Mary is the Executive Director of Emerald School of Excellence, an accredited recovery high school in Charlotte dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for students struggling with substance use disorders and other mental health challenges. The school offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support both academic success and personal recovery.

The nonprofit opened its doors in September 2019. Founded in 2017, the school was created to provide a safe, supportive environment where teens in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges can heal, grow, and succeed.

Mary’s passion for this work is deeply personal. Adopted from Guadalajara, Mexico, she has walked her own journey of recovery from an eating disorder, depression, and self-harm. Her lived experience fuels her mission to ensure that young people facing similar struggles have access to the education, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive.

Before founding Emerald School of Excellence, Mary dedicated 11 years to teaching and coaching in the public school system. This invaluable experience gave her firsthand insight into the challenges students face and the importance of creating an environment where every learner feels seen, supported, and empowered. She holds a 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸 and has become a recognized leader in the recovery and education space.

Through 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, Mary is not just building a school—she’s building a movement. A place where teens can rediscover hope, embrace their potential, and create a future full of possibilities.

𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 & 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

• 𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 (𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁)

• 𝗡𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗗 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰) – 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺.

• 𝗔𝗣𝗡𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬) – 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Mary’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication. She continues to inspire and uplift countless young people, proving that with the right support, healing and success are possible.

00:01:48-00:12:23 – What a recovery high school entails.

00:12:24-00:26:23 – Origin story of Emerald.

00:28:08-00:42:01 – Kids being introduced to substances whether it be drugs or alcohol; what influences that initial use, the different factors and upbringings of children and the socioeconomic impact on addiction and substance abuse.

00:42:02-00:46:34 - The relationship with the alumni, resources that are offered to graduates and how they stay connected with past students.

00:46:36-00:55:25 - Success story and what people can do to support and contribute to the school.

00:55:26 - The Stuff that Matters.

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