Carla Hempstead

Carla Hempstead is currently the Director of Family and Community Engagement at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. As a Licensed Social Worker, Carla has worked as a Parent and Family advocate, coach, mentor, and professional trainer for over 23 years at programs such as the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services, Healthy Families Healthy Start, Catholic Charities, The Centers for Families and Children, Education Alternatives, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Carla also has certifications in Executive Leadership from John Carroll University and Project Management from Kent State University. Carla is currently leading the charge to create and manage the Parent Ambassador program at Cleveland Metropolitan School District overseeing over 68 staff to support schools in the implementation of effective family engagement. Carla has three adult children. She has 7 grandchildren ranging in age from 6 years to 19 years old. Her children, extended children and grandchildren remain an important part of her passion and purpose along with helping parents/caregivers discover the value they bring as partners in their child’s education.