Nola Ransom

Executive Director

Nola Channell Ransom-Shoulders is a 2012 Sociology graduate of Elizabeth City State University where she also completed two years in the special education program. In 2014, She furthered her career and became a Community Outreach Coordinator for Inner Banks Hotline in Columbia North Carolina.

At Inner Banks Hotline, Nola collaborated with the local school district to raise awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence amongst young children. While at Inner Banks Hotline, she obtained a grant to begin a school social group for middle school girls called “Ladies of Life” also known as “LOL”, which is still in motion on a yearly basis at Tyrrell County Schools.

As of 2021, Nola is a Special Education teacher of students with Emotional Disabilities in the Chesapeake Public Schools District.

During this year, she has also started a nonprofit organization called “I Expect Progress” (IEP) to provide professional development for professionals in education and advocacy for families of school-age children. IEP’s mission is to educate families on resources that will impact students and families with positive independent educational outcomes (with or without disabilities). With over 30 years of combined experience in the special education process that obtain the services, that all children are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IEP will be continuing collaborations with professionally trained special educators who are dedicated to helping individuals.