Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham

Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham is an experienced educational leader with over 25 years of administrative experience in school-based and central office settings and 40 years in public PK-12 education. She most recently served as the Manager of the Family Resource Center for Fairfax County Public Schools, a role she held from November 2016 until her retirement in June 2024.

With a strong background in special education, Mary Beth specializes in working with diverse student populations, including those with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and twice-exceptional learners. Her career has spanned various roles, including Assistant Principal at Mount Vernon High School and Central Office Administrator for Fairfax County Public Schools.

Mary Beth is known for her collaborative approach, problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively with teachers, parents, staff, and community resources. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance educational outcomes.

As an experienced advocate and specialist, Mary Beth brings extensive knowledge in autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. Her expertise spans the unique challenges and strengths of neurodiverse individuals, allowing her to provide comprehensive support and guidance in educational and personal development contexts. Mary Beth's in-depth understanding of these intersecting areas enables her to offer holistic strategies that address the complex needs of individuals who may experience multiple exceptionalities.

In addition to her advocacy work, Mary Beth offers specialized parent coaching services. This coaching empowers parents to become effective advocates for their children, providing them with strategies to navigate the educational system, understand their child's unique needs, and create supportive home environments. She guides families in developing personalized interventions, implementing effective communication techniques, and fostering their child's strengths while addressing challenges. Her coaching also focuses on helping families build resilience, manage stress, and maintain a balanced family life while supporting their neurodiverse child. Through this collaborative approach, Mary Beth aims to strengthen the parent-child relationship and optimize the child's potential for growth and success.

Throughout her career, Mary Beth has been recognized for her educational contributions. In 2021, she was a finalist for the Outstanding Professional Award in Fairfax County Public Schools and received the Team Excellence Award for Impact on Others in 2023.

Currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Virginia Tech, Mary Beth holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Virginia and a B.S. in Special Education and Psychology from James Madison University.

Mary Beth is committed to ongoing professional development and is actively involved in various educational associations, including the Council for Exceptional Children, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Mary Beth is married and has a grown daughter and 2 grown stepchildren. She has a miniature Labradoodle named Charlie and enjoys singing with her local community choir, baking and trying out new recipes.