Supporting Schools​

 

We have the agency and the ability to influence our own internal state and environment. What if our students knew this and had the tools to create balance and resilience on the inside? When we are regulated and present we have a deeper ability to thoughtfully respond to the world around us and take into consideration how we impact each other and the spaces we share.  When we consistently apply awareness skills we develop beneficial neurocircuitry and cohesion between systems in our body which has a direct influence on how we are feeling and what we are choosing to do. 

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Act 264's 2025 System of Care Report states their number one recommendation is to support children and families by continuing to focus and educate on building social emotional skills and competencies. Building self-awareness supports and empowers people to be more regulated and make informed decisions which in turn supports their ability to thrive as individuals, within relationships, and the larger communities we are a part of. 

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Through coaching, consultation, professional learning, and direct instruction methods, the Mindful Heart Project is dedicated to explore topics and apply strategies to answer the following essential questions.

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• How can educators effectively tie SEL into already packed schedules, existing routines and academic content?

• What are the most effective and meaningful tools to share and explore with students? Why are we placing an emphasis on self-awareness and how does developing that competency directly support growth in the other four outlined by CASEL?

• What are the pedagogical theories and structures that support student engagement and the development of SEL competencies? 

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Kelly has been working in the field of education for over 20 years in a variety of settings including higher ed., K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations. Her unique experiences and opportunities include working directly with students, freelancing as a contributing author to social emotional learning and mindful awareness curriculums (SEE Learning and Mission Be), facilitating professional learning, developing SEL/mindful awareness training modules and supporting the implementation process.