CASE Conf 2025

Ginny Lee Gilbert
Director of Special Services
Blair Oaks School District


Ginny Lee Gilbert is an experienced and passionate educational leader with 19 years of service in the field of Special Education. She currently serves as the Director of Special Services for Blair Oaks School District in Missouri, where she oversees special education programming, gifted services, Section 504, and English language supports across the district. With dual advanced degrees in Social Work (MSW) and Educational Specialist in Leadership (EdS), Ginny blends technical expertise with a deeply relational approach to leading inclusive practices. She is best known for her belief that Special Education should be both technically sound and relationally rich, and she brings that philosophy to life through professional development, systems design, and family-centered collaboration. Inspired by the concept of “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara, Ginny has become a strong advocate for creating IEP processes that are not only compliant—but welcoming, human, and impactful. She is a frequent presenter on topics such as collaborative IEP facilitation, specially designed instruction, and building inclusive school cultures. Ginny lives at the Lake of the Ozarks with her partner and two stepchildren, and enjoys horseback riding, paddleboarding, and cooking gluten-free meals. Her leadership style reflects both her midwestern roots and her passion for elevating the student and family experience in every interaction.

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