In this interactive keynote we will dive into the science of our current crisis of connection, belonging and most importantly- what to do about it. We will lift up practices to support creating climates of justice and belonging where all children can thrive.

In the workshop we will focus on further identifying skills for community, classroom and school leaders through reflection, science-backed practices and collaboration.

Content and objectives will be specific meeting the needs of all students with focus on engaging, connecting, and supporting students’ academic and social-emotional growth at school and at home, with all partners working on their behalf.  As such, the following content will be covered: 1) Promoting comprehensive approaches to improving school climate; 2) Improving parent and community involvement; 3) Foster student resilience; 4) Equipping K12 staff with practical, research-based tools to connect school to home effectively; and 5) Addressing systemic challenges and fostering change that supports student achievement and well-being. The target audience for this presentation would be for any individual who works directly with students and families to support students’ educational journey from elementary to secondary. Examples of such would be the following roles: K-12 Teachers, including Special Education and electives; Academic Coaches and Specialists (e.g. Intervention, Literacy, Math); Site and District Administrators; ASB Coordinators, Athletic Directors; Support Staff (e.g. Paraprofessionals, Attendance Clerks, Campus Supervisors), School Nurses/Health Techs, and all mental health staff (e.g. School Counselors, Mental Health Providers, and School Psychologists).

Educators today are navigating high levels of stress, emotional exhaustion, and increasing demands in the classroom. These pressures are compounded in schools serving historically under-resourced communities, where staff are often asked to hold space for trauma without adequate tools or support. This workshop introduces Dynamic Mindfulness (DMind), an evidence-based, trauma-informed practice designed to help educators build resilience, reduce burnout, and model self-regulation for students.

Participants will:

• Learn the neuroscience of stress and the impact of chronic stress on educator well-being

• Experience brief, accessible mindfulness practices that integrate mindful movement, breathing, and centering

• Explore strategies to integrate these practices into personal routines, staff meetings, and classroom transitions

• Leave with a personal wellness toolkit and tangible techniques for daily use

Rooted in over two decades of implementation in schools, juvenile justice centers, and community settings, Dynamic Mindfulness empowers educators with accessible practices to care for themselves while fostering a healing-centered classroom climate. This session is ideal for teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff seeking sustainable, embodied tools to thrive in their work.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that explores the interconnected roles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in fostering a supportive school climate. This session will focus on practical strategies for educational leaders to leverage an integrated systems of support model, enhancing student well-being and mental health.

All children are born with the capacity to develop executive function and self-regulation skills to help them make decisions, plan ahead, and manage information. Programs can design environments that support children in building these developmental skills at school, at play, and at home.

In this keynote, we will talk about the importance of reflection, some key things I’ve learned over the years about successful implementation and culture change, some common challenges and how to overcome them, and how to engage our colleagues and our students more deeply in this vitally important work.

Culture change is a process and a destination! Let’s put all we’ve learned together into an action plan that is inspiring both to ourselves and to our colleagues.