Reframe for Resilience - Episode 25: Empowering Self-Reliance Through Education with Marsha Familaro Enright

Reframe for Resilience

What does it take to raise a generation of confident, self-reliant thinkers? In this episode of Reframe for Resilience, educational entrepreneur Marsha Familaro Enright shares her powerful journey from founding a Montessori school to launching Reliance College—a bold, interdisciplinary liberal arts institution. Discover how her approach transforms students’ lives by fostering critical thinking, confidence, and collaboration.

Learn how education can build resilience—and why it’s time to reframe how we teach.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Reframe for Resilience, Dr. Frank L. Douglas sits down with educational entrepreneur Marsha Familaro Enright, founder of Council Oak Montessori School and the visionary behind Reliance College. With over 30 years of experience, Marsha shares how her early love for learning and concern for disengaged students sparked a transformative journey in education.

Marsha introduces a bold reimagining of liberal arts education—one that fosters self-confidence, critical thinking, and meaningful collaboration. From Montessori classrooms to college-level discussion seminars, she illustrates how deep, thematic learning and real-world projects equip students to become resilient, self-reliant adults.

Key Topics:

• The power of Montessori philosophy in cultivating a love for learning
• Why many students feel disconnected in traditional education systems
• Building self-confidence through discussion-based learning
• Encouraging critical thinking and teamwork for real-world problem-solving
• The mission and unique structure of Reliance College
• How liberal arts education connects to personal freedom and resilience
• Integrating academic study with hands-on professional experience

Timeline Summary:

[00:00–01:00] – Introduction and the concept of transformative education

[01:00–03:30] – Marsha’s early passion for learning and the roots of her mission

[03:30–05:30] – Founding Council Oak Montessori and discovering education gaps

[05:30–07:00] – Summer program results: student transformations and confidence

[07:00–08:30] – The role of active listening and discussion-based learning

[08:30–10:30] – Innovation through collaborative and interdisciplinary thinking

[10:30–12:30] – Overview of Reliance College’s structure and vision

[12:30–13:30] – Final thoughts on resilience and self-confidence

Link & Resources:

Learn more about Reliance College

Contact Marsha: [email protected]

Reliance College Great Connections Summer Seminar: Learn more and register at https://reliancecollege.org/seminar/

Teaching Freedom book by Marsha Familaro Enright

Connect with Dr. Frank L. Douglas at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC

Listen to more episodes at Reframe for Resilience Podcast

Closing Remark:

"True resilience begins when young people are equipped with the tools and confidence to trust their minds, face challenges with clarity, and build deep relationships that support their growth."