Mary Lally has been a special educator for the past 24 years and throughout that time, she has always tried to add a dash of humor and compassion wherever she is. She has taught students from preschool to high school and has discovered one common thread in every classroom she has ever entered. It is all about building relationships---with students, parents, colleagues, and the community. This has been her mission and purpose. Sense of belonging, empathy, understanding, and rapport are the hallmark qualities of fostering the growth of relationships. In February 2019, when Mary was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she discovered that with faith, gratitude, and love, the obstacles in life may just prove to be the most meaningful opportunity to grow.

Being in the role of student can be vulnerable making and stressful, this is especially so if you are a student with learning challenges. In this episode of The Helping Conversation, Mary discusses her career in Alternative Education and shares some of the strategies that she utilizes to create safe and trusting relationships with her students including active and reflective listening and engaging in an empathic and compassionate manner. Highly intuitive regarding the needs of her students, Episode 209: Mary is an expert at building rapport with all of her students by viewing them all through a Strength Based lens (all students want to be successful). Mary highlights how true authenticity in combination with a sense of humor can engender a safe and effective classroom learning environment.