Catalyst Education
Design Consultants

Early in her career, Barb worked as a special education paraprofessional and teacher in middle school level public schools. She then turned her attention and found her calling in the Colorado Department of Education's (CDE) Approved Facility Schools, where she now has many years’ experiences as a Special Education Director. In addition to her years of experience with CDE, Barb has worked with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), having spent several years as Special Education Director within the Colorado Division of Youth Services (formerly Corrections). 

 

Recognizing her talents of networking and detail, Barb decided to channel her talents in a way to take burdens off small schools; in so doing, she has systematized Special Education processes, to assure compliance with State and Federal Law. In 2010, Barb teamed up with a colleague to create an education consulting agency. In 2017, Barb's consulting partner retired, and Barb's company was rebranded as Catalyst Education Design Consultants. Currently, both Quixie Smith and Barb own Catalyst.

 

Barb continues to support at-risk students contracting as a Special Education Director with the Colorado Department of Education's Approved Facility Schools. In addition, Barb has trained for BASE Education (an on-line social emotional curriculum) and she sits on committees to enhance funding and educational outcomes in Facility Schools.