Carrying on a Mother’s Dream

When Ms. Donna first opened the doors to her small school in 2016, she wasn’t just starting a new chapter for herself; she was changing the story for countless children and families in the Findlay community. She saw something that others didn’t.

She saw children with diverse learning needs who deserved a place where they could be understood, supported, and celebrated. She saw families who needed more than just a school; they needed a community.

More than a decade later, that dream is still alive and thriving, lovingly carried forward by her daughter, Whitney May.

A Legacy of Love and Learning
“My mom has always been my greatest inspiration,” May shared with a smile.

“Watching her pour her heart into building a school that valued inclusion, creativity, and individualized learning showed me the true impact of adaptive education. When she retired this year, I felt honored to continue what she started.”

Ms. Donna’s Adaptive Learning Center (MDALC) was born out of a simple but powerful vision: to create a safe, welcoming place where every child could learn and grow at their own pace. From the very beginning, the school has focused on serving children and families with a wide range of needs, helping students build not just academic skills, but confidence, independence, and joy.

What Makes MDALC Unique

MDALC is unlike any other school in the area. It’s the only micro school in Findlay designed specifically for children with special needs, and it has earned a reputation for its personalized, family-centered approach.

Classes are intentionally small, allowing teachers to meet each student exactly where they are. For children with autism and ADHD, the school provides structured routines, sensory breaks, visual support, extended time, and frequent one-on-one interactions to make learning comfortable and meaningful. “We don’t just teach lessons here,” May explained.

“We build relationships. We help kids feel seen, heard, and valued.”

A Day in the Life

Walk through the doors of MDALC on any given morning, and you’ll find students greeted by name, teachers sharing warm smiles, and classrooms buzzing with curiosity.

No two days look exactly the same, each child follows a customized schedule created by teachers who often work with them for several years. This consistency helps build strong connections and trust.

Students spend their days learning academics, enjoying lunch and recess, working on individualized goals, and participating in activities that support their social and emotional growth. Teachers and aides collaborate constantly, adjusting strategies, celebrating progress, and making sure every child gets the support they need.

Growing Beyond the Classroom

At MDALC, success isn’t defined by test scores. It’s found in the small moments, a student communicating a need for the first time, two kids laughing together, a child making it through the day without any behavioral challenges.

“Our goal is to help students grow as whole individuals,” May said.

“Sometimes that means focusing on reading or math, and sometimes it means working through big emotions and learning how to make friends. Every step forward matters.”

The school also provides counseling services and social-emotional learning, ensuring that students feel safe to express themselves and develop the skills they need for life beyond the classroom.

Challenges and Proud Moments

Running a specialized school comes with challenges. Staffing is one of the hardest, finding people who not only have the skills but also the heart for this work isn’t easy. There are also moments when the school has to turn away families because they simply don’t have the capacity to meet every need, and those decisions are always difficult.

But for every challenge, there are countless moments of joy. “One of my proudest moments is seeing students who once struggled start to believe in themselves,” she reflected.

“Watching them participate, make friends, and take pride in their work, and seeing their parents get emotional about their progress that’s everything.”

Carrying the Torch

Taking over the school after her mom’s retirement has been emotional. “It’s hard to put into words,” May admitted softly.

“This school is my mom’s heart. Every day, I feel honored to continue what she started and make sure her vision keeps growing through the students we serve.”

Her mom’s biggest lesson was simple but powerful: take care of your people. “She taught me that our employees are the heart of what we do. Their happiness and dedication are what keep MDALC strong,” she said.

Ms. Donna’s legacy of love, inclusion, and unwavering belief in every child lives on in every smile, every breakthrough, and every moment a student feels proud of themselves.

A Place That Feels Like Home

When asked to describe MDALC in three words, her answer came without hesitation: “home, safe, family.”

“It feels like home because everyone belongs here. It’s safe because students can be themselves without judgment. And it’s family, our staff, students, and parents support each other every step of the way.”

For many families in the Findlay area, MDALC is more than just a school. It’s a lifeline. It’s a place where children are not only educated but truly embraced for who they are.