Katie DeSmith, MA

Katie DeSmith is an Early Development and Learning Specialist at OCALI (Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence). In this role, she provides professional development, technical assistance, and practice-based coaching to early care and education providers, supporting meaningful inclusion and high-quality learning experiences for all children. 

In her work with teachers, Katie uses a collaborative, strengths-based approach grounded in Conversations Worth Having. She partners with providers to identify strengths and areas for growth, set goals, and develop actionable steps, using intentional coaching strategies to support ongoing professional learning and implementation of inclusive teaching practices. 

Katie is deeply passionate about ensuring every child is welcomed, valued, and supported wherever they live, work, play, and learn. Prior to joining OCALI, she taught children of all abilities for 16 years as an early childhood intervention specialist and preschool teacher. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Akron. 

Katie genuinely enjoys working with children and has a profound respect for their development, curiosity, and discovery of the world around them. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, golfing, and spending time with her husband and their two children.