Alissa Monroe
Founder
Who I Am & My Family
I am a Tulsa native and only left to attend Oklahoma State University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. At OSU I met my husband, Sean, and now we have two beautiful daughters together, Brooklyn and Teagan. Most of the time you can find me playing outside and exploring with my kids, reading a book, or scrapbooking. I have recently taken up gardening and baking and it has been really fun learning in a new way and being able to reap the delicious benefits. Just this year I graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with my Masters in Education, focusing on Special Education Administration and Autism and Developmental Disabilities. This education, and my experience as a special needs parent, has shaped my belief that strong schools don’t just support students, they create environments where every child is known, challenged, and encouraged to grow.
Three Words That Describe Me
Organized. Empathetic. Creative.
Why Everbright Matters to Me
First and foremost, as a parent of a child with special needs, I see the gaps in services provided and opportunities available at schools in Tulsa. Students with and without special needs need a school where families feel safe and can trust all professionals interacting with their child to be not only open and honest about how their child is doing, but to also be creative in how they find solutions to support each student. Families deserve to be full team members, conversing with teachers frequently and being an academic partner in their child’s education.
Everbright Academy grew out of both personal experience and professional conviction. In previous work experience I have seen students of all abilities thrive in inclusive classrooms. Students were seen and valued for who they were and teachers worked with their instructional coaches to create ways for all students to be successful in the classroom. Unfortunately, that school no longer exists. When that school closed, many families, including mine, were left searching for options that didn’t require compromising on values, rigor, or support. With over a decade of experience in education, I felt led to be a part of creating that space. I believe Everbright Academy is going to be the place where all students will feel safe, reach and exceed their goals, and get the support they need.
A Little Joy or Heart I Bring as a Founder
Before my daughter Brooklyn spoke verbally, she knew nearly 200 signs, and even now, we still sign together daily. Learning alongside her taught me adaptability, patience, and the value of meeting children where they are. Those lessons guide how I think about education for all students at Everbright.