Executive Council

Patrick Ballard, a psychologist with Fayette County schools, was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Kentucky Association for Psychology in the Schools (KAPS) in 2018. He also has been an educational surrogate recruiter and coordinator, an emergency mental health coordinator and a community services liaison

My name is April Bowersox McClaran and I have been the first and only School Psychologist for the Caverna Independent School District since 2006 and I consider it my second home. I graduated from Western Kentucky University’s School Psychology program with my  Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree and Rank I in 2006. I am currently pursuing my Director of Special Education Certification at Morehead State University. I grew up in cities across the US, but have made my home in Bowling Green, Kentucky for over 20 years. There I live with my husband, Shawn, and pugs, Otis and Olive.

I have served as the Membership Chair for the Kentucky Association for Psychology in the Schools since 2014. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve KAPS in a greater capacity as President Elect. I am incredibly proud of the gains and impact our organization has made since becoming a member in 2004. Today, school psychologists in Kentucky have a stronger voice than ever before thanks to the valuable work of the dedicated individuals serving on various KAPS committees. I believe that school psychologists have a wonderfully unique skillset that enables them to positively impact outcomes for the students, families, and staff in the districts they serve. As KAPS President, my goal will be to continue building capacity in our organization and profession by increasing the visibility and voice of school psychologist in our state.

A proud 2006 graduate of the EKU school psychology program, Amy currently serves as the MTSS Coordinator in Woodford County.  She previously worked in Fayette County in the roles of  school psychologist and Autism Resource Specialist for middle and high schools.  In regards to school psychology, Amy enjoys working with data, advocating for mental health supports for students and staff, and learning from the students she works with, especially those with Autism.  Outside of work, Amy keeps busy with her two boys (Sam, 8 and Charlie, 4), husband (Brian), and her four-legged daughter (January the dog).

Bio Coming Soon

My name is Kimberly Cotton Smith. I have been a school psychologist since 2008. I graduated with an EdS in school psychology and obtained a master’s degree in school counseling at the same time from Marshall University. Before I became a school psychologist, I was an elementary school teacher, mostly teaching kindergarten. I obtained my elementary education degree from Morehead State University.

Until a couple of years ago, I worked solely in Ohio but have always lived in Kentucky. After years of waiting, watching and searching, there was an opening for a school psychologist at Carter County Schools. I jumped on the opportunity and haven’t looked back. I love what I do and I especially love doing it in Kentucky.

I am also the mother of three wonderful children and three grandchildren and soon to add another to my crew in September.

I look forward to helping KAPS in any way I can and will feel it a privilege to serve the wonderful school psychologists of Kentucky.