Our Leadership

Dr. Kecia Nesmith is the Principal of the Downingtown Cyber Academy (DCA) and Curriculum Supervisor for Secondary English/Language Arts, K-12 Music, and World Languages. 

Dr. Nesmith has 25 years of experience as an educator and leader, with several years serving as a building administrator at the elementary level.  She is excited to join the district leadership team as the Curriculum Supervisor for secondary curricular areas while continuing to serve as Principal for the Downingtown Cyber Academy.  Dr. Nesmith welcomes the expanded opportunity to collaborate with forward-thinking educators in both cyber and brick-and-mortar teaching and learning environments. She is committed to raising the bar for innovation and excellence while engaging as a collaborative leader who is focused on ensuring both academic and personal success for all students in a culturally-sustaining, global learning community.

Dr. Nesmith has previously served as the principal at West Bradford Elementary and prior to coming to DASD, she served as both principal and assistant principal of Gilpin Manor Elementary School in Elkton, Maryland. Additionally, she taught at a middle school in the School District of Philadelphia and English Language Development in the Kennett Consolidated School District. Dr. Nesmith has also served as an adjunct professor at Cecil College in content area reading for pre-service teachers.

Dr. Nesmith found a love of education at a young age. “My mother, a retired teacher, inspired me to become a teacher. I was very intrigued by how she made learning fun and how her students were actively engaged in learning.” This interest grew into a way of life for her. “I love to engage with children; their minds are full of creative ideas and new ways to look at things. My passion is to empower all learners to achieve excellence and reach their full potential.”

Dr. Nesmith earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Delaware, a Master of Education in School Leadership from Wilmington University, a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language at West Chester University, and a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from West Chester University. 

Outside of work, Dr. Nesmith enjoys spending time with her family, reading, singing, and salsa dancing.  She values public service and is a School Board Member in her local school district and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Kristie Lipka Burk is Coordinator of Online Learning for the Downingtown Area School District.

After earning her undergraduate degree, Kristie worked in industry as an AS/400 computer programmer, corporate training specialist, technical writer and editor, and a standardized test writer and grader.  Kristie then spent a decade working as an English teacher in both traditional and cyber classes for Natick Public High School and Medfield Public High School in Massachusetts. Both high schools were part of the Virtual High School Consortium.  

Kristie has also taught undergraduate and graduate technical education, writing, and literature cyber and blended courses for Eastern University, Immaculata University, Pulaski Technical College, and St. Xavier University. 

In 2013 Kristie joined the Downingtown Area School District and earned an Instructional Technology Specialist Certification from Temple University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

In her free time, Kristie enjoys teaching as an ACE-certified group-fitness instructor; trying new recipes; reading books, both digital and those made of paper; and spending time with her husband, three sons, and one Olde English Bulldogge.

Please contact Kristie at KrBurk@dasd.org.  You can also follow her on Twitter @KristieLBurk.