For as long as she can remember, Mikayla Pascucci knew that teaching—especially in the field of Special Education—was her calling. But she also knew her goal wasn’t just to teach; it was to lead change.
“I’ve always been determined to ensure that our most marginalized students have full access, inclusion, and a life filled with purpose and happiness,” she says. “Becoming a school administrator was my path to making that change happen.”
After earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Hartford, she continued her education with a 6th year degree in social, emotional, academic learning for social justice leadership, along with her school administrator certification. Those credentials paved the way for her new role as supervisor of pupil personnel services for Bristol Public Schools—where she now oversees and shapes special education services for an entire district.
Her connection to UHart didn’t end with graduation. Today, she is a proud alum who serves as an adjunct professor and academic advisor for UHart’s special education programs, mentors future teachers, supervises student teachers, and collaborates with faculty on research that has been presented at national and international conferences. She’s also a regular presence at the University’s events, from accepted student days to alumni panels, sharing her story to inspire the next generation of educators.
Mikayla Pascucci ’20, College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions AlumnaThey pushed me beyond my comfort zone, supported me every step of the way, and helped me discover my passion for research, leadership, and advocacy.
Looking back, she credits UHart with giving her the foundation—and the spark—that ignited her career. “From day one as a freshman, UHart placed me in real classroom settings, while other schools wait until junior or senior year. That early experience was transformative,” she recalls. Opportunities to conduct research, close-knit relationships with faculty, and hands-on learning all deepened her passion and skillset.
Two professors in particular—Sheetal Sood and Lisa Zawilinski—were instrumental. “They pushed me beyond my comfort zone, supported me every step of the way, and helped me discover my passion for research, leadership, and advocacy,” she says. “They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders, even years after graduation.”
Today, her journey from UHart student to district leader stands as a testament to the University’s impact—not just in preparing educators, but in empowering change-makers.