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Director of the EAGLE Program, Dr. Shannon McMahon

Dr. Shannon McMahon brings extraordinary expertise, compassion, and vision to Saint Joseph School
as the Director of the EAGLE Program. A dedicated advocate for inclusive education, Dr. McMahon earned her Doctorate in Special Education from Liberty University, where her research and practice centered on creating equitable, accessible learning environments for all students.

With a deep understanding of language-based learning differences, executive functioning challenges, and evidence-based instructional practices, Dr. McMahon approaches her work with both academic rigor and heartfelt commitment. She collaborates daily with teachers, guiding them in instructional planning, assessment, and differentiated strategies that ensure students receive the support they need within the general education classroom.

Dr. McMahon is known not only for her expertise, but for her steady presence, her calm leadership, and her ability to translate complex special-education concepts into practical, teacher-friendly systems. Her work has transformed the way St. Joseph School thinks about inclusion—moving from accommodation to authentic, mission-driven support that honors the whole child.

​In every interaction—with students, families, and faculty—Dr. McMahon models what it means to serve with humility, excellence, and a genuine belief that every child can soar when given the right tools and the right people behind them.
SJS Leaders Present at the NEASC Leadership Conference

​On November 18th, Dr. Shannon McMahon and Mrs. Julie Capirchio were honored to present at the 
NEASC Leadership Conference in Boston, sharing Saint Joseph School’s model for implementing
inclusion the right way in a Catholic school setting.

Speaking to educational leaders from around the world, Dr. McMahon and Mrs. Capirchio outlined the essential components of building an inclusive framework that supports diverse learners without sacrificing academic rigor, Catholic identity, or the integrity of the classroom community. Their session highlighted the
EAGLE Program as a living example of how schools can create meaningful, sustainable systems of support that lift students, empower teachers, and strengthen whole-school culture.


They made it clear: inclusion is not a trade-off. It is the Gospel brought to life.
When done intentionally and in partnership with one another,
​it transforms our schools into places where every student belongs and grows.  
Channel 12 News

Channel 12 News Anchor Mike Montecalvo recently featured Dr. William Klements, Superintendent of Rhode Island Catholic Schools; Julie Capirchio, Principal of St. Joseph School; and Natalie Kessimian, Assistant Principal at Bishop Hendricken High School, in a discussion about the growing enrollment and inclusion initiatives across Catholic schools.

Principal Capirchio shared insights on St. Joseph’s Eagle Inclusion Program (begins at 11:35), while Assistant Principal Kessimian highlighted Hendricken’s Options Inclusion Program (begins at 18:26).
Both emphasized the importance and success of welcoming students of all abilities into their school communities.

tmurphyfoundation.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=11830daee8349638febcf9ee1&id=4e997022f0&e=bc3f97c9bf
The Catholic School Leaders Podcast​
cslp.bepodcast.network/episodes/st-joseph-eagle-program