Meet Molly “Sully” Sullivan:

Educator, Advocate, and Sully District Parent

Molly "Sully" Sullivan doesn’t just work in education—she was raised by it. Born in South Korea and adopted as an infant, Molly grew up in a household of teachers in Andover, Massachusetts. Her path was sparked in the first grade by her teacher, Mrs. Sheila Dzieman, who instilled in her a lifelong belief that every child, regardless of background, can achieve greatness. Molly’s own education spans the globe and a variety of learning environments—from public schools and elite boarding academies to studying abroad in Burgos, Spain. This diverse upbringing gave her a profound understanding of how different systems serve (or fail) their students.

From Instructional Assistant to Master Educator

Molly’s professional journey is a testament to perseverance and a "boots-on-the-ground" commitment to our local schools.

  • Sully District Roots: After moving to Clifton as a single mother, Molly began her career in the classroom as a Pre-K teacher in Reston before serving as an Instructional Assistant at Centre Ridge Elementary in the Sully District.
  • A Commitment to Equity: Using her Spanish fluency, she supported students with special needs and emotional disabilities, realizing that true advocacy happens in the small groups and one-on-one moments.
  • Driven to Excel: Encouraged by her peers and mentors in FCPS, Molly returned to school while raising three children and working as a substitute, dual enrolled in finishing her Bachelor's and beginning her Master's. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education and Equity Studies from George Mason University, followed immediately by her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education .

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A Teacher and a Neighbor

In 2019, Molly and her husband, Lucas, chose to settle in Centreville specifically for the strength of the Sully District schools. Today, they are a proud blended family with four children who have attended or are attending Union Mill, Willow Springs, Colin Powell, and Liberty Middle.

Molly currently teaches 3rd grade at Union Mill Elementary, where she implements the Advanced Academics Program (AAP). Every day, she sees the direct impact of School Board policies on her students and her colleagues.