Fort Worth chef gives back to children with learning challenges

Chef Marcus Paslay overcame learning challenges and found his confidence at The Hill School. Now he gives back to help other children thrive.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Behind every successful chef is a story of hard work, passion, and sometimes, struggle. For Fort Worth’s Marcus Paslay, that story includes battling learning challenges and transforming his experiences into a platform for helping others.

Paslay is now a celebrated chef and owner of multiple restaurants in Fort Worth, known for his dedication to hospitality and his vibrant, welcoming restaurants.

“I love taking care of people, I love the energy of a busy restaurant,” Paslay said.

But Marcus’s path to success wasn’t always easy. As a child, he struggled with dyslexia and ADHD, challenges that made school feel impossible at times.

“I got depressed and I was performing poorly… Dyslexia for me makes reading and spelling pretty difficult,” Paslay said.

That all changed when his parents discovered The Hill School in Fort Worth.

Founded to support students with learning differences, The Hill School specializes in creating individualized educational programs tailored to each child’s needs, from ADHD and dyslexia to autism and other learning challenges. The school “meets students where they are,” focusing on their strengths while providing the support they need to succeed.

Laura Casper-Teague, an educator at The Hill School, described the school’s approach.

“A lot of times when students come in, they’ve had a rough experience in their previous school,” Casper-Teague said. “We focus on what each child needs and how to help them succeed, both academically and personally. When they come here, they know we are going to meet them where they are.”

For Marcus, The Hill School was life-changing.

“It really restored my confidence in school,” Paslay said.

His experience inspired him to pay it forward. After achieving success in the restaurant world, Marcus founded the Paslay Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and young adults with learning differences. Every year, the foundation hosts fundraising events that provide scholarships, resources, and programs for organizations like The Hill School, ensuring that students facing learning challenges have access to the same opportunities Marcus once received.

The impact of the foundation is personal, tangible, and ongoing. 

“What are we going to do for this child? What does this child need? What resources will provide the best experience?” Casper-Teague said. “These funds mean more opportunities, more support, and more children reached.”

For Paslay, it’s about more than giving money — it’s about creating an environment where children feel seen, supported, and empowered.

“It gave me skills and personalized education that I still use today,” Paslay said.

The Paslay Foundation hosts a party every year as a fundraiser for the Hill School and other organizations contributing to children’s success in school. Tickets for this year’s party are sold out; to learn more about how you can help, visit the Paslay Foundation.