When students succeed, communities thrive. Under the leadership of CEO Mary Snell, New Leaf Organization has built a network of schools that do more than recover credits—they ignite possibility. Each program is a second chance that equips students with the skills, confidence, and vision to graduate and pursue their goals. It’s education reimagined: responsive, empowering, and built on the belief that no dream should be left behind.
Mary has dedicated her life to making sure those second chances exist. She leads with strategy and compassion—shaping programs, building partnerships, and ensuring every decision puts students first. Under her leadership, New Leaf has grown from a single small school serving 100 students to five thriving campuses, with two more set to open in 2025—impacting over 5,500 graduates and supporting 2,200 current students each year. With a flexible, career-focused approach, the organization offers mastery-based learning, clear job pathways, and wraparound services such as transportation, counseling, and wellness programs. It has also introduced innovative initiatives like in-school medical clinics, farm-to-table programs, and new career tracks in nursing, carpentry, and the arts.
Mary’s work has earned national recognition, including a feature on PBS‘s’ Empowered with Meg Ryan and being named one of CIO Views’ “10 Most Impactful Business Leaders to Watch in 2025.” Yet, what she values most is watching students who once felt overlooked graduate with confidence, purpose, and a clear plan for the future—proving that when education meets students where they are, it has the power to transform lives.
From Assistant to Visionary
Mary Snell’s journey to founding New Leaf began at the London Academy in Ohio, where she started as an assistant. When a leadership gap arose, she and a colleague stepped in to manage the responsibilities of an entire team. The fast-paced environment and constant challenges made her realize this was more than just a job—it was a calling. Her middle school years, marked by feeling lost, combined with a clear understanding of systemic inequalities, shaped her commitment to making a difference. She connected naturally with students, listened to their experiences, and noticed a troubling trend—many felt unseen and unsupported in traditional schools.
These experiences, along with her years in charter education, strengthened her belief that real change wouldn’t come from adapting to the system but from creating a better one. This belief became the foundation for New Leaf, a nonprofit dedicated to dropout prevention and credit recovery in community schools. Built for students left behind by conventional education, New Leaf’s mission extends beyond helping them earn diplomas—it’s about restoring hope, encouraging personal growth, and preparing them for a brighter future. Under Mary’s leadership, it has become more than an academic program; it’s a safe and supportive space where students can rebuild confidence, take ownership of their journeys, and transform their lives.
Commitment to Vision Despite Doubt
One moment that tested Mary Snell’s resilience as the founder of New Leaf came in the form of criticism when introducing new ideas. She recognized that such pushback often stemmed from misunderstanding or fear of change. Rather than letting it deter her, she remained grounded in her purpose and values. Her strategy was clear—maintain transparency, focus on the mission, and allow results to speak for themselves. In Mary’s words, “Let others speculate. We stay committed to the vision.”
Mary has learned that having a vision is only the beginning—endurance is what truly makes it possible. While starting something meaningful brings excitement, sustaining it requires clarity, adaptability, and a steady focus on the mission. By trusting the process, facing challenges with resilience, and surrounding herself with people who share the same purpose, she has turned criticism and resistance into opportunities for growth. For her, the most meaningful results often take time to unfold. She has learned that patience is necessary for the journey—in the meantime, she continues to strengthen herself and the organization in the process.
Supporting Students Outside Academics
New Leaf tackles the core issue of traditional schools failing students who don’t fit the mold—especially those balancing work, parenting, or other life challenges.
While many education systems prioritize attendance and standardized test scores, New Leaf flips the script by focusing on the student as a whole person.
The program offers:
- Flexible schedules
- Personalized learning plans
- Job-site instruction
- Industry-recognized credentials tailored to real-life needs
Teachers even meet students at their workplaces, and extended hours support teen parents and working youth. Beyond academics, New Leaf addresses barriers to success by connecting families with resources for housing, food, and transportation.
What sets New Leaf apart is its mastery-based academic model, which requires students to score at least 75% on every exam before moving forward. This requirement ensures a deep understanding rather than rote memorization. Course materials and assessments are designed to be comprehensive and engaging, while exams mirror state testing formats to better prepare students for official requirements. Every aspect of the program adapts to the realities of students’ lives—proving that education works best when the system bends to fit the learner, not the other way around.
Over 5,500 Graduates and Counting
New Leaf’s journey has been remarkable and meaningful. What began as a single school with just 100 students has grown into five thriving Buckeye Community School campuses, with two more set to open in 2025. Today, the organization serves more than 2,200 students each year, and over 5,500 graduates have earned their diplomas through its programs.
Behind each of these numbers is a story—a young person who discovered purpose, received support, and gained confidence in their future. For New Leaf, that personal transformation is the most important impact of all.
National Media Recognition and Features
Mary Snell was recently featured on PBS’ Empowered with Meg Ryan and highlighted in CIO Views magazine as one of “The 10 Most Impactful Business Leaders to Watch in 2025.”
Her work and achievements have been shared through various interviews and features, including:
- Cover Story: CIO Views – Mary Snell Turns Over a New Leaf
- Video: Mary Snell’s CIO Award
- Video: Graduation Speech Excerpt by a Student
- Video: PBS’ Empowered with Meg Ryan, featuring New Leaf
- Documentary Preview: Empowered with Meg Ryan, featuring New Leaf Organization
Partnering with Local Employers for Career Success
Mary has strategically expanded New Leaf’s impact through meaningful partnerships and initiatives that go beyond traditional education. The organization partners with local employers to offer real-world career pathways, including automotive programs with dealerships and farm-to-table initiatives where students grow produce, earn culinary credentials, and supply local restaurants.
Looking ahead, New Leaf plans to introduce career-focused programs in carpentry, nursing, and STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant) certification, along with public community medical clinics within school facilities to provide essential services and hands-on healthcare experience. These efforts equip students with practical skills, college readiness, and civic engagement opportunities, strengthening individual potential and community growth while ensuring a lasting, positive impact.
Regular Ethics Training for Staff
Mary Snell and her team ensure ethical practices, compliance, and community trust by prioritizing transparency in every interaction—with students, families, sponsors, and community partners. Their policies reflect a strong commitment to privacy, compliance, and cultural sensitivity, while staff receive regular training on ethics and community engagement. Most importantly, they listen closely, using feedback from students and families to guide decisions and keep their work grounded in real needs rather than assumptions.
Success Story
One of the most touching moments at New Leaf came during a recent graduation, when a student shared her story in a heartfelt speech. She spoke about feeling invisible, being humiliated by teachers, and being told her father’s death didn’t matter. Everything changed when she came to New Leaf.
She recalled walking in for the first time, noticing the quiet, and feeling the warmth and positivity in the air. For the first time, she felt like she truly mattered. Stories like hers capture the heart of New Leaf’s mission—it’s about giving students dignity as well as diplomas.
Leading the Shift to Trauma-Informed Education
Mary shares that there is a growing shift toward trauma-informed education, career readiness, and flexible, student-centered learning. As social-emotional learning, mental health, and workforce alignment gain importance, New Leaf is already leading the way. Its schools function like community hubs, combining career training, healthcare, and creative expression. New Leaf shows that education can—and must—adapt to meet the needs of a changing world.
Mentoring the Next Generation of School Leaders
Mary Snell has actively contributed to the education sector through mentoring emerging school leaders and sharing her insights at workgroups, conferences, panel discussions, and strategic roundtables. Guided by the principle of “lifting as we climb,” she shares best practices, learns from others, and promotes a broader culture of innovation in education. She is currently exploring ways to further expand her thought leadership through publications and workshops.
Empathy, Accountability, Innovation, And Collaboration
New Leaf is built on the values of empathy, accountability, innovation, and collaboration. The organization’s mission shapes everything—from leadership decisions to everyday student interactions. Everyone at New Leaf shares the belief that education should be transformative, not just transactional, and the schools are judgment-free zones where every student feels supported.
The focus on emotional wellness extends to students and staff, with an understanding of the challenges that come with this work. Classrooms and common areas are designed to be calming rather than overwhelming, with policies that are both flexible and intentional. The overall culture combines deep care with high expectations, ensuring students feel nurtured and motivated to succeed.
Courage as a Catalyst for Change
Mary Snell believes in trusting one’s instincts, especially when building something driven by service and impact. For her, it’s essential to stay connected to the “why,” even if others don’t yet understand the vision. She knows the journey can bring skepticism, setbacks, and moments of solitude. Still, she encourages pressing forward—because the courage shown today could be the very reason someone else finds hope tomorrow.
Future Plans
In 2025, New Leaf will:
- Open two new campuses
- Expand career pathways in healthcare, skilled trades, and the arts
- Introduce in-school clinics
- Strengthen sustainability initiatives
The commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them achieve their full potential remains unchanged. This next chapter is about building deeper connections and creating a lasting impact in communities.
Mary Snell’s 5 Impactful Business Lessons
- Lead with Purpose: Let your “why” guide every decision.
- Embrace Challenges: Setbacks and criticism are chances to grow.
- Focus on People: Support the whole person, not just metrics.
- Build Partnerships: Collaborate to create real-world opportunities.
- Invest in Legacy: Mentor and nurture the next generation of leaders.
