Her Story
About Lillie
Lillie Lindsay is a dedicated educator and special education professional with more than four decades of experience serving students across diverse educational and therapeutic settings. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Arts in Special Education and Teaching from Hampton University. Her career has included teaching students from kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as working in public schools, vocational programs, therapeutic treatment facilities, and specialized educational settings.
Lillie currently serves as a Supervisory Teacher with the Indian Health Service at Desert Visions Youth Wellness Center in Sacaton, Arizona, where she supports adolescents pursuing high school diplomas through credit recovery. Her work combines education with rehabilitation and youth wellness, using computer-managed instruction to help students complete their academic requirements. She also supports students navigating significant lifestyle changes, including sobriety, and develops Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while collaborating with families and local education authorities.
Throughout her career, Lillie has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, mentorship, and helping young people overcome barriers to success. Her professional journey includes service as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica, service in the United States Army Reserve, and federal education roles with the U.S. Department of the Interior and Indian Health Service. Her accomplishments include being named Employee of the Year at the Challenge Program, being selected for a Peace Corps recruitment commercial, and being featured on the cover of Reader's Digest for her involvement in a mentorship program. Through her decades of service, Lillie continues to make a meaningful impact by empowering students to pursue education, personal growth, and brighter futures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lillie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to more than 40 years in education, beginning with social work studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and earning my master’s degree from Hampton University. These experiences prepared me for a career in special education and supporting students with serious emotional disturbances. Today, I am passionate about helping secondary students achieve credit recovery, earn their diplomas, and make positive lifestyle changes.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from mentors like Sharon Gardner and Dr. Garrett Borsma, who taught me the importance of treating others with kindness and dignity and staying committed to supporting students with serious emotional disturbances. I also learned the importance of taking time for yourself and enjoying life, which I do through traveling and exploring the Great Southwest with my father.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to believe that you can truly make a difference. Throughout my career, I have had opportunities to make a meaningful impact, from being named Employee of the Year at the Challenge Program to representing the U.S. Peace Corps in a recruitment commercial and being featured on the cover of Reader’s Digest for my work with a mentorship program supporting students whose parents were deployed during Desert Storm. Stay committed to your purpose, embrace every opportunity to serve others, and remember that your work can have a lasting impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in education today is expanding access beyond traditional public schools to include federal government programs and other educational pathways. I believe there is tremendous potential through Department of Defense schools, international opportunities, and agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Bureau of Indian Education. These programs can create broader opportunities for students and educators alike.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are service, perseverance, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I am proud to share my journey from social work to special education and my current work supporting students through credit recovery and sobriety programs. Throughout my career, I have worked hard to create opportunities for students, including believing in a student from the Challenge Academy who went on to become an assistant manager at Hardee’s. My involvement with the Council for Exceptional Children, the Peace Corps, and my church, Southminster Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, also reflects my commitment to serving others and giving back to my community.
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