Staff Spotlight: Molly Kuhl - psychologist for LPS Special Education

January 2, 2025

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Molly Kuhl, psychologist for LPS Special Education.

“Molly is one of the hardest working people I've ever had the pleasure of working with! She is in so many different buildings and works with so many different staff members. She leads countless functional behavior assessment meetings, is involved in the school celebrations, finds the positives in all of our students and is an endless support system for staff. She is truly one of the most dedicated and top-tier coworkers I've seen and she is an inspiration!” - Carli Roberts, fourth grade teacher at Donald D. Sherrill Education Center

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am the school psychologist at the behavior programs within LPS. I served Don Sherrill, Nuernberger and Yankee Hill the past three years. However, due to psych shortages this year, NEC is being served by all middle school psychs, and I am now serving DDSEC, YHEC and Lakeview Elementary. It's hard to describe my role as there are a lot of things that I am responsible for. However, the main things include all special education evaluations with students within my buildings, completing functional behavior assessments, behavior intervention planning, working with our MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) academic support teams and filling in to support the mental health of students in any way I can. Prior to working at the behavior programs I served Arnold Elementary as their school psychologist for eight years.

How long have you worked for LPS?
Twelve years.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I had been a school psychologist for Lexington Public Schools (three years) and Beatrice Public Schools (three years) and commuted to both of those communities. My family was established in Lincoln, and I enjoy serving in the community where I live as well as being a part of a larger group of school psychologists. LPS has always felt like a very progressive school district.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I have always loved working in Title I buildings, as well as consultation and collaborating with teams to put plans in place for students. I think seeing behavioral and academic growth over time for students is what I'm in this job for. I love seeing all that our students and staff accomplish each year!

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up in Kearney, Neb., and graduated from Kearney High School. I also graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with my undergraduate degree and my Ed.S. degree.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I realized after college that I would like to work in the schools, but teaching was not the best fit for my skill set. I found school psychology and during my graduate coursework, I worked as a para in a Kearney Public Schools preschool. I also loved working in Lexington, Neb., as the population was so diverse. I learn new things each and every year in my career.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I love that Lincoln is like a big-small town. With all of the universities in town, there is a lot of culture, and it is very family focused with so many opportunities for my family and kids to get involved and experience so many fun things. We love our downtown and all of the little unique neighborhoods. Lincoln has character and personality. So far, my own children have had so many great educational experiences!

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I have read and re-read the entire Brene' Brown lineup, and she never fails to teach me something new. I highly recommend all of her books. I also devoured Harry Potter when it initially came out. I can't wait to read it with my own kids.

Share a shout out to a teacher who impacted your life.
Angela Nickel - fifth grade; Janet Fox - high school social studies; Carol Lomicky - undergraduate communications; Julie Dinsmore - graduate school. All four of them challenged me to work harder, think more critically and believe in myself. I never felt more excited about learning as I did when I was taking their classes.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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