Dr. McCleary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. Her extensive background in childhood and adolescent development combined with her commitment to lifelong learning, led her to complete a Master of Science in elementary education. She has a keen interest in social justice and improving equality of access to educational opportunities for all learners which led her to pursue a doctorate degree from Niagara University where her research focused on the perceived lived experiences of adolescent refugees resettling in Ontario, Canada. She has developed, implemented, and evaluated several courses within teacher training programs in North America, while mentoring students and advising on academic research. As an academic reviewer, she contributes to the community of prominent international associations in the field of educational research.