“Greg’s ability to connect with both students and parents is unparalleled. As a parent, I needed reminders of the “why” behind so much of what my son was experiencing, and I needed the tools to understand him better and embrace his educational journey and social-emotional growth. I found myself constantly becoming too focused on one or the other- instead of better understanding my son as a whole individual. Having the ability to understand my son’s needs and then also being able to help him understand himself better is a unique talent - especially with students who learn differently. To say that Greg Donnellan has changed our son’s trajectory, as well as ours as parents, is an understatement. I value his expertise, and I often find myself able to share some of what Greg has taught us with fellow parents!”

- James, H., parent

“Greg truly acts as a partner in the educational process. We met two years ago when my son entered middle school. Greg immediately established and easy rapport with our son, and with my husband and myself. He communicated in a down-to-earth, competent and at time humorous manner, which allowed our family to relax and feel confident that our son would be in good hands. Greg communicates consistent care for both the student and their family and was able to provide valuable feedback on social/emotional and academic concerns equally. His empathetic and strategic thinking allowed our son to effectively navigate adolescents and become a more confident and capable version of himself. Greg is a true gem - dependable, responsive, effective, caring, compassionate, humorous, and a genuine partner in the educational process.”

- Rebecca C., parent

“Greg is an excellent person to his core and one of the kindest educators we’ve worked with — a true standout among excellent educators! Our daughter’s success transitioning to a new school would not have been the same without his assistance. Greg helped our daughter’s teachers understand all of her needs, not just the educational ones. This included a complex anxiety-based medical condition requiring extra attention and empathy for our already self-conscious teen. She now comes home grateful for her new school and the changes it brought!

I trust Greg. My husband trusts Greg. Most importantly - our guarded and private daughter trusts Greg. Because of this trust, each member of our family has been able to navigate challenging circumstances big and small with confidence. With Greg, every conversation and phone call always ended with our family feeling heard and headed in the right direction.

His calming nature and positivity help students and parents understand themselves better. Not only that, his great sense of humor has left an indelible mark on many students over the years.”

- Lisa H., parent

“As her junior high principal, Mr. Donnellan was persistent in building a relationship and trust with her and to be a point person for her when she was struggling. He took the time to really understand our daughter to learn what helped her and what her barriers were. He was a caring, reliable, and skilled partner for our family. We are so grateful for the care and individualized support that he provided as she worked to independently cope with significant social anxiety, learning differences, and negative peer interactions. Every communication was prompt and provided a clear plan of what we could all do together. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for personal connections and one-on-one communication. His positive approach helps students and parents alike navigate tricky spaces with practical tools and optimism.”

- Bridgette L., parent

Greg is a gift to families who have a child who learns differently. He understands all of the child’s needs and how those needs can be met best. In addition to understanding accommodations and tools for the classroom, he also supported our child (and our family) during a time when our child’s social and emotional needs were affecting their abilities in the classroom. Greg provided invaluable guidance and directed us to resources that helped us navigate those difficult times. He also really “gets” kids, and he was a constant reassurance that whatever obstacles came our way, there was a solution to the problem.”

- Amy R., parent

“All first-year teachers, at any school, are supposed to have a “mentor teacher”, someone to guide them, help them learn the ropes. Sadly, while this is best practice, I hear fewer and fewer stories of mentor teachers actually being helpful– teachers in this country are all overworked, tired, barely able to stay afloat themselves, much less lend a hand to someone new. To my great luck, Greg was a model mentor. I didn’t know at the time how far above and beyond he goes in everything he does, so I took for granted the kind of hands-on help he was willing to give, the sheer compassion in his advice, and the praise he offered freely and often.

The first year of teaching is delicate– it could go either way. Each day when I was done, Greg and I would debrief — going over the events of the day with me, large and small, from unit plans to passing conversations with students. In retrospect, I don’t know how he had the time to authentically process the reflections of a first-year teacher, but he listened and engaged with endless patience. Of course, my relationship with Greg has evolved into a friendship, but I will never forget the tremendous, generous gifts he gave me when I started my career. He let me know- by showing, rather than telling - like a good teacher should - that I was in the right place, that I could do this.

I am so happy and thankful for what he has done for so many of us.”

- Stafford M., general education teacher

“As an advancement director, I often reach out to Greg for his support around fundraising and constituent development. He has an uncanny ability to connect with donors and inspire generosity and support.

The same is true when it comes time to engage students, staff, and families. He is a coalition builder. Greg remarkably identifies sparks of opportunity and lights them on fire!

I’ve seen him work in various roles over the years and each program he supervises grows exponentially under his leadership due to his hard work and ability to raise not only funds but loyalty and participation.”

- Jayne E., advancement director

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Greg for over 12 years as a colleague and supervisor. From the very beginning, he has been professional, conscientious, and innovative. Among many impressive qualities, Greg is endlessly dedicated to the advancement of educational practices for his staff. His passion for betterment is contagious and inspiring. Greg is able to balance his enthusiasm with thoughtful guidance and discernment and maintains an open-door policy with his staff.

Greg is both regarded for his ability to address challenges head-on while authentically listening, problem-solving, and advocating for the best interests of students, staff, and parents.

From creating an entire high school music department, developing a multi-day entrepreneur experience for students, revamping our social-emotional practices to being our first middle school director, he is often at the vanguard of what is to come next for the growth of our school.

The success of each of these endeavors are a result of his detail oriented, collaborative and efficient approach. He succeeds in tasks he undertakes with humility and grace. Greg’s bonus sense of humor makes him a relatable and enjoyable colleague.”

- Jodi L., intervention specialist and certified academic language therapist

Greg Donnellan is an education expert with a wealth of experience and passion working with students who learn differently and their families. By sharing his evidence and research based-expertise in curriculum development and instructional strategies, Greg is an invaluable asset to classroom teachers and educational leaders alike.

At the senior leadership level, Greg has revamped entire processes into practical organizational tools that are data-driven, inspire accountability, and foster continuous improvement. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Greg as he creates structures that enable organizational success and empowers others to be the makers of their own destiny. Greg adeptly does this at the classroom, building, and senior leadership levels and across diverse communities. I am personally better in my role because of the tools Greg has taught me and the knowledge and expertise that he has shared.”

- Laura J., development director

“As a member of the school parent-teacher organization, I’ve had the opportunity to see how much Greg values and advocates for teachers and staff. He facilitates meaningful connections between teachers, staff, students, and parents, to ensure that powerful partnerships are nurtured and maintained. Greg creates meaningful opportunities for parents and teachers to connect and collaborate while balancing the need for parent involvement and student-teacher autonomy.”

- Rebecca C., parent volunteer