About
A practice built from listening to families.
Social Capital Connection exists because too many improvement plans are written without the families they claim to serve. We bring careful research, honest methods, and hands-on district experience to the schools doing the hardest work.
Founder
Dr. Shanequa D. Sturgis-Nash, EdD
Dr. Sturgis-Nash is an educator and researcher whose career sits at the intersection of district leadership and community-rooted advocacy. She earned her Doctor of Education from Southern Connecticut State University in 2021.
Her dissertation — An Examination of Minority Parents’ Perceptions of Schooling and Parental Involvement in an Urban School District — drew on data from eighteen K–8 urban schools in a northeastern metropolitan district. The study looked at four key areas: overall parental involvement, school climate, school culture and fit, and school safety, and explored how each connected with students' primary language, race, and socioeconomic status.
She paired hard numbers with honest conversations to show where opportunity was being missed — not just where test scores differed. That research is the foundation of every engagement her firm leads today.
In her own words
“My children’s experiences will serve as my motivation to work harder for children like them.”
Credentials
- — Doctor of Education, Southern Connecticut State University
- — Research focus: school climate, parental involvement, fairness
- — Approach: listening to families and pairing stories with data
- — Practitioner experience across urban K–12 settings
Mission
Equip urban schools to see themselves through the eyes of the families they serve, then close the gap between intent and experience.
Values
Rigor, candor, and proximity. We work alongside leaders, never above them — and never without the community.
Promise
Every recommendation we deliver is traceable to data, to research, and to the lived experience of families on the ground.
Testimonial
A Leader, Mentor, and Source of Support
“My experience working with Dr. Nash was full of learning opportunities, professional growth, and meaningful support. From the beginning of my journey at Common Ground High School, Dr. Nash was an important source of guidance for me as a Special Education teacher.
She supported me with every aspect of my first year, including preparation for PPT meetings, IEP goal setting, behavioral situations, instructional planning, and collaboration with families. Her weekly meetings and consistent guidance helped ensure that students were receiving appropriate educational support and that our team remained organized and in compliance with required processes.
What I valued most was Dr. Nash's ability to provide clear expectations, structure, and practical tools for navigating challenges. She created an environment where our needs were heard, respected, and understood. When academic or behavioral concerns arose, she provided support in communicating with families and encouraged collaboration focused on student success.
One experience that stands out involved supporting students who were struggling academically. Our team implemented individualized interventions, provided one-on-one instruction, and collaborated with parents to develop strategies to support each student's success. As a result, 80% of the students involved increased their grades to a passing level, and the entire Special Education twelfth-grade class graduated in the summer of 2026.
Beyond the direct support she provided, Dr. Nash helped me understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration. She showed me how creating a welcoming and supportive professional environment can help educators feel valued and better equipped to serve students.
Dr. Nash was not only a valuable resource but also an excellent mentor. I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with her and learned from her. The skills and lessons I gained through our collaboration continue to influence me as an educator and professional.
Dr. Nash is an amazing leader, mentor, and advocate for both educators and students. I believe she would be a valuable addition to any school or organization committed to student success and meaningful collaboration.”
Testimonial
Dr. Nash Has a Genuine Ability to Build Relationships
Working with Dr. Nash at Common Ground High School was a wonderful experience. As a special education teacher, I had the opportunity to work closely with her, and she was someone I could consistently turn to for guidance and support with students, families, staff concerns, and difficult situations.
What stood out most was her ability to remain calm, positive, and solution-focused, even during stressful circumstances. She was always approachable and willing to listen, making everyone feel heard and respected. She had a genuine ability to connect with students who were struggling and find ways to support them rather than giving up on them.
Dr. Nash also understood the importance of strong relationships between schools and families. She worked hard to build trust and communication with families, helping them feel welcomed and supported. Her efforts contributed to stronger student engagement, improved connections with school, and greater support for students and families.
She also made a significant difference for staff. Her willingness to listen, provide guidance, and help us navigate challenging situations made us feel supported and better equipped to serve our students.
What I remember most is that even when she was overwhelmed, Dr. Nash continued to bring positive energy to the school. She is caring, knowledgeable, hardworking, and deeply committed to students, families, and staff.
I would absolutely recommend Dr. Nash to any school or organization. Any school that has the opportunity to work with her will be very fortunate.