The National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education

"Encouraging the use of mediation and other collaborative strategies to resolve disagreements about special
education and early intervention programs."

Kerry V. Smith is the Director of the Pennsylvania Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR), which provides the resources for parents and educators to resolve special education disputes. Services provided by ODR include IEP Facilitation, ConsultLine (a parent helpline), mediation, due process, and communication and conflict resolution skills training. In 2009, Pennsylvania was selected as one of four states designated as an exemplar state in the area of special education dispute resolution by The National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education (OSEP).

Ms. Smith is currently pursuing a Masters of Art degree in Conflict Analysis and Engagement through Antioch University McGregor. She has a Juris Doctor degree from the Dickinson School of Law (now associated with Penn State University) and Bachelor of Science degrees in special and elementary education from Penn State University. Between college and law school, Ms. Smith worked with adult residents of the Pennhurst State School who were being transitioned into community placements. She was in private practice for twelve years, most recently as a partner with Marshall, Smith & Haddick, a civil litigation defense firm. She was employed by the Department of Education's Office of Chief Counsel for two years prior to ODR, where she spent the majority of her time handling a federal civil rights lawsuit involving FAPE for emotional support students.

Ms. Smith is certified by the Justice Center of Atlanta, Inc. as a special education mediator and has strong personal and professional interests in alternatives to litigation. Ms. Smith is a member of the Advisory Board to the Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE). Ms. Smith has a brother with a disability, who is successfully living and working in the community with supports and services.

Services Offered