Sophie Youngs
Sophie Youngs is an experienced educator and Professional Learning Manager at Kami, where she leads initiatives to train and support teachers in implementing accessible and purposeful educational technology. With a teaching career that began in 2010, Sophie transitioned into the edtech space in 2022 after becoming a "Kami Hero" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her innovative work using digital tools to support learners—especially those with disabilities—caught the company’s attention and ultimately led her to join the team. Sophie is particularly passionate about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and ensuring students with ADHD, autism, and learning differences can thrive in inclusive, tech-enhanced classrooms.
Sophie holds two master’s degrees in instructional design & technology and digital media, new literacies, & learning, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the American College of Education. She credits mentors like Dr. Deb Hemler, Dr. Vicky Cline, and the culture at Kami for helping her embrace her neurodivergent identity and leadership capabilities. Outside of work, Sophie is a proud mom to two boys with autism, an advocate for mental health and equity in education, and deeply committed to helping educators feel empowered and supported. Whether it’s through speaking engagements or personalized coaching, Sophie is driven by one mission: meeting every learner where they are and helping them succeed.
• Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers
• Leveraging Generative AI for Project Management
• Transitionaing to Product Management
• Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate - Elementary K-6
• Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate - Mathematics 5-9
• Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate - Science 5-9
• Permanent Professional Technology Integration Specialist
• West Virginia University- M.Ed.
• Fairmont State University- M.Ed.
• Fairmont State University- B.A.
• American College of Education- Ed.D. Candidate
• WVSTA
• WVCTM
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to many things: my intuitiveness, my curiosity, my work ethic, but most of all to the mentorship of Dr. Deb Hemler, who ignited my passion for technology integration, and Dr. Vicky Cline, who helped me start my leadership growth journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is "Let them" and "Don't take it personally." If they want to act like fools, let them; it isn't about you; it is about them.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to follow what you're passionate about—your purpose will guide you more than any title ever could.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are inclusion, empathy, and accessibility—making sure every learner feels seen and supported. Whether I’m presenting at a national conference or working one-on-one with a struggling student, I’m driven by the belief that every student deserves a path to success.
