Molly Donahue was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Donahue graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and teaching from Iowa State University in 1989, a master's degree in secondary behavior disabilities from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996, and an associate degree in secondary school administration from the University of Northern Iowa in 2000. Donahue's career experience includes working as a behavior specialist and teacher with the Cedar Rapids Community School District.
