Mary Ferreri established the Emerald School of Excellence, which opened its doors in September 2019. The school is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2017, aimed at providing a supportive environment for teens facing challenges, particularly those in recovery from substance use and or mental health struggles. Mary Ferreri’s journey from a student facing personal challenges to a proactive leader and educator exemplifies her commitment to transforming the educational landscape for teens in recovery. Through Emerald School of Excellence, she aims to create a nurturing environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally, paving the way for future generations to find healing and success. Before founding Emerald School, Mary spent 11 years teaching and coaching in the public school system. This experience equipped her with valuable insights into education, student needs, and the importance of a supportive learning environment. Mary holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Queens University in New York. Mary was adopted from Guadalajara, Mexico and is someone in recovery from an eating disorder, depression, and self-harm
