Kristy L. Park

Dr. Kristy L. Park is an Associate Professor in the Division of Special Education and disAbility Research at George Mason University (GMU). She holds a PhD from the University of Louisville and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Virginia. Her work focuses on teacher training in evidence-based behavioral interventions, particularly within the framework of School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS). Dr. Park also serves as a systems coach in Virginia and has consulted in multiple states including DC, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Maryland.

Education: PhD in Special Education from the University of Louisville. Additional qualifications include a K-12 Virginia teaching license in Special Education and licensure as a BCBA.

Research Interests: Dr. Park’s work emphasizes systems-level implementation of behavioral supports in schools, including functional behavior assessments, classroom management strategies, and professional development for educators. She prioritizes creating inclusive and positive school environments through data-driven decision-making and teacher training initiatives.

Awards: Recipient of the 2016 Online Course Excellence Award and nominee for GMU's Teaching Excellence Award (2016, 2017). Her work was featured in Mason News for its impact on socially relevant education in Sierra Leone.

Advising & Grants: Dr. Park’s professional development trainings, managed through GMU’s Training and Technical Assistance Center, support schools in implementing SW-PBIS frameworks. She collaborates across sectors, including parent organizations, charter schools, and community institutions like the YMCA.

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities and actively engaged in cross-departmental initiatives within GMU’s School of Education.