Emily Kafle is a dedicated educator and leader with over two decades of experience in special education, school leadership, and program development. She currently serves as the founding Principal of Autism Collier Charter School, where she is committed to building an innovative, evidence-based learning environment that empowers students with autism to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Prior to this role, Emily served as the Director of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) for Collier County Public Schools, overseeing programs and compliance for students with disabilities across the district. In this capacity, she provided leadership in IDEA implementation, supervised district-wide staff, managed compliance and dispute resolution, and administered IDEA grants to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Emily’s career also includes extensive leadership experience at Lionsgate Academy in Minnesota, a public charter school designed for students with autism spectrum disorders, where she served as Director of Special Education, overseeing programming for grades 7-12, including an 18-21 transition program, and managing a $9 million budget while ensuring program quality and compliance. Earlier in her career, she taught and led autism programs in Florida and Michigan, giving her a deep understanding of the classroom experience and family partnership. She holds a Master’s in Special Education (Developmental Disabilities) and an Administrative Licensure in Educational Leadership from the University of Minnesota, with credentials as both a Director of Special Education and a K-12 Principal. Emily has been recognized for her leadership and innovation, including receiving the University of Minnesota Rising Alumni Award in 2016. At the heart of Emily’s work is a passion for building inclusive, research-based programs that elevate the quality of life for students with disabilities and their families. She believes deeply in presuming competence for all, collaboration, continuous improvement, and the power of education to transform lives.