Her Story
About Natalie
Dr. Natalie (Natalie Doughty) Gaines, Ed.D is an accomplished higher education professional, Adjunct Professor, and Professional Development Specialist with over a decade of experience in education, instructional design, and online learning. Her career began 12 years ago while balancing early motherhood, and she has since built a distinguished path in academia focused on student success, digital learning strategies, and educator development. She currently serves in instructional roles with the University of the People, where she facilitates courses in online education strategies, academic writing, and learner engagement, helping students build the skills needed to thrive in virtual environments.
Alongside her academic career, Dr. Gaines is a Professional Development Specialist at Station Based Learning Institute, where she designs and implements educator training programs that strengthen instructional effectiveness and improve student outcomes. She earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership in 2025, further solidifying her expertise in university-level instruction and academic leadership. Her work also reflects a strong foundation in project management, curriculum development, and operational planning, all centered on improving learning systems and expanding educational access.
Dr. Gaines is also the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Gaines Properties and Investments LLC, a company she helped build while navigating life as a military spouse. After obtaining a builder’s license in 2022, she now leads operations for residential renovation projects, including contracts supporting military housing transitions. In addition to her work in education and real estate, she is a children’s book author and literacy advocate, having launched education-based publications and a nonprofit initiative in 2022 focused on donating books to military families and underserved communities. Across all roles, she is dedicated to education, service, and creating meaningful impact for families and learners.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natalie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would have to say family, building a legacy for a family. That's clearly my top priority. Everything I do is about creating something meaningful for them and ensuring we're building something that lasts.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You don't have to do the traditional pathway anymore. You can do a lot from home. You can even obtain licensure and things like that, do all the work, put it in, do the courses and things from home, and then kind of navigate balancing and getting out in the field and actually being hired and making money. The opportunities are endless, honestly. You just gotta figure out how to balance it and what works for you and your household. You can balance all things, you just have to manage your time and find what works for your situation.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would have to say Faith, Family, and Service. I am Christian-based, and that's a big part of my background, so my faith is foundational to everything I do. Family is evident and central to my life, obviously. And service is about giving back and being impactful in the community, which drives so much of what I do.
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