My goal is to help educators and schools create rich learning environments that empower students to be emotionally intelligent critical thinkers, creative problem solvers and life-long learners ready for our increasingly complex world. Through teacher training, one-on-one coaching and workshops, I help schools and educators develop emergent curriculum incorporating inquiry-based and play-based learning, relationship building, social-emotional learning and arts-integration. Possible areas of focus:

• Project cycles
• Writing units of study based on stages of child development, themes (ex. counting, symmetry, color theory, letters & writing, light & shadows, identity)
• Reflective circle techniques & circle time
• Visual art techniques teachers can incorporate into the classroom (ex. printmaking, sculpture, resist painting)
• Incorporating inquiry-based learning into any unit of study or pre-written curriculum
• Documentation & bookmaking
• Language development
• Observing & recording students’ interests and discoveries to use in curriculum development

Restorative justice practices have been gaining traction in schools across the United States over the last decade as alternatives to traditional discipline and zero tolerance policies. Rather than solely punishing offenders, Restorative justice practices focus on identifying and repairing the harm caused by violation of an agreement or a crime rather than punishing the violator, restoring relationships and trust, and supporting students in becoming accountable and responsible to their actions.

I offer schools workshops and coaching in implementing successful, research-based restorative justice practices school-wide, in classrooms and as principles used in conflict-resolution by staff members in school communities.

Possible areas of focus:

• Community circles
• Small group mediations following a conflict bringing together the harmed student, the person causing the harm, and a group of their peers or adults
• Affective statements (non-judgmental communication techniques)
• “I-statements” and emotional vocabulary development

Social-emotional learning, or SEL, is often spoken of as the key “missing piece” in education. Studies show that pro-social behaviors are a better indicator of a child’s future academic success than his/her reading level in early childhood. However, traditional curricula, including Benchmark and Writing and Reading Workshops, do not scaffold strategies for emotional regulation or conflict resolution skills. Following the major life changes brought about by COVID-19, many children are experiencing heightened anxiety and stress. It is more important than ever for educators to facilitate the development of social and emotional wellbeing in schools, making for happy, healthy and emotionally intelligent students.

Are you a public school, private school or a community of educators looking for ways to integrate SEL and trauma-informed teaching practices into traditional academic learning or curricula?

I offer workshops and one-on-one coaching for educators and support staff on a variety of SEL-related topics:

• Integrated SEL, inquiry-based English Language Arts lessons with CASEL-aligned goals (ex. emotional regulation, inter-personal skills development, collaboration skills development)
• Emotional Vocabulary Development using Anchor charts, Feelings Chart work & ELA integrated lessons
• Community Circles, Reflective Listening
• ELA integrated Empathy Education