Dr. Yanique Rolingson is a Madison resident and an educator with nearly 20 years of experience. Originally from Jamaica, she began her teaching career in New Jersey and later worked as an educator and instructional coach in the Decatur and Madison County area.

In August 2025, Rolingson left the school system to found her nonprofit literacy and academic coaching program, S.N.A.P. Academy. She also became a published author with the release of her book, A Lamp to Their Path, in December 2025.

“A Lamp to Their Path grew out of my years in education and leadership. I noticed how many teachers felt tired, unseen, and disconnected from the purpose that first brought them into the profession,” Rolingson said.

Rolingson continued, “It invites educators and anyone who works with children to pause, reflect, and remember why their work still matters. It’s not telling teachers how to do their job; it’s showing them a different perspective on the situations.”

A Lamp to Their Path is available online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. In 2026, Rolingson will travel to local bookstores and libraries to speak about the book and meet with fellow educators.

S.N.A.P. (Stop, Notice, Action, Plan) Academy serves students in grades two through six with a strong emphasis on reading, writing, and reflection. Rolingson hopes this framework will help students slow down, think deeply, and build confidence as learners.

“I started S.N.A.P. Academy because I saw too many children being moved along academically without mastering foundational skills and too many families unsure where to turn for meaningful support,” Rolingson said.

Rolingson said her approach to better learning outcomes centers on people rather than programs.

“Families want support that feels personal, not transactional. Teachers want to feel valued, not overwhelmed,” she shared.

“S.N.A.P. Academy and the book reflect a commitment to this community, supporting students, strengthening families, and uplifting educators,” Rolingson said.

According to Rolingson, most families find her program through community referrals such as schools, counselors, churches, libraries, youth programs, and parent word of mouth, along with local events and social media.

Families qualify for the program through an intake conversation and a brief pre-assessment. Rolingson then meets with parents to understand the child’s story, then uses the pretest to pinpoint reading and writing needs and set a plan.

She says S.N.A.P. prioritizes students who need targeted support and families who are consistently ready to partner.

“S.N.A.P. isn’t tutoring in the traditional sense. It’s academic coaching. We work in small groups, partner closely with families, and focus on building thinkers, not just test takers,” Rolingson said.

According to Rolingson, the area’s ongoing growth underscores the need for stronger educational support systems.

“I chose Madison County because it is growing rapidly, but growth brings challenges, especially in education. This is home for me now, and I believe in investing where you’re planted,” Rolingson concluded.

Anyone interested in connecting with Rolingson about S.N.A.P. Academy or her book can do so via LinkedIn.