Women's Journal

Dr. Annise Mabry: The Fearless Educational Advocate

Dr. Annise Mabry The Fearless Educational Advocate
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Annise Mabry

Dr. Annise Mabry has revolutionized homeschool education in Georgia by founding a trauma-informed homeschool cooperative that fills critical gaps in traditional education. Her advocacy efforts have significantly impacted at-risk youth and marginalized communities, providing them with the support they need to succeed. Through her foundation, The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation, and the Tiers Free Academy Homeschool Cooperative, she has created a path to education for individuals who were previously left behind.

A Trauma-Informed Approach to Homeschooling

Tiers Free Academy Homeschool Cooperative uses a unique approach to create an academic safe space for individuals who have experienced trauma and want to continue to obtain their high school diploma. The program takes a trauma-informed approach, understanding that many students have been affected by challenging life experiences, such as homelessness, foster care, and abuse. This approach provides personalized and compassionate educational experiences tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.

By offering this kind of support, Dr. Mabry has transformed the lives of over 1,000 students, many of whom were high school dropouts or individuals who aged out of the public school system. Her efforts have given them a second chance at obtaining a high school diploma and moving on to higher education or career opportunities.

Partnerships That Make a Difference

One of Dr. Mabry’s achievements has been creating partnerships with school districts and law enforcement agencies across Georgia. Through these partnerships, she has expanded educational opportunities for students who were often overlooked by traditional systems.

Dr. Mabry’s service-level contracts with law enforcement agencies enable at-risk youth and adults to access education in a secure environment. These partnerships help bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement, fostering a sense of collaboration and support for vulnerable populations. By aligning education with community services, Dr. Mabry has effectively expanded access to essential resources for individuals and redefined what a comprehensive community policing initiative looks like for law enforcement agencies. 

Filling the Gaps in Traditional Education

The traditional education system often fails to meet the needs of students dealing with trauma, poverty, or other challenges. Dr. Mabry recognized this gap and set out to provide a solution. Tiers Free Academy Homeschool Cooperative offers a comprehensive online education program that addresses not only academic needs but also personal development, mental health, and workforce skills.

Many students who come to the homeschool cooperative have faced obstacles that make it difficult for them to thrive in a conventional school setting. Dr. Mabry’s program offers mentorship and support, allowing students to complete their education at their own pace while developing the skills necessary to succeed in life.

Empowering Communities Through Education

The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation’s mission has redefined education without limitations in many of Georgia’s rural, persistent poverty communities. The Foundation works tirelessly to empower marginalized communities by providing educational resources and community engagement programs. Through these initiatives, the Foundation supports individuals trapped in systemic gaps.

Dr. Mabry’s approach emphasizes not only academic achievement but also economic opportunity and workforce development. By equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce, the Foundation creates sustainable, long-term change that benefits entire communities.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Mabry’s vision for the future is one where education is accessible to all, regardless of circumstance. She believes in creating a community where individuals can achieve upward economic mobility with the support of law enforcement, community leaders, and educational resources. The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation continues to expand its reach, offering programs that not only educate but also empower individuals to overcome the challenges they face.

The second edition of her academic memoir Educational Disobedience: A Mom Who Became A Movement highlights her groundbreaking approach to transforming the idea of homeschooling through accessibility and community empowerment. In this updated work, Dr. Mabry emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers to education for underserved and marginalized communities, advocating for trauma-informed, student-centered learning. Her vision enlists the collaboration of law enforcement, community leaders, and educational advocates to create pathways for upward economic mobility. With this edition, she continues to reshape the landscape of homeschooling, demonstrating how homeschool education, when paired with community support, can serve as a tool for both personal and social transformation. Through the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation, her programs not only educate but also empower individuals to overcome systemic challenges, creating a blueprint for the future of education in Georgia and beyond.

Through her work, Dr. Mabry has shown that education can be a powerful tool for transformation. Her trauma-informed approach and commitment to serving marginalized communities are reshaping the way people think about homeschooling and community engagement in Georgia.

For more information about The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation and its initiatives, visit drannisemabry.com or tiersfreeacademy.org. To learn more about her book Educational Disobedience, visit educationaldisobedience.com. Follow them on Facebook for updates on their latest projects.

Published by: Josh Tatunay

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