Sebastian Barraza-Shackelford is the Project Coordinator and works closely with the Chief Program Officer to assist in the success of the organization’s initiatives. In addition, Sebastian works with Program Directors to develop, create, and support the delivery of presentations and other communications with stakeholders. Sebastian is passionate about education and removing barriers for families and communities to achieve their full potential.
Sebastian comes to SchoolSmartKC after seven years serving as a teacher at the Ewing Marion Kauffman School, where he formed part of the founding high school team, founded the Boys and Girls high school soccer teams, and served as the Physical Education department chair where he introduced a Health curriculum plan for 5th through 8th Grade. Sebastian also served as a Field Organizer for the Missouri Workers Center, where he had an opportunity to connect with the community and working Missourians. Prior to arriving to Kansas City via Teach for America as a 2015 Corps Member, Sebastian was a Team Leader for the Husky Sport Program in the east side of Hartford, Connecticut. In that role, Sebastian spearheaded nutrition and physical activity initiatives for students aged 5 through 19, and he developed and conducted after-school and weekend programs for students and community members in partnership with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army and the Catholic Worker House. Sebastian is a native of Lima, Peru, and Arlington, Texas.
Sebastian holds a Bachelors in Education from the University of Texas – Arlington and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut. He lives in Independence, Missouri, with his wife, Christina, who is a 9-year veteran educator in KC, 1 year old daughter Raymi, their two dogs Raegan and Buddy and their pet pig Alexander.