Meet Our Founder

Hi, I’m Dr. Mary B. Rice-Boothe, founder of THINK360 Academy. I’ve served as a teacher, principal, principal coach, and nonprofit leader—but my most important role is being a parent.

My journey to building THINK360 began with my son, Julius. As a Black boy with autism who didn’t present with all of the “typical” symptoms, we spent years focused on managing behavior. But what we were actually experiencing wasn’t a behavioral issue—it was a neurological one that wasn’t being recognized or supported.

Like many families, we also experienced the long and painful wait between asking for help and receiving it. With an average 42-month delay from initial concern to evaluation and services, too many children, especially Black boys, are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply missed.

Julius’ story is not unique. And after more than 25 years in education, I know the system surrounding students is vast, but too often, we lose sight of the child at the center of it all.

THINK360 Academy exists to change that. We provide curriculum, resources, and direct support to families, educators, and leaders, while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the child, their needs, and their brilliance.