Diann Shuffett Ashcraft

Diann Shuffett Ashcraft

Diann Shuffett Ashcraft, a psychologist with the Fayette County schools, has been named School Psychologist of the Year by the Kentucky Association for Psychology in the Schools (KAPS). She also was one of five contenders to receive a Best Practice Award during the KAPS conference Oct. 13 in Louisville.

“Diann is truly an expert in her field whose experience and effectiveness as a school psychologist and leader of our team of school psychologists is unparalleled, as is her heart for kids,” said Amanda Dennis, director of special education in Fayette County schools.

Shuffett Ashcraft, who has worked in Fayette County schools for 27 years, began her career as a part of a pilot program for school psychologists and, for a time, was the only one in the district. Through the years, she has helped move the profession out of the age of evaluation gatekeeper for special education toward a more comprehensive role of service delivery. This includes consultation, direct services to students and families, professional learning for staff, program evaluation, prevention and culturally responsive practices.

“The best thing about my job is supporting students,” Shuffett Ashcraft said. “The mantra of ‘It’s About Kids’ resonates with me continuously. Seeing students being successful and improving their life outcomes is the best reward of all. It is what it is all about.”