Mary Rose Connolly

Wellbeing-Led Education Consultant

Mary Rose Connolly began her career as an English teacher, drawn to the power of language, voice, and story in helping young people understand themselves and the world around them. Her work with adolescents shaped a deep belief that when students feel heard, valued, and supported, they grow into confident young adults who are able to contribute positively to their communities. This belief guided her move to the United Arab Emirates, where she spent many years working in international schools and progressing into senior leadership roles.

As a school leader, Mary Rose became known for building cultures where wellbeing was woven into every aspect of school life—not as an initiative, but as a foundation for strong relationships, high standards, and meaningful outcomes for both students and staff. Her leadership focused on creating environments where young people felt safe to use their voice, take ownership of their learning, and develop a strong sense of identity and purpose.

Over time, mental health, wellbeing, and safeguarding became central to her work. Mary Rose is a trained Mental Health First Aider, has led mental health provision in international school settings, and is currently training in positive health. She is passionate about applying the principles of positive health to support and guide families through periods of challenge, change, and uncertainty.

In 2024, she founded POSA Consulting to provide expert, unbiased guidance to families at every stage of their educational journey. Through POSA, Mary Rose works alongside parents and young people to offer thoughtful, practical support that empowers teens to grow in confidence and independence. She initiated and led Dubai’s inaugural student wellbeing forum, bringing together over 200 students to share their experiences as third culture kids, and developed the concept of the “cousin effect,” exploring the developmental impact of growing up without extended family networks. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: every child needs a champion beyond their parents—someone they feel safe with, understood by, and supported through. POSA exists to be that champion for young people around the world.