Kim Abel is the Head of School at Optima Academy Online (OAO), a groundbreaking virtual reality K-10 school. With a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Utah State University, a Master’s in Education from William Carey University, and an Ed.D. in Learning and Leadership Organizations from Vanderbilt University, Kim is a dedicated educator and National Board-Certified Teacher. She is passionate about fostering critical thinking among students and faculty, leveraging technology—especially virtual reality—to create engaging and immersive learning experiences. Her efforts have earned statewide recognition, and her expertise has been influential through roles with the South Mississippi Writing Project and the National Writing Project. A published author with the Waterford Institute, Kim is committed to diversifying education to meet varied student needs and lifestyles. At OAO, Kim guides teachers in innovative approaches to instruction, continually pushing the boundaries of educational excellence. Her vision is to make high-quality education accessible to all students, empowering them to achieve their goals in an ever-changing world.