Local StoriesFebruary 5, 2026

Conversations with Davina Kemp-Barton

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Davina Kemp-Barton.

Hi Davina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my career in education in 2010. Shortly after graduating, I started as a classroom teacher, and a year later, I became a mother, which motivated me to want more, so I gradually worked my way up to roles including instructional coach and curriculum support specialist. In my current work, I provide curriculum support by modeling instructional strategies and sharing best practices that help teachers effectively meet students’ needs and ensure all learners thrive, regardless of educational gaps.

As I advanced in my career, I earned several degrees, including a PhD in Ethical Leadership, and overcame significant personal challenges, including surviving a stroke that temporarily left me unable to read or write. Through determination and the unwavering support of my family, I was able to overcome these obstacles.
Shortly thereafter, inspired by my deep love for education, children, and being a mother myself, I wrote a children’s book that promotes self-love, especially empowering children of color to see their value and worth. I also started a podcast to share my testimony of what God had done for me, titled It’s a Reality Check Podcast. In my spare time, I enjoy working out and lifting weights to relieve stress. Shortly after many trials, tribulations, and failed relationships, I found my Prince Charming, my now husband who loved me for me despite my challenging past and he stepped in to help me raise my daughter and supports all my dreams no matter how big or how small they are he is my better half that I did not realize I was missing until he showed up.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In my journey, in 2019, at age 31, I suffered a massive middle cerebral artery ischemic infarct (stroke) and hemorrhagic stroke that left me unable to do some of life’s basic activities, such as walking, talking, writing, and comprehending, along with other significant deficits that I shared in my podcast. In addition to substantial physical deficits, I experienced a period in a state of deep depression that altered my state of mind and affected my mental health, creating suicidal ideations. However, I leaned on my faith and decided to face what appeared to be insurmountable challenges. Within a year, I overcame my bout with depression and turned my story into glory. Most of my deficits have resolved with no physical evidence of a massive stroke and two brain surgeries. And the cause of stroke remains unknown til this day. I am back working out daily and living life as usual.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Curriculum support specialist for MDCPS, the EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION OFFICE (ETO), a department focused on the lowest performing schools in the district. As a curriculum support specialist I support in accelerating student achievement in historically underperforming schools by utilizing data-driven instructional reviews, providing job-embedded professional development, and implementing targeted, evidence-based strategies for continuous improvement.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Resilience, selflessness, and faith define me. Even when my life was nearly taken, I refused to give up on myself, my daughter, or the education of underprivileged children. My trials only intensified my passion and strengthened my commitment to creating meaningful change. This is just the beginning of what God has for me.

Pricing:

$15.00 children’s book

Contact Info:

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