In 2022–23, Stephanie Kallis Meek moved Beach Park Middle School from a Comprehensive designation to Commendable in a single school year — the steepest performance jump achievable under Illinois state standards. That result did not happen through a new program or a consultant's framework. It happened through a clear-eyed diagnosis of what was actually broken, a relentless focus on adult culture and leadership capacity, and the willingness to do the hard, unglamorous work of real school turnaround.

That is the work she now brings to districts and leaders through SKM Educational Services. With 17 years in education — from Special Education teacher and Teach for America Corps Member to Instructional Coach, Curriculum Director, and Principal — Stephanie has led complex organizations through cultural and academic turnaround at every level. Her approach integrates transformational leadership, systems design, and special education expertise with trauma-informed frameworks including Conscious Discipline, PBIS, and Restorative Practices — applied as interconnected systems, not isolated programs.

She is the Administrator of the Year for Lake County, Illinois, a district-designated Principal Mentor, and the creator of the upcoming podcast A Leader's Guide to Not Being an Asshole — a candid, no-filter exploration of what it actually takes to lead without losing your humanity. She holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University (3.97 GPA) and is certified in Illinois and Texas.

Education & Certifications

M.Ed., Educational Leadership

Southern Methodist University  ·  3.97 GPA

EC-12 Administrator License (TX)

Professional Educator License (IL)

Reading Certification  ·  Special Education Certification

Teach for America Corps Member

Frameworks & Training

Trained in Conscious Discipline

Trauma-informed, brain-based culture framework

PBIS Leadership Development

Restorative Practices

Data Wise  ·  Instructional Coaching

National Aspiring Principals Academy

District-designated Principal Mentor & SIP Developer