Nicola Soares Biography and Net Worth

Nicola Soares serves as the President of Kelly Education, where her leadership and innovative approach have transformed the organization into the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of workforce solutions for all schools and educational institutions. Anchored in her belief that education is the foundation of a thriving society, Nicola has led the organization’s evolution to meet the changing needs of students, educators, and academic communities.  

When Nicola joined, Kelly Education was primarily recognized for its substitute staffing services. Today, Kelly Education offers specialized talent and workforce solutions that go beyond substitute teaching, including paraprofessionals, tutors, therapists, and nurses. These services represent a full portfolio of expertise from early childhood programs to K-12 schools, healthcare, and higher education executive searches. This expansion embodies Nicola’s people-first philosophy, fostering connections to create opportunities that profoundly enrich lives and strengthen communities.  

Nicola is a strong proponent of the whole-child approach, which prioritizes the academic, social, physical, and emotional well-being of students. Under her leadership, Kelly Education has expanded its commitment to student success through the acquisitions of Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS) and the Children’s Therapy Center (CTC), broadening its reach into occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and mental and behavioral health services. The addition of CTC’s outpatient clinics has been instrumental in offering families community-based access to essential care. By integrating these critical services, Nicola has strengthened the organization’s capacity to provide comprehensive support, providing families with critical solutions that align health and education, creating a more holistic foundation for student growth.  

Nicola’s contributions have earned her national recognition. She has been named one of Staffing Industry Analysts' 100 most influential people in the workforce ecosystem and has appeared six times on their “Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing” list. These accolades highlight her forward-thinking vision and her influence in shaping the future of education and workforce solutions.  

Nicola’s dedication to education is deeply personal. She began her career as a social studies teacher in public education, where she learned firsthand about the challenges and opportunities educators encounter. This experience has remained central to her leadership, influencing her ability to craft strategies that address real-world needs. Her role at McGraw-Hill Education further refined her expertise, as she led national initiatives focused on improving learning outcomes for students. At NBC Universal, she led sales and marketing for the education initiative NBC Learn.  

With more than 20 years of experience in the education sector, Nicola collaborates with policymakers to drive meaningful change. She writes and speaks extensively on topics related to the future of the education workforce, with a particular focus on human capital solutions that strengthen schools and communities.

Through her leadership, Nicola has positioned Kelly Education as an essential partner for public education, charter, independent, and higher education institutions nationwide. Her dedication to aligning talent with opportunity continues to transform education, empowering students, educators, and communities to build brighter futures.