Nokomis Montessori South Principal Abigail Felber-Smith Honored with Leadership Award

In recognition of her dedication to collaborative leadership and her impact on educational excellence, Abigail Felber-Smith, principal of Nokomis Montessori South in St. Paul Public Schools, has been named the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) Division Leadership Award recipient for the St. Paul Division.

At a time when schools across Minnesota are focused on strengthening instructional alignment and empowering educators, Felber-Smith’s leadership stands out as a model of shared vision and community engagement. Her ability to elevate the voices of staff, students, and families has fostered a culture of collaboration that enhances learning and leadership throughout the region.

“Leaders like Abby Felber-Smith represent the very best of what our profession stands for,” said Michelle Krell, MESPA Executive Director. “Her commitment to collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement embodies the core values of MESPA. When principals like Abigail lead with both heart and purpose, the impact reaches far beyond their own school communities.”

Felber-Smith served on the Ed Advisory Committee from 2018 to 2022 and is the President-Elect for the division in 2025–26. Her leadership within MESPA has strengthened networks of principals across the metro area, creating space for shared learning and professional growth.

Reflecting on her work, Felber-Smith said she is most proud of the culture her school has cultivated.
“As a principal, I am proud of the collaborative leadership culture we have built—one where the voices of staff, students, and families are valued, and where shared leadership is truly part of how we operate,” she said. “By creating space for others to lead and contribute, we’ve strengthened our collective capacity to meet our school-wide improvement goals.”

Under her leadership, Nokomis Montessori South has thoughtfully aligned its reading instruction with the science of reading while remaining faithful to its Montessori principles, demonstrating a balance between new research on evidence-based practice and the child-centered philosophy that defines the school.

Felber-Smith shared that Maya Angelou’s words, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,” serve as a guiding philosophy in her leadership journey.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Felber-Smith said. “Working within a school system filled with such talented and dedicated educational leaders is truly inspiring. The work I do is only possible because of the strong network of support, collaboration, and connection I share with my colleagues.”

The MESPA Division Leadership Award honors principals who have generously supported and uplifted other school leaders in their geographic area, improving education and leadership across Minnesota. Felber-Smith’s recognition underscores the vital role of collaborative leadership in building stronger, more connected learning communities.