Dr. Zabrina Cannady

Dr. Zabrina Cannady is the Director of Professional Learning for the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). She is an accomplished educator with 30 years of experience, including two decades in administrative roles. Her extensive career includes positions as a program specialist, coordinator, director of student services, and most recently, assistant superintendent for student services in the Houston County School District, the 13th largest in Georgia.

Zabrina holds a BS in Psychology from Georgia Southern University, an MEd in Special Education from Georgia College and State University, an MFS in Family Services from Mercer University School of Medicine, an EdS in Special Education from Valdosta State University, and an EdD in Educational Administration from Georgia Southern University. She also served in the United States Air Force Reserves for twelve years.

Dr. Cannady is a seasoned presenter at local, state, and national levels on topics relevant to student services. Her professional affiliations include the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education (G-CASE), the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), CASE, and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). She has held leadership roles in these organizations, including president of G-CASE and GAEL, and treasurer of national CASE.

Zabrina has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Lillie Moncus Special Education Administrator of the Year (2023), Eli Wolff Advocacy Award (2023), AASA Women in School Leadership Award Finalist (2022), and Dr. Jimmy Stokes Distinguished Service Award (2021). She was also honored as a K–12 Dive Rising District Leader (2021) and received the Jim Puckett Outstanding Educator Award (2015) and Outstanding New Special Education Director (2010). Additionally, she was a guest author for the Journal of Special Education Leadership (2021) and received the ASPIRE Advocacy Award (2019).