2023 New Hampshire Special Education Administrator of the Year

Merrimack Valley School District, Director of Special Education Named 2023 New Hampshire Special Education Administrator of the Year

The New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators (NHASEA) has named Mary Paradise, Merrimack Valley School District Director of Special Education, as the 2023 NH Special Education Administrator of the Year.

Ms. Paradise has served New Hampshire’s public schools for more than 40 years, and most recently leading and overseeing special education in SAU 46, the Merrimack Valley School District. In all of her leadership roles, Mary has been an advocate for public education and ensuring that those students with exceptional needs have many pathways to high quality, successful learning experiences. Mary is regarded by her colleagues for developing comprehensive and varied learning opportunities and is known by families as being a collaborative partner who knows the children and their families. The educational community of the Merrimack Valley School District describes Mary as demonstrating the highest professional standards when it comes to leadership; she is creative, positive, and always willing to go the extra mile, no matter how big the challenge.

As an active member of the NH Association of Special Education Administrators (NHASEA), Mary has worked tirelessly with her colleagues across the region and the state to help ensure sound decision making around important issues related to special education, including legislation, professional growth opportunities and developing partnerships with varied stakeholder groups. Jane Bergeron-Beaulieu, Executive Director of the NHASEA, notes that “This award is highly deserved. Mary has a strong understanding of the complexity of the work of special education administration. She leads with patience, humor, humility and certainly knows the intricacies of educational leadership.”  It is truly an honor for the NHASEA to recognize Mary Paradise as the 2023 Special Education Administrator of the Year.

Past Recipients

Catherine Plourde and Marcia Bagley - 2022 Special Education Administrators of the Year

Rachel Borge - 2021 Special Education Administrator of the Year

Karen Guercia - 2020 Special Education Administrator of the Year 

Christine Boston - 2019 Special Education Adminstrator of the Year