About Cathy Smith

Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year 2002-2003
Georgia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Cathy has been a physical education teacher since 1975. She received her B.A. degree, physical education teaching credential, and M.A. degree from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She taught for Los Angeles City Schools for 14 years: seven years teaching regular physical education and seven years teaching adapted physical education. She also received her adapted physical education teaching credential from CSUN.

In 1988, Cathy moved to the Denver, Colorado area. She worked for Denver Public Schools for over eight years as an adapted physical education teacher and the school districts Special Olympics coordinator. For Special Olympics, she also coached, did fund raising, co-authored and received a $125,000 grant from Special Olympics International.  She went to Special Olympics World Games in 1995 as an extra coach. She was the "Outstanding Volunteer of the Year" for the Denver Metro Area Special Olympics in 1996.

For 10 years Cathy was a volunteer ski instructor for the "National Sports Center for the Disabled" in Winter Park, Colorado. She was also a volunteer ski instructor for 12 years for the "Sunshine Kids" Winter Games in Aspen, Colorado. She taught "Adapted Physical Education" at Metro State College of Denver for three semesters. This course is required for physical education majors to receive a teaching credential in the state of Colorado. In the Fall of 1999, she also taught "Activities for Special Populations", also a required course for physical education majors.

In February 2000, Cathy moved to Atlanta, Georgia. She is working for the Cobb County School district as an adapted physical education teacher. She coaches Special Olympics skiing for Cobb County Special Olympics. Since 2002 she has also been a volunteer ski coach for the "Shining Stars" Winter Games in Aspen, Colorado. She joined GAHPERD and AAHPERD and became the Southern District Chairperson for Adapted Physical Education in 2002. She was the Adapted Physical Education of the Year in 2002-2003 for GAHPERD and was nominated for the Southern District Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the year in 2004.

Since 1984, Cathy has presented twelve times for the "National Conference on Physical Activity for the Exceptional Individual" in California. She will be presenting again in 2004. She has presented at CAHPERD, AAHPERD, GAHPERD, and Southern District AAHPERD. She has also presented at the "World Congress on Disabilities" for three years.

Cathy is an avid competitive volleyball player, indoors (six person) leagues and outdoor doubles tournaments. She has played in USA Volleyball tournaments and played in the USA Volleyball National Tournament 2004, in Atlanta, GA. She played in women's 45's and 50's; both teams took 3rd place. Cathy has been an International Latin and American Smooth Ballroom Dancing competitor since 2001. She also cycles, inline skates, hikes, and does fitness ball exercises. She is a vegan vegetarian and has an organic vegetable garden every year.

(Updated August 2004)