About
The researcher behind School Can't Pathways
The Researcher
Dr. Carol Schultz spent years watching young people — particularly girls with anxiety, ASD, and trauma histories — disappear from the education system. Not because they couldn't learn. Because the system wasn't built for them. Her doctoral research asked why. The answer became School Can't Pathways.
Carol has nearly 30 years of experience supporting young people who face complex barriers to schooling and engagement. She holds a Doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland and is a Registered Teacher (Special Education) as well as a qualified Guidance Officer, with a strong background in supporting students' social, emotional, and learning needs.
Carol has worked closely with communities and services to design supports that are realistic, respectful, and workable for families. She also co-founded a community charity supporting marginalised young people through mentoring, literacy support, life skills development, and structured engagement opportunities.
Her approach is grounded in kindness, clarity, and low-demand support, with a focus on safe, structured learning environments. Carol's work is trusted by families, schools, and allied health professionals who want credible, research-based support for young people facing complex challenges.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Professional Studies – University of Southern Queensland
- Master of Education (Double Major: Guidance Counselling / Special Education) – University of Southern Queensland
- Bachelor of Teaching (Major: Special Education) – Griffith University
- Registered Teacher (Major: Special Education)
- Qualified and experienced Guidance Officer
- NDIS Worker Screening Card
Research Frameworks
- Human Flourishing Model — The framework behind everything we do. It says that before a young person can learn, they need to feel safe, connected, and like they have some control over their own life. We build that foundation first — then education follows.
- Education Continuum Model — Maps the full range of educational need — from mainstream schooling through to intensive alternative support. It helps us figure out exactly where a young person is right now, and what the next realistic step looks like for them.
- MADYACA Youth Model – a six-step community-anchored engagement model for marginalised youth