Michaela Smith

Michaela Smith, M.Ed., COMS, is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Ph.D. candidate in Special Education at Texas Tech University, specializing in orientation and mobility, cortical visual impairment (CVI), and early childhood intervention for children with complex impairments. With more than five years of experience in special education and visual impairment services, she is dedicated to empowering children and families through individualized instruction, inclusion, and advocacy. Her clinical and research interests focus on supporting children from birth to age three with CVI and multiple disabilities to maximize independence and quality of life.
In her role as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at CLEVELAND ISD, Michaela assesses students’ unique learning needs and develops personalized mobility and accessibility programs for children and young adults who are blind or visually impaired. She provides direct instruction in spatial concepts, sensory awareness, assistive technology, and cane travel skills while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create and implement effective IEP goals. Her work emphasizes building confidence, independence, and functional mobility skills that help students successfully navigate their environments and daily lives.
In addition to her work in education, Michaela serves as the Special Needs Director at Woodridge Baptist Church, where she supports families navigating the special needs journey through ministry leadership, education, and compassionate care. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience as the mother of a medically complex child with visual impairment and cerebral palsy, she is passionate about creating inclusive environments that foster dignity, support, and belonging for individuals with disabilities and their families.

• ACVREP
• Teacher, Physical Education
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

• Texas Tech University

• Special Needs Director at Church