Meet the Founder

Carileigh R. Jones, Ph.D. is an educator, researcher, and mentor with over five years of experience in higher education, academic coaching, and community-engaged work. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Hampton University, along with a Master’s Degree and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, all in the area of Sociology.

Her professional background includes teaching courses in sociology as well as leadership and professional development, with an emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and confidence-building. She brings extensive experience in designing inquiry-based learning experiences, conducting qualitative and community-centered research, and supporting learners in developing strong writing, research, and analytical skills across secondary, postsecondary, and graduate settings. Currently, Dr. Jones is a professor at Salisbury University, where she teaches Sociology 101 and Research Methods.

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Jones has worked closely with youth, families, and community organizations through mentorship, program development, and educational support initiatives. Her approach emphasizes clear structure, consistency, and supportive guidance while honoring each learner’s pace, strengths, and lived experiences. Through this work, she understands how academic stress, self-doubt, and limited access to support can affect engagement, motivation, and performance.

At Strive x Thrive, the focus is on creating supportive learning experiences that help learners build confidence, strengthen academic and research skills, and approach learning with greater independence and agency over time.