Kelly Dolan-Sapp brings a rare blend of experience, educational insight, and transformative leadership to her work in advancing social and emotional learning, special education and systemic change within schools. As chief of practice at EduSolve LLC, she leads a national team in delivering customized support to school districts, drawing from the expertise of subject matter specialists and her own deeply rooted understanding of educational systems. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach have helped maintain EduSolve’s reputation as a leader in the field, shaping services that reflect the evolving needs of educators and students alike.
Dr. Dolan-Sapp earned a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership for adaptation and change from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Her dissertation focused on adult social and emotional learning and its connection to educator retention, revealing a strong link between well-implemented programs and decreased attrition. She considers the successful defense of her dissertation one of her most meaningful professional milestones. She also holds a Master of Education in special education and teaching from the University of San Diego School and a Bachelor of Science in interpersonal organizational communication from Suffolk University in Boston.
In addition to her executive leadership role, Dr. Dolan-Sapp serves as adjunct faculty at Chaminade University of Honolulu, where she mentors graduate students and shares practical insights from her work in education reform. Her earlier tenure as senior director of practice at EduSolve LLC was instrumental in expanding the organization’s impact through innovative professional development models and specialized support services. Her contributions to education and advocacy have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 100 Educational Influencers and selection as the doctoral commencement speaker at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She was also honored as an outstanding graduate upon earning her doctorate.
Dr. Dolan-Sapp’s introduction to teaching began at Montgomery Middle School and later evolved at High Tech High Community School, where she embraced a project-based approach to special education. Her prior work also includes roles as a social and emotional learning coach and professional learning facilitator at deltaED, where she supported teachers in integrating SEL strategies into classroom practice. She also contributed to district-wide implementation of SEL programs during her time with The School District of Palm Beach County, applying her expertise in special education to build supportive learning environments. Her role as a teacher on special assignment at The Conservatory School at North Palm Beach allowed her to contribute to campus-wide improvements that addressed diverse student needs.
Dr. Dolan-Sapp has also held key positions in therapeutic and advocacy settings, including education and training coordinator at The Learning Center at the Els Center of Excellence and special education advocate with the Special Education Advocacy Network. Earlier, as supervisor at Aptitude Habilitation Services in Hawaii, she managed statewide programs supporting children with autism in public schools.
Civic engagement remains central to Dr. Dolan-Sapp’s life. She is a longtime fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, facilitates support groups for multigenerational caregivers through Pilina O’hana (Strong Family Bonds) and teaches monthly classes for grandparents raising grandchildren. Her outreach focuses on the emotional health and resilience of families navigating complex caregiving roles.
Born in Boston and now living in Hawaii, Dr. Dolan-Sapp enjoys spending time on the beach with her children, reading, practicing yoga and taking long walks with her dog. She is in the process of completing a book based on her journey balancing academic scholarship and motherhood, offering guidance to others navigating similar paths. Her work remains rooted in a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives, especially when guided by empathy, equity and purposeful leadership.