Cortonio Smith-Myles, affectionately known as Toni, is a cornerstone of the Portland Public School District, serving with unparalleled commitment as the Lead Administrative Assistant to the Principal, particularly at Harriet Tubman Middle School and other schools within the district. She has been an integral part of Harriet Tubman Middle School for five of the six years since the school's reopening, showcasing her steadfast dedication and influence in the school community.
Toni attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she began her journey in education and student advocacy. She is currently furthering her professional development at Portland State University's Center for Executive and Professional Education. In this program, she is working towards earning a Project Management Certificate and the esteemed Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI®). This commitment to ongoing education underscores her dedication to excellence and continuous improvement in her professional role. She is married to Arnold Myles, a Pharmacy Informatics Analyst and Senior Trainer for Oregon Health Sciences University, and the couple will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in August 2024. They are the proud parents of two sons, David and Omari. This family aspect highlights her dedication to partner and motherhood, balancing her professional and family life with grace and commitment.
In addition to her professional work, Toni is a founding member of the Community AME Zion Church, serving as a local and district officer in the Christian Education department. Additionally, her talents are leveraged in her service as a member of the steward board. These roles demonstrate her dedication to nurturing and educating youth in her professional and spiritual communities. Her contributions to school initiatives, parent-teacher interactions, and daily operations have been invaluable. Toni's knack for organization and attention to detail ensures that everything runs smoothly, a crucial aspect of any educational institution's success. As Lead Administrative Assistant to the Principal, she has demonstrated exceptional skill in managing the diverse needs of dynamic educational environments within the district.
Her role is pivotal in coordinating school events and activities, ensuring their alignment with educational objectives, and contributing to enriching the academic culture across the Portland Public School District. Toni's interactions with students, parents, and staff are marked by her professional approach, effective communication, and problem-solving skills, making her an invaluable asset to the educational team. Moreover, her mentorship in administrative best practices and her leadership within the school district have been instrumental in fostering an environment of continuous improvement and professional development.
Cortonio Smith-Myles' dedication to service in education is not only recognized by her administrative role but also for her significant contributions to the educational community of the Portland Public School District. Her dedication to enhancing the quality of education and her active involvement in children's and Christian education programs make her an indispensable figure in both her professional and religious communities.
Toni’s Favorite Quote:
"If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Cortonio Smith-Myles (Toni) is a woman on the move. She embodies her favorite quote by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” Toni’s professional career and her personal life as a wife, mother and church stewardship activities and commitments keep her moving. . As the lead administrative assistant to the Principal at Harriet Tubman Middle School, Toni’s roles include daily operations, coordination of activities and events, scheduling, organization and attention to detail to keep the school running smoothly. Toni has demonstrated exceptional skill in effective communication and problem solving while maintaining a warm and welcoming academic environment. Her mentorship is invaluable to those with whom she works. Toni attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and continues lifelong learning in Portland. She is currently attending Portland State University and earning a Project Management Certificate in the Center for Executive and Professional Education and the esteemed Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI®).