed in me throughout my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that if you’re failing, you’re trying, and if you’re not failing, you’re not pushing yourself enough. Failure is part of growth, so I remind myself to keep going, learn from every experience, and never stop moving forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to follow your goals, do what is best for you, and never put limitations on yourself. Challenge yourself and be willing to step outside your comfort zone because you never know what you’re capable of until you take the opportunity and put in the effort. Most importantly, don’t give up. Be intentional about pursuing what you want, stay committed, and believe that with determination and consistent effort, you can achieve your goals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education is supporting students who come from difficult circumstances and may lack family support or positive educational influences at home. As an educator, I believe it is my responsibility to help change that mindset and show students the value of education while supporting them holistically through academics, social-emotional skills, and life skills. I want every student to leave my care better prepared for the world than when they came to me, and I always strive to make a positive and lasting impact on their lives.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are treating people with kindness and respect, treating others the way I would want to be treated, and prioritizing family. I believe in building genuine relationships, showing compassion, and always treating people with dignity both personally and professionally.
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