Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Marcie Strahan
Hi Dr. Marcie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been one of purpose, passion, and intentional shifts.
I began as an educator, deeply committed to student success and well-being. Over time, I developed a strong interest in social-emotional learning (SEL) and its impact on academic achievement, personal growth, and resilience. This passion led me to pursue my educational doctorate in Professional Leadership at the University of Houston.
Earning my doctorate during the pandemic was a transformative experience. It gave me the space to reflect on what truly matters and how I could expand my impact beyond the classroom and even beyond leadership at my campus. I wanted to reach the district level and beyond, helping individuals cultivate habits that nourish the mind and body, manage stress, and align their goals with their values—ultimately making them more productive and fulfilled.
This realization fueled my first publication, Self-Care Workbook for Educators: 52 Week Goal-Setting, Weekly Reflection Journal, and Activities Focusing on the Well-Being of Educators. I also started sharing Self-Care Saturday tips and began speaking at conferences and events. In late 2024, I took a significant step by launching SHIFT Matters, LLC, a platform dedicated to purposeful movement in life and leadership.
Since then, I’ve expanded my work to include coaching, masterclasses, and authoring a chapter in Shattering Stereotypes: Fiercely Forging Forward. I’m also preparing to launch a gratitude journal specifically for sisters. Through it all, my mission remains the same which is to empower others to make meaningful shifts in their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped my journey in meaningful ways.
One of the biggest struggles is navigating the transition from a structured educational environment to creating my own path. After earning my doctorate, I had to ask myself, What’s next? I knew I wanted to expand my impact beyond the campus, but stepping into entrepreneurship and thought leadership required a different mindset, commitment, and skill set.
Balancing my passion for serving others with my own well-being was another challenge. In the process of writing my Self-Care Workbook for Educators and consistently posting the Self-Care Saturday tips, I had to practice what I preached—making intentional time for rest, reflection, and personal growth. I often tell people that my posts serve various audiences. Sometimes the posts are a response to interactions I have with others throughout the week and sometimes they are personal challenges.
Building SHIFT Matters, LLC also came with its own learning curve. Developing a business, establishing a brand, and stepping into new spaces like coaching, speaking, and publishing required me to embrace discomfort, take risks, and trust the process.
Despite these struggles, every challenge reinforced my belief that SHIFT makes all the difference. The setbacks and uncertainties weren’t signs to stop; they were signals to pivot, grow, and keep moving forward with purpose.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dedicated educational leader and Houston, Texas native with over 29 years of experience in education. Throughout my career, I have served in various roles, including teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal, principal, and now as a district-level administrator in Aldine ISD.
As the Executive Director of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Culture, I design, manage, and oversee programs that promote student and staff well-being. My work focuses on integrating SEL strategies into schools, fostering positive school culture, and ensuring that educators and students have the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I collaborate with district leaders across departments to align SEL initiatives with the district’s strategic goals and provide Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to meet the diverse needs of students.
Through this work, I aim to create environments where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed in their academics and life. I am most proud of the work I get to do in my school district. I will always be transparent and honest by acknowledging that the work isn’t easy and at times extremely trying, but I recognize that my leadership and team’s dedication has influenced thousands of students and educators, ensuring they have the skills and support to thrive.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to acknowledge that I am enough and to simply be myself—authentically, unapologetically, and with purpose.
Early on, like many, I felt the pressure to fit into certain expectations or mold myself into what I thought leadership should look like. But through experience, I’ve realized that my greatest impact comes from showing up as my true self—leading with integrity, passion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. One of the other characteristics that usually shows up as well is humor. Even in stressful situations, I have a gift for using appropriate humor to help others be more at ease.
Authenticity builds trust, fosters connection, and allows me to serve in a way that aligns with my values. Whether in education, leadership, or entrepreneurship, embracing who I am has been the key to unlocking meaningful opportunities, strong connections, and making a real difference in the lives of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marciestrahan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarciestrahan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarciestrahan
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarciestrahan/
