Social EmotionaL learning Team

West Hawai'i complex area

Our Mission


The Social-Emotional Learning Team seeks to build capacity in West Hawai'i schools

by supporting educational communities in four core areas:

fostering the development of lifelong social and emotional skills in our youth;

creating a positive climate and culture in all Complex Area schools;

placing a spotlight on the relationship between trauma and learning;

and advocating for the values and practices that

are the foundation of restorative school communities.



The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a trusted source for knowledge about high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL).

CASEL supports educators and policy leaders and enhances the experiences and outcomes

for all PreK-12 students.



The CASEL Framework is a guiding tool

for the West Hawai'i SEL Team

A short, practical article by Edutopia that outlines the importance of being explicit with youth about SEL competencies ~ why they are important and how we acquire them. Through practice of course!

The Relationship Between SEL

and National Health Education Standards

Helpful document that shows the clear relationshiip between tne National Health Education Standards and the skills, mindsets, and attitudes that underpin Social Emotional Learning

Connects physical activity and social emotional learning efforts to an overall positive and healthy school climate


The SEL Team

Robyn Skudlarek

Robyn has been a part of the SEL team since 2018. She has been an educator in many settings and has also worked in numerous nonprofit organizations in and outside of Hawai'i.

Robyn is passsionate about educational equity, social justice, trauma-informed practices, and the transformative power of conflict resolution and restoration through restorative practices. Robyn has been fortunate to live on Hawai'i Island for 25 years and is deeply grateful to witness the beauty and wisdom of these islands - and its people - on a daily basis.


Michele Ota


Michele joined the SEL team in September 2021. She has been a school counselor at several schools in North Hawai'i and has also been a SPED resource teacher for North Hawai'i. She has also worked at Child Welfare Services and CAMHD Family Guidance Center.


Michele is passionate about "Sense of Place" and "Sense of Belonging" as students, faculty, and families all contribute to school and community culture.

Joy Peronius - SEL team member emeritus

Though Joy is no longer an SEL resource teacher, she was instrumental in the development of both this website and the team's many initiatives. Joy is now a vice prinicipal at Kahakai Elementary.

Joy has special expertise in trauma-informed practices and care, and can still be reached via the Hawai'i DOE's email system: joy.personius@k12.hi.us