Maya Moore
Maya Moore is an In-School Suspension (ISS) Instructor at James E. Bazzel Middle School in Scottsville, Kentucky, a position she has held for three years. In this role, she supports students through in-school suspension instruction, behavior monitoring, tutoring across core classes, progress tracking, and collaboration with interdisciplinary school teams. Maya manages behavioral interventions with compassion and consistency, acting as a trusted adult and advocate for students who may lack support at home, while maintaining high academic and behavioral expectations.
With nearly 20 years of experience in human services, Maya has built a diverse career spanning mental health, behavioral support, and education. She spent six years in the county mental health system in California providing inpatient adult crisis management, medication administration, behavior-plan implementation, case management, and group therapy. Additionally, she worked part-time for two years as a Registered Behavioral Technician supporting autistic children and holds licensure as a Psychiatric Technician. These experiences have honed her skills in conflict de-escalation, trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and behavioral data analysis.
Maya is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Western Kentucky University, with an expected graduation in May 2027, and has earned recognition on the Dean’s List for academic achievement. Her professional philosophy centers on meeting students where they are, emphasizing compassion, honesty, and multiple pathways to success while acknowledging human imperfection. She aspires to continue bridging education, human services, and organizational leadership to foster growth, resilience, and equitable outcomes for all individuals she serves.
• Certificate in Psychiatric Technician (2014)
• Registered Behavioral Technician certification (2024)
• Western Kentucky University - BS, Social Work
• Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College - AA
• National Student Leadership Society (NSLS)
• Phi Alpha
What do you attribute your success to?
Her grandparents and two social workers who took an interest in her (Sheila Daly and Rob Gittin). Their support, plus family, gave her the strength and direction that changed her life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A former boss at an outpatient counseling center told her to "bet on yourself" and not let small obstacles prevent her from being the best version of herself.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The world needs your intent, intelligence, compassion and attention. Give it your best; even changing one person's life creates a ripple effect.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Parental non-accountability (parents who do not accept that their children can do wrong), widespread student behavioral issues, and systemic educational challenges in a state she describes as 42nd in education, combined with limited community activities for children.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, compassion, and an understanding that we are all human and have issues.