Dr. Maria Paradiso-Testa
Dr. Maria Paradiso-Testa brings over two decades of P-12 teaching, administrative, and higher educational experience across multiple disciplines of Educational Leadership, Teacher Education, Alternate Route Teachers, Humanities, Psychology (Educational Psychology and Industrial Organizational Psychology), History, and Religion to support, enhance, and elevate education. With certifications as New Jersey Administrator: Superintendent/Chief School Administrator, and Principal, Dr. Maria has also taught Biblical Leadership Principles to National and International Pastors from more than 80 countries. These Pastors came to live in the United States for a five-month intensive training experience, and brought their learning back to their countries.
International relations has always been at the heart of Dr. Maria's experiences. Dr. Maria's family began opening their home as a Host Family to students from Spain and France. Dr. Maria then became a teacher for International Foreign Exchange Students, designing curriculum and teaching students who immersed themselves in the American culture for summer and school year excursions. Eventually, Dr. Maria became an Area and Regional Director, interviewing families for student placement, and creating the itinerary for students, their escorts, and host families' activities during the students stay. Dr. Maria worked with students from, Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Japan.
In 2025, Dr. Maria was the proud editor of the global research project, “V.I.P. Trilogy Leadership Series: Vision, Innovation, Passion.” This was a three volume book series, which included more than 100 authors,from ten countries on five continents. The V.I.P. Trilogy Leadership Series is an Interdisciplinary Collection of Global Perspectives, Experiences, Challenges & Successes Illuminating Worldwide Learning Opportunities!
Dr. Maria is currently editing and the author of her newest book, "Transforming Traditional Dissertation Research Into Entrepreneurial Impact: The Doctoral Journey in Education" which is set to be released, by IGI-Global Scientific and Academic Publishing Company, in the summer of 2026.
Frequently invited as a Guest Speaker, Dr. Maria is also a Conference Host and the Founder/CEO & President of ABOVE & BEYOND: the Consulting Network LLC.
A passionate advocate mentoring administrative leaders, alternate route teachers, and beginning teachers in Urban Education, Dr. Maria focuses professional development on her dissertation topics of Teacher Retention, and School Climate and Culture, through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Ed.D. Doctorate in Educational Leadership
• M.S.Ed. Master's Degree in Educational Administration
• B.A. Bachelor's of Art Degree in Humanities/History/Special Education Endorsement
• Administrative Certification/Superintendent/Chief School Administrator
• Administrative Certification/Principal
• Doctoral Degree
• Master's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Highest Ranking Doctoral Graduate
• Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
• Milestone Circle Program
What do you attribute your success to?
Success is a journey of balance; experiencing lifelong learning from and with others, having mentors with mutual and reciprocal respect, having confidence from being inspired and empowered, and from believing. Believing comes with deep reflection and faith.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Alway keep learning.
Be yourself.
Be kind.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be yourself ✔️
Get to know yourself ✔️
Self-reflect often ✔️
Like yourself ✔️
Love yourself ✔️
Believe in yourself ✔️
Keep Moving Forward ✔️
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I've experienced the greatest joy when I see others having their 'moment'
Sometimes you get to be a part of someone else's journey,
Whether it's just being there, listening, watching, or helping
- when you get the chance to be involved
- sharing the tools, and then, stepping aside - or back
- and watching them take off
- & shine!
It is one of the most exciting times to be able to
"watch the show"
and see someone else shine!
Being a support, an encourager, a cheerleader... and seeing them soar & shine!
Locations
ABOVE & BEYOND: the Consulting Network LLC
Jackson, NJ