For the McMahon family, Catholic education has always been a cornerstone of life — a tradition shared among 11 children. But when it came time for daughter Natalie, who has specific learning needs, to transition to high school, the path wasn’t as clear. 

What began as an organic conversation between her parents and The Prout School in Wakefield, Rhode Island, has blossomed into a groundbreaking “Inspire” pilot program. 

Today, Natalie, 15, is in her sophomore year at the prestigious Catholic college-prep school. She isn’t just a student in a modified curriculum; she is a varsity cross-country runner, a newly confirmed member of the Church, and the heart of a culture-shifting mentorship program that proves inclusion is as much about friendship as it is about academics.

Inspire Coordinator Seana Edwards was first approached by Dave Estes, principal of The Prout School, a few years ago when the McMahons broached the idea of accommodation for Natalie’s learning challenges. Given Edwards’ extensive background in special education, she leapt into creating a tailored program that is mentorship-based. 

“And the school really wanted to pilot it with one student, just to make sure we had not only all the steps, but all of the pieces in place, to make it successful for her and other students that would be coming in,” Edwards told the Register. 

An Inspire student has a specific learning profile that allows her to thrive in the Prout Catholic community with a modified curriculum as part of the traditional college-preparatory program.

“She’s participating in the classrooms with mentors,” Edwards explained. “She works with me daily. We work together on modifying her classroom work.”

Natalie has been part of the program for two years now, and she enjoys her coursework and all the ways she has grown academically, socially, and, most importantly, spiritually in the same school as her siblings.

Being confirmed into the Catholic Church just this year, Natalie told the Register she has learned a great deal from the Blessed Mother’s perseverance and looks to her example throughout her day, whether in the classroom or on the track. 

“Whenever it was a very long journey, she pushed through it, just like when I push through things like in races. Even though it’s really long, she pushed through,” Natalie explained. 

And whether taking a test or running cross country, Natalie doesn’t give up, so much so that she earned a Varsity letter this year as a sophomore. Prout Track and Field Coach Ross MacAndrew can attest to her indefatigable spirit and drive. 

“Natalie joined the cross-country team her freshmen year and took some time adjusting to the distance and volume of workouts that we do as a team, but came every day showing significant growth and improvement along the way,” he said.

As she built her endurance, “she continued with indoor and outdoor track and showed substantial improvement with her times this past season, culminating in earning a spot on the varsity roster for the state championship meet,” he added.

Natalie’s involvement has also boosted team spirit in the best way, Coach Ross said.

“Her presence on the team has helped bolster a strong sense of community that is not just felt between her and her teammates but the team as a whole. Her positive attitude and determination have been remarkable to see over the past two years.”

And the feeling is mutual for Natalie. Coach Ross has “rockstar” status in her mind for the way he encourages her, not to mention he has his own rock band. 

“Coach Ross says everybody’s nervous before races,” Natalie said, “and he’s always at the end at the finish line, waiting once you’re done, cheering you on and complimenting you.”

Natalie’s mother, Shannon McMahon, has witnessed the impact of the Inspire program on her daughter and is so grateful for the school’s integrated approach.

“Since being in the Inspire program at Prout, Natalie’s independence has grown significantly. She is able to use her resources to obtain the help she needs and advocate for herself.” 

“Natalie has flourished socially,” her mother added. “The mentorship component is not merely academic support in the classroom; it has provided her with a sense of belonging to the larger school community that she has not experienced before Inspire. Natalie’s confidence and overall happiness has blossomed, and I attribute it to Inspire.”

Being one of 11 siblings comes with some jokes, Natalie candidly told the Register. 

“How are you able to get dinner and stuff? How are you able to get to church? Because you have so many people ... do you need to take a bus?”

But being at school with her sisters has made a world of difference for her, coupled with the mentorship program comprised of almost 30 students who support her and have become close friends. 

A mentor will have a “period of their study to go meet her in a classroom and help her as she may need,” Edwards explained. 

Due to the quick success of Natalie and the mentorship program, Principal Estes told the Register, “We are excited to announce we expect to expand our Inspire program next year. Now in the middle of our second year, I appreciate not only the positive impact the first student has had on our school community, but also the profound dedication from our nearly 30 student mentors who support her.”

He added that the “Inspire program is the highest example of our theme this year, which is to ‘Build the Kingdom of God for All!’”

And the future is bright for rising stars like Natalie and fellow Inspire students.

As a pamphlet on the program explains: 

“Students are breaking down barriers and going to select colleges such as Villanova VUnited Scholars Program and gaining access and opportunities to explore new things, gain independence and prepare for their bright future.”

A strong partner for the program has been the Murphy Foundation, which works to support Catholic inclusion in Rhode Island. More opportunities are in the works, as Edwards is working on internships with local Catholic schools and companies. 

Natalie has come a long way, thankful for the help of her mentors, including her dear friend Lexi Boisclair, who is graduating this Spring. 

“I’ve known her since I was a freshman, and she’s always been supportive,” Natalie said of Lexi.

The experience has been as rewarding for Lexi, telling the Register: "I've learned the importance of patience and kindness, both for myself and others. Everyone learns and lives life so differently and it's important to understand and have patience for that."

Natalie also thanks her parents for ensuring she would have a place at the same school as her sisters. She wants them to know “how thankful I am about getting to go here and getting to do sports, and all the activities that they have here.”

God bless you, Natalie! And as we mark Catholic Schools Week, let’s hope more Catholic schools take a page from the Prout Inspire playbook!