Life & Work with Suewong McFadden of AVONDALE

Today we’d like to introduce you to Suewong McFadden.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Suewong McFadden Academy was born from the foundation of Miss McFadden Learning Academy, which I established in 2020 with the mission of tutoring and supporting children throughout the Phoenix metro area. As I worked in various public and charter schools, I quickly realized that the version of myself I had grown to be—passionate, creative, and committed—was constantly being dimmed by environments that undervalued educators like me. I poured my heart into teaching, leading, and training others, yet I found myself stifled by systems that lacked compassion, offered limited resources, and left many of us overworked and unheard.

The idea for SMA didn’t come from a strategic plan—it came in a dream. A group of educators, including myself, envisioned opening a school that reflected our shared values, but as the reality of burnout, low pay, and systemic challenges took their toll, many left the field entirely. I remained, driven by a vision that refused to die, even when it meant continuing alone. I had to release people who didn’t believe in the mission or couldn’t see what I was building. I leaned on faith and stayed committed to something bigger than myself.

In 2022, the name and logo for Suewong McFadden Academy came to me during another dream. I woke up, sketched the concept, and gave it meaning—every element of SMA was created to be intentional and symbolic.

Then in February 2024, I was selected out of 150 applicants to join the KaiPod Catalyst Program, which provided mentorship and a strategic roadmap to finally bring SMA to life. With guidance, many sleepless nights, and a calling that I couldn’t ignore, I launched SMA in Fall 2024. None of this would be possible without my unwavering faith in God—He carried me through every challenge and has been beside me every step of the way.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While this past year brought moments of magic and growth, it was also filled with unimaginable challenges—especially in my first year as Director.

From the beginning, one of the hardest obstacles was securing a suitable location for our academy. As a nonprofit enrichment learning academy operating as a “microschool,” we were navigating relatively new terminology—especially here in Arizona, where this model is still unfamiliar to many. We’re not a public or charter school; we’re an alternative, community-centered model focused on enrichment and holistic learning. Yet explaining that to others—especially landlords—was often met with confusion or resistance.

Accessing capital was another major hurdle. Most commercial leases require financial history and capital strength, which are tough for new nonprofits to provide. Despite limited resources, I pressed forward—hosting informational sessions, connecting with families, and inviting them to believe in the vision I was building.

When I finally secured a location in Avondale—just steps away from the Sam Garcia Library, the Boys & Girls Club, and a beautiful public park—it felt like a divine blessing. But within 45 days of opening, the situation unraveled. The landlords began issuing unlawful demands, including additional insurance requirements not listed in our signed lease. Their actions escalated into daily harassment through text messages and emails, making operations difficult, and creating an unstable environment for our school community.

As the months went on, the retaliatory behavior continued—constant interference, selective enforcement of the lease, and outright breaches of contract. Their conduct caused enrollment loss, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion. I carried the weight of it all—because I had to. My students and families depended on me to be strong.

After enduring over eight long months of mistreatment, I made the difficult decision to go public with my story. Multiple media outlets picked it up, and for the first time, I felt heard—not silenced. I wasn’t just fighting for my school—I was speaking up for every small organization trying to make a difference but being blocked at every turn.

Eventually, through faith and perseverance, God opened another door. I met with the Pastor Lynnhaven Community Church, whose newly renovated their 2nd , gated building sits right across the street. Our missions aligned immediately: to create a place where children and families could find support, education, prayer, and purpose. Through this partnership, we are preparing to reopen in a stronger, safer, and more spiritually aligned environment—one where Suewong McFadden Academy can truly flourish.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear many hats—but at the heart of everything I do is a deep passion for education, creativity, and community empowerment.

I’m an educator, author, education consultant, mentor, graphic designer, actress, playwright, and screenwriter. I use all of these roles to inspire and uplift others—especially young people. My work centers around creating spaces where children feel seen, valued, and encouraged to dream beyond limits.

As a professional educator with over ten years of experience, I specialize in working with at-risk students, infusing creativity, equity, and innovation into the classroom. I’ve built my reputation on my ability to connect with students through culturally relevant teaching, arts integration, and authentic mentorship. I believe education should be a transformative experience—and I design learning environments to reflect that belief.

As an author, I launched my literary journey in 2020 with In Ms. McFadden’s Class, followed by a coloring and activity book the following year. In 2021, I created the Amir & Asia Book Series, a vibrant collection aimed at inspiring and entertaining young readers. The breakout title Bossy Asia led to a year-long local book tour, and my second tour launched in 2025 with the upcoming releases of The High School Poetry Series and Angry Amir. Through these books and tours, I’ve connected with countless families, educators, and young readers across the country.

In 2024, I opened Suewong McFadden Academy (SMA)—a micro-school built on the principles of cultural pride, academic rigor, and creative exploration. SMA is more than a school; it’s a movement. It stands as a living testament to my dream of what education could be when we empower students to thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

What I’m most proud of is that everything I do is rooted in purpose. I didn’t follow a traditional path. I carved one—with prayer, faith, resilience, and a vision that refused to be ignored. What sets me apart is not just my versatility, but my commitment to walking in my divine calling and creating impact with intention.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Without question, perseverance has been the most important quality in my journey. It’s what has kept me grounded when everything around me felt uncertain. Perseverance is more than just pushing through—it’s the unwavering commitment to your vision even when the odds are stacked against you.

There were many moments where it would’ve been easier to quit—when doors closed, when support disappeared, when challenges felt too heavy to carry. But I kept going. I reminded myself why I started, and who I was doing it for. I’ve learned that success doesn’t always show up in the way you expect, but if you keep walking in faith, it will show up when and how it’s supposed to.

Perseverance gave me the strength to advocate for my school, launch my book tours, and continue building even when resources were limited. It’s the quiet force behind every breakthrough I’ve had—and the reason I’m still standing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesmacademy.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suewongmcfaddenacademy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suewongmcfaddenacademy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@suewongmcfaddenacademy
• Other: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/suewong-mcfadden-academy-memberships–2025