Leawood Elementary
About Us
![Headshot of Shelley Blackwell]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755269658/bluevalleyk12org/awvorrig5ljzrxpvjdsa/Blackwell_Shelley_5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755269658/bluevalleyk12org/awvorrig5ljzrxpvjdsa/Blackwell_Shelley_5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755269658/bluevalleyk12org/awvorrig5ljzrxpvjdsa/Blackwell_Shelley_5.jpg","width":640}])
Dr. Shelley Blackwell, Principal
I am humbled and grateful to serve as the principal of Leawood Elementary, where I began my administrative journey in 2024. Joining Leawood also marked the start of my career with Blue Valley School District, and I have loved being part of this incredible community.
Before becoming a principal, I spent 22 years as a speech-language pathologist and three years as a district literacy specialist. My passion for literacy has led me to write a morphology and spelling open-source curriculum that is used by educators around the world. I also serve as an adjunct professor, teaching master's and doctoral candidates in the area of the science of reading and have had the privilege of presenting and consulting nationally on literacy development, MTSS, morphology, spelling, and evidence-based reading instruction for teachers and families.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, who is a fire captain, and our two young adult children. I love a good Diet Coke from McDonald's, the Royals, learning, and crafting. I am so grateful to be part of the Leawood Elementary family and look forward to partnering with our students, staff, and families to help every child learn, grow, and thrive.
![Headshot of Mollie McNally]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782938679/bluevalleyk12org/lglt4zpktaxwvyxw0uki/Abby_Crane.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782938679/bluevalleyk12org/lglt4zpktaxwvyxw0uki/Abby_Crane.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782938679/bluevalleyk12org/lglt4zpktaxwvyxw0uki/Abby_Crane.png","width":640}])
Abby Crane, Administrative Dean
Mrs. Abby Crane brings more than 12 years of experience in education, serving as a classroom teacher, literacy coordinator, and instructional coach. She holds a Master's in Curriculum Leadership from Emporia State and Building Administrator license from Baker University. Mrs. Crane is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff. Abby believes these strong connections are the foundation of a thriving school community where every child feels supported and empowered to succeed.
As the administrative dean at Leawood, Mrs. Crane is excited to partner with Dr. Blackwell, staff, students, and families to cultivate a positive, inclusive learning environment where every member of the school community can thrive. Outside of school, Mrs. Crane enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, getting lost in a good book, tending her garden, and unwinding with a yoga class.
Mrs. Crane is honored to serve the Leawood community and looks forward to building lasting partnerships with students and families.