Dr. Fredericka Mack brings professional expertise and personal commitment to her role as principal of the newly established Recovery, Inspiration, Strength, and Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) Academy, which is a dedicated space where students in recovery from substance-use disorders can work toward their high school diplomas while receiving the support they need to thrive.
“For me, the R.I.S.E. Academy puts forward the message that every student deserves a future full of possibilities despite their circumstances,” said Mack.
Mack’s journey to this role is based on her commitment to uplifting and empowering young people, guided by the support of her family and the mentorship of professional leaders. Raised in urban Chicago, Mack says that her mother’s unwavering strength and the compassion and guidance of her teachers allowed her to excel and, ultimately, to pursue a career as an educator. In addition, Mack says that her four daughters' resilience in today’s challenging times provides her with a continual sense of motivation. Mack also said that she is profoundly influenced by the LCPS Superintendent, Dr. Aaron Spence, who exemplifies authentic leadership. “His unwavering commitment to serving all people, regardless of who they are or what they look like, reminds me daily of the type of leader I aspire to be,” she said.
Professionally, Mack began her career as a teacher and later became principal at the North Spring Academy in Leesburg. She went on to serve as principal and eventually assistant director at Grafton Integrated Health Network. Both residential schools, focused on supporting students with behavioral challenges, offered Mack valuable insight into the critical intersection of education and behavioral health.
After serving in these leadership roles, Mack transitioned to the public school setting and served as an LCPS homebound teacher before becoming a special education teacher at Dominion High School. In 2019, she returned to school leadership as the assistant principal of Tuscarora High School, where she has continued to serve with dedication.
Reflecting on her professional experience, Mack said, “I have witnessed young people having to overcome challenges. However, when they were provided with compassion, structure and opportunity, they were able to go on to lead not only productive lives – they were able to thrive.”
It is this belief in the transformative power of support and opportunity that shapes Mack’s vision for the R.I.S.E. Academy. She describes it as a safe haven, a place where students in early recovery are empowered to reclaim their narratives, strengthen their healing, and envision futures without limits.
“The R.I.S.E. Academy isn’t just a school,” Mack says. “It’s a community where students feel seen, valued and supported.”
Mack shared that the R.I.S.E. Academy fosters a culture of dignity, resilience, accountability, and hope, while maintaining high expectations for both recovery and learning. Students receive daily therapeutic support from mental health team members and community providers, with offerings such as art therapy, animal-assisted therapy and wellness activities.
To ensure continuity in learning, the R.I.S.E. Academy’s class schedule mirrors each student’s home school schedule, making transitions seamless should a student choose to return to their home school.
Mack emphasizes that recovery is a journey, and flexibility is key. Intake assessments help staff understand each student’s readiness and tailor support for them. Small class sizes and a highly trained staff create a nurturing space where academic achievement and emotional healing go hand in hand.
The R.I.S.E. Academy also supports families. Monthly family nights and virtual or in-person informational sessions ensure that parents are equipped to continue the work at home. “Once students go home, the care and overlap have to continue. It is really important that families be able to help students continue their recovery work when they get home,” Mack explains. “We’re here for the whole family.”
Mack said that her greatest hope is for every student who walks through the R.I.S.E. Academy’s doors to rediscover their potential and believe in their capacity to succeed.
Learn more about R.I.S.E. Academy.