Creating Chrysalis Academy
Throughout our careers in education, we had seen students struggle for a variety of reasons, including learning differences, social anxiety, and questions around identity. We noticed that despite the best intentions and valiant efforts of many schools, LGBTQ and gender expansive students often still felt anxious, alone, and overwhelmed. As members of the LGBTQ+ community ourselves, we also had experienced the power of affinity and allyship. Therefore, we began to imagine a place where queer, trans, and non-binary kids could see themselves, be themselves, and thrive as they journeyed through what can be very trying middle and high school years. We envisioned an environment that would not just be accepting and affirming, but intentionally designed for, celebratory of, and empowering to our queer, trans, and non-binary students. What began as a whimsical "What if..." in the summer of 2023 turned into a driving passion by the fall. Through powerful and encouraging conversations with other educators, folks from local and nationally known organizations, and mental health providers specializing in LGBTQ+ and non-binary kids and their families, our vision gained momentum and Chrysalis Academy was born.
We welcomed our first student in spring of 2025 and received our official 501(c)3 status that fall. Over time, we also started receiving requests for training from other schools and organizations. Our vision expanded to include educating other youth-serving adults through Chrysalis Educational Consulting. As Megan's professional interests and expertise grew in the area of neurodiversity, she specialized in twice-exceptional young people, many of whom are also gender expansive. Their work providing 1:1 support for this population was added to the Chrysalis collection as Chrysalis Education Services in 2026.
