Staff Spotlight: Mollie Marshall, Site Administrator

At Connect Academy, strong leadership is essential to fostering an environment where students and staff can thrive. Mollie Marshall, Site Administrator, has been part of Connect Academy since its founding and brings 11 years of experience in education. Her passion for special education, collaboration, and student success makes her an invaluable part of the team.

A Journey from Classroom Teacher to Administrator

Mollie’s career began in the classroom, where she spent nine years as a self-contained teacher working with students with unique needs. “After nearly a decade, I was eager for a new challenge and hungry to grow both personally and professionally. I wanted to make a broader impact by helping to lead a school and support other educators in their work.”

Joining Connect Academy from the start felt like the perfect opportunity. “The opportunity to help open Connect Academy was a perfect fit—it felt like it was meant to be.” Initially starting as a teacher, she later transitioned into administration after earning a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Educational Background & Training

Mollie’s academic journey has been dedicated to special education and school leadership. She earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Illinois State University in 2014, followed by a master’s in Special Education in 2021. Most recently, she completed a second master’s in Educational Leadership in early 2024. “These academic achievements, combined with years of hands-on experience, have prepared me to guide our therapeutic day school with a balance of empathy, innovation, and a focus on creating a supportive environment for students and staff alike.”

Creating a Positive & Nurturing Environment

One of Mollie’s greatest rewards in administration is seeing students thrive in an environment tailored to their needs. “One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing students, who may have struggled in traditional school settings, thrive in an environment tailored to their unique needs. Watching their confidence build, their behaviors improve, and their academic and social skills develop is truly inspiring.”

She also finds fulfillment in empowering educators. “Helping teachers and paraprofessionals feel valued, equipped, and motivated creates a positive ripple effect throughout the school.”

Leading with Support & Structure

Mollie is committed to ensuring both students and staff have what they need to succeed. “I’m deeply invested in ensuring that everything from classroom resources to scheduling runs smoothly, so our teachers and paraprofessionals can focus on what matters most: our students.”

She also prioritizes recognizing staff efforts. “Creating a positive and nurturing environment is personal to me. I believe that when staff feel appreciated, they do their best work, and when students feel seen and understood, they thrive.”

Current Initiatives & School Improvement

This year, Mollie is leading efforts to enhance curriculum, streamline communication, and expand social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. “One of the key areas I’m working on is refining our curriculum to better meet the individual needs of our students. We’ve been incorporating more hands-on, interactive learning opportunities that cater to various learning styles.”

She is also working to strengthen collaboration across teams. “I’ve implemented regular team check-ins to ensure that we’re all on the same page and can address any concerns or challenges in real time.”

Additionally, she is developing new SEL initiatives with the counseling team to help students build resilience and interpersonal skills.

Collaboration: A Key to Success

Building strong relationships with teachers, therapists, and district partners is a top priority for Mollie. “I make it a priority to build strong relationships with each member of our team, taking the time to truly listen to their insights and concerns.”

She also ensures alignment with district partners. “I make sure we’re staying up to date on any changes in policies or procedures that could impact our work, and I always strive to maintain open lines of communication with everyone involved in a student’s care.”

Family & Community Engagement

Mollie believes student success is a shared effort between the school, families, and the community. “I prioritize open, ongoing communication with families, ensuring they feel supported and actively involved in their child’s education.”

She works to build trusting relationships with families. “By building strong, trusting relationships with families, I can collaborate more effectively to develop individualized plans that support each student’s unique needs.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Mollie envisions Connect Academy as a place where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. “One long-term vision I have for Connect Academy is to continue developing and expanding our ability to support students not only academically but also in their behavioral, social, and emotional growth.”

She also hopes to strengthen the school’s focus on emotional regulation and conflict resolution. “I’d love for every student to leave Connect Academy not just with improved academic skills, but with stronger emotional regulation, conflict resolution abilities, and increased self-confidence.”

For families, she wants Connect Academy to serve as a lasting support system. “I want Connect Academy to be a place where families can turn to for guidance, resources, and partnership, knowing they are not alone in helping their child through their emotional and behavioral challenges.”

Ultimately, she hopes to shape Connect Academy into a model school. “I envision Connect Academy as a model school where behavioral and emotional growth are just as prioritized as academic achievement, ensuring that our students leave feeling whole, confident, and ready for the next chapter in their lives.”

Thank You, Mollie!

​We are incredibly grateful for Mollie’s leadership and dedication. Her commitment to student success, staff development, and a nurturing school culture makes a lasting impact on Connect Academy.
Stay tuned for more Staff Profiles as we continue to highlight the incredible leaders who make Connect Academy a place where students and educators grow together.