The co-founders of Natura Academy—Rabije Perezic, Dana Fair, and Mary Mangione—are educators, clinicians, and school leaders who share a passion for creating opportunities for students with complex needs to thrive. Drawing from clinical and educational leadership backgrounds, they have dedicated their careers to supporting students and families through innovative, student-centered approaches.

Through their work in public schools, alternative education programs, therapeutic day schools, and private practice settings, the founders have gained extensive experience serving students with diverse learning, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs. Their collective experiences have provided a unique understanding of the challenges students face across educational, clinical, and family systems. Throughout their careers, they have led successful multidisciplinary teams committed to helping students overcome barriers, develop confidence, and achieve meaningful growth both inside and outside the classroom.

Rabije Perezic and Dana Fair currently own and operate Wallace Academy, Natura Academy’s sister school, where they have built programs and systems of support designed to meet the unique needs of students requiring a more individualized educational experience. Mary Mangione previously served as the principal of a public alternative school, bringing additional expertise in educational leadership and innovative student support systems.

Together, the founders bring more than 40 years of combined experience in education, clinical services, and school leadership. United by a shared vision and core values, they believe that every student has the capacity to succeed when surrounded by caring, skilled professionals who maintain an unwavering belief in their potential. They are deeply committed to the belief that all students deserve access to a high-quality education, regardless of their circumstances or zip code.

In partnership with students’ home districts, the Natura Academy team leverages its collective expertise to create individualized pathways for success and help students make meaningful academic, social-emotional, and behavioral gains. Having witnessed firsthand the powerful impact that mission-driven school teams can have on students who struggle in traditional educational settings, the founders established Natura Academy to provide a learning environment where relationships, belonging, and growth are at the center of every decision.

At Natura Academy, students are empowered to discover their strengths, build resilience, and develop the skills needed for long-term success in school and beyond. Natura Academy was founded on the belief that when clinical expertise, educational leadership, strong partnerships with families, and collaboration with home districts come together, students can achieve outcomes that once seemed out of reach. No matter a student's zip code, background, or challenges, every child deserves access to an educational environment that recognizes their strengths, nurtures their potential, and prepares them for a successful future.