Dr. Ashleigh Molloy, an adjunct professor at Niagara University in Ontario, was recognized by two organizations in November for his outstanding work in building bridges of understanding and respect for differences.
On Nov. 11, 2023, Dr. Molloy was presented with the Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr. Medal of Excellence from the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation at its annual gala. The nonprofit organization, which was established to bring together the Filipino-Canadian community to assist with charitable needs, honored Dr. Molloy for his significant accomplishments and service toward the betterment of his community. The award was established in 2017 in memory of Senator Enverga, the first Canadian senator of Filipino descent.
Dr. Molloy was also honored by the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children with its Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence and leadership of students with special needs. He received the plaque at the Ontario CEC’s 67th annual Special Education Conference on Nov. 25, 2023. The Ontario CEC is a community of educators and partners in learning dedicated to advancing the success of students with exceptionalities in Ontario.
A global expert on developmental disabilities, Dr. Molloy has dedicated his personal and professional life to promoting inclusion through his work as an educator, through service to his community, and through his extensive work in other countries training teachers about special education.
Dr. Molloy has taught special education at the elementary, secondary, and college levels, and his work in international disability education has been recognized by the governments of countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South America. He currently serves as president of Transformation Education International, a global leader in transformative professional development, and is a member of the boards of Community Living Toronto and of the City of Toronto’s Accessibility Committee.
In 2018, Niagara University presented Dr. Molloy with its St. Louise de Marillac Award for Outstanding Service.