SALEM, VA – July 31, 2026

When Dr. Laurie McCracken joined HopeTree Academy five years ago, she wasn’t simply accepting a new role. She was answering a calling that aligned with both her professional experience and her personal values. After serving as Director of Education since 2021, Dr. McCracken will retire on July 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy centered on believing in students, supporting staff, and helping young people discover their potential.

For Dr. McCracken, joining HopeTree Academy was more than a professional opportunity. It was an opportunity to serve in an organization whose mission aligned closely with her passion for helping others.

“The mission of HopeTree was what initially inspired me to join the organization,” Dr. McCracken shared. “It was a privilege to be part of an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.”

As a former special education coordinator and public school administrator, she was already familiar with HopeTree Academy’s work before joining the team. That experience gave her confidence in the Academy’s commitment to creating an environment where students could build confidence, develop self-regulation skills, and succeed academically.

Serving with Purpose

When reflecting on her time at HopeTree Academy, Dr. McCraken says the accomplishments that mean the most are not awards or initiatives, but the moments when students overcome challenges and discover what they are capable of achieving.

“One of the most meaningful experiences is watching a student walk across the graduation stage when many people, and sometimes even educators, believed that graduation would never be possible,” she shared.

Seeing students build confidence, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach has been one of the greatest rewards of her career.

“I have been privileged to work with students who demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination,” she said. “Being a small part of their journey and helping create opportunities for their success has been the greatest accomplishment of all.”

“Few people embody the calling of an educator quite like Dr. McCracken,” said Jon Morris, President and Chief Executive Officer at HopeTree Family Services. “Her lifelong commitment and steadfast devotion to the success of every student has strengthened HopeTree Academy in countless ways.”

While students have always been at the center of Dr. McCracken’s work, she says one of the most rewarding parts of her role has been the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across HopeTree.

As a member of the CORE and SOAR leadership teams, she witnessed firsthand the dedication and compassion of employees throughout the organization who work each day to bring hope, healing, and opportunity to those they serve.

“The relationships I have built, the students whose lives I have been privileged to impact, and the colleagues who have become friends are blessings that I will always cherish,” Dr. McCracken shared.

Carrying the Mission Forward

As Dr. McCracken begins retirement, she hopes the next generation of educators remembers the importance of believing in their students and remaining committed to their purpose.

“The field of education can be challenging, and there will be days when the work feels difficult,” Dr. McCracken shared. “But every day, educators have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students, even when that impact is not immediately visible.”

Her advice is simple: continue believing in students, celebrate small victories, and remember that the influence educators have may last far beyond the classroom.

“Never underestimate the difference you can make,” she said. “Continue to believe in your students, especially when they struggle to believe in themselves.”

Looking back on her time at HopeTree, Dr. McCracken says she is grateful for the opportunity to serve students, families, and staff through an organization whose mission reflects her own values

“I am truly grateful that the Lord led me to HopeTree Academy and entrusted me with the privilege of serving its students, families, and staff,” she shared. “As I enter retirement, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for the experiences, memories, and opportunities that HopeTree has provided. I am proud to have been part of an organization that makes such a  meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

“We are deeply grateful for her leadership, her expertise, and her enduring impact on so many students, families, and staff,” Morris said. ” While her retirement marks the end of an extraordinary career, the lives she has touched and the foundation she has built will continue to benefit HopeTree Academy for years to come.”

While Dr. McCracken is beginning her retirement, she has graciously agreed to continue serving HopeTree Academy in a consultant role during the transition to new leadership. We are grateful for her leadership, compassion, and commitment to helping students discover hope and reach their potential. We wish her continued joy and blessings in this next chapter.