​Building a community to inspire all learners.

Mission and Vision

​​Mindful SEAD inspires innovative teaching and learning through mindful practices by fostering community, personalized learning, developing leadership and embracing each individual’s unique genius. We are a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to teach youth and adults to become mindful as they manage their emotions, gain perspective and have an understanding of those around them.  

SEAD Team
 

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Debb Oliver, Ed.D. - Co-Founder and President, Learning Science Researcher
​​Dr. Oliver is an accomplished Public Speaker, Entrepreneur, Senior Executive and Learning Specialist with more 30 years of success in k-12 and higher education, international education affairs, and non-profits. She has built lasting relationships as she consulted with public and private organizations throughout the United States and abroad regarding change management, leadership development, and innovative learning scenarios. She has provided relevant learning opportunities for thousands of teachers and administrators as they transition to effective practices to enhanced student-centered learning. She teachers master’s level courses in Teaching Practice as an Adjunct Professor for National University, Sanford School of Education, and has a deep love and passion for personalized learning for all.  Debb is  Co-Editor and Co-Author of  Leading Schools with Social Emotional Academic Development and author of The Learning Transformation: A Guide to Blended Learning for Administrators.

Molly Dahl, M.Ed., CiPP - Co-Founder, Positive Education Specialist 
Molly Dahl, M.Ed. has profoundly and positively influenced hundreds of students and teachers.  Molly has presented on mindfulness and brain research both abroad and throughout the US.  She has taught graduate level courses for Sierra Nevada College on Social, Emotional Academic Development for Educators. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Language and Literature. She also holds a Certificate in Positive Psychology from the WholeBeing Institute and is a certified Yoga instructor. Molly began her career as a high school Spanish teacher. She is the author of YOUTH Positive, Exploring the Unique Genius of Every 21st Century Adolescent, A Deep Dive Into Mindfulness, Positive Education and SEL with both high school and middle school editions. She has also authored The Art of Emotional Resilience and co-author of The Mindful Social Emotional Learning (MSEL) Coaching Handbook.

Michele Robinson, Ed.D., - Director of  Partnerships/ MSEL Coach 
Dr. Michele Robinson has been a school superintendent for 13 years successfully leading districts in Nevada, Massachusetts and New Jersey.  She has extensive experience in engaging community partnerships, improving educational outcomes for students, and providing for student and adult social emotional foundations.  Michele has engaged community partners to develop employee wellness programs that support the social emotional development of students and the wellbeing of staff caring for children and schools.  
Dr. Robinson presents a versatile background that encompasses both the traditional public-school environment and forward-thinking approaches to learning which include the integration of technology and 21st Century learning skills into instructional practices.  She developed and founded a successful private K-6 school in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as Odyssey Charter High School, an innovative blended learning charter school.  She co-founded the Charter School Association of Nevada, a non-profit organization designed to support new and aspiring charter schools in the state.  She was appointed by Nevada’s Governor to the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force.   She was appointed to serve on the Nevada Department of Education Common Core Standards (CCA) Steering Committee and acted as co-chair for the CCA Communications Committee.  Having participated in numerous legislative roundtables and presentations, Michele worked extensively with state and federal legislators advocating for innovation and educational reform in the state.  She co-founded the Bergen County Women in Educational Leadership and Bergen County School Support Network designed to provide support, networking, and professional development in social emotional learning for school districts in New Jersey. Michele has spoken nationally and internationally on topics related to educational innovation and reform, and leadership and wellbeing.  
​Michele earned her Ed.D from Nova Southeastern University in the area of Educational Leadership in which she gained an expertise in providing quality professional development and onboarding programming to educational professionals and leaders.  She holds an M.ED. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University, and a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Jessie Koltz

Stephanie Gibbons

A.J.Long

Eddie Hirschman, M. Ed.

Roxy Busch - Director of Operations 
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Roxy  Roxy's positive outlook on life affects every person she comes in contact with. She is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and graphic designer.  Her interest goes deep into learning how connect on the individual level to bring about positive change. Most recently, Roxy has created a series of motivational videos for educators to practice affirmations to overcome personal barriers. 

Jessie Koltz- Director of MSEL Coaching

Dr. Jessie Koltz is the Director of the Professional School Counseling master's degree (MEd) program at Utah State University. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Nationally Certified School Counselor, and Licensed School Counselor. Jessie is also the director of social emotional academic development (SEAD) champions for Mindful SEAD through the Nevada Department of Education and is the president and CEO of the non-profit Mindful Health Initiative.
She has been a school counselor for the past 8 years in various settings. Her research interests include mindful social emotional academic development and learning, supporting at-risk and minority youth populations with adventure-based counseling and involvement in sports with a focus on mental health support, technology-based interventions and access for youth education and learning with mental health support, and stigma as a barrier to change for at-risk, minority, and student-athlete youth populations. 
She loves the outdoors and has supported adventure-based counseling experiences with her nonprofit, Mindful Health Initiative, in the greater Reno area over the past 3 years. Jessie recently earned my PhD from the University of Nevada, Reno in Counselor Education and Supervision, graduated from Penn State with an M.Ed. in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2013, and earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY Buffalo in Psychology and Early Childhood Education in 2011 while competing as a D1 swimmer. 
​She is co-author of the Mindful Social Emotional Learning (MSEL) Coaching Handbook.

Stephanie Gibbons- MSEL Master Coach
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Stephanie’s keystone in her career in education was being a founding teacher of the Expeditionary Learning (EL) School in the Tahoe, CA area. During that time she shared her love for the outdoors and project-based learning. She infused each day with the critical skills of mindful practices and social and emotional development.  Currently as a Mindful SEAD Master Coach, Stephanie works with educators throughout Nevada and California assisting with the development of personal growth for teachers and coaching in the MSEL Coaching method. She is co-author of the Mindful Social Emotional Learning (MSEL Coaching Handbook.

Dr. JoAnn Cason - MSEL Master Coach
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Dr. Cason is a lifelong career in education teacher at the elementary and middle school level, assistant principal, principal, director, Head of School, and dean of students. With this wide range of experience, she uses her depth of knowledge to help transform school environments with highly positive relationships and high academic achievement. Dr. Jo’s doctorate is in Urban Leadership with an emphasis in transforming urban schools. Dr. Jo recently co-authored a chapter in the social-emotional- learning textbook, “Leading Schools with Social Emotional Academic Development”.

AJ Long has been teaching for over 20 years and has lead a Lower and Middle School for the last 7 years. Currently, as a Positive Learning Specialist with Mindful SEAD, she shares her passion for working with educators to help them see who they are at their core, to better serve their students. Her career began working with teenagers in experiential outdoor programs such as Colorado Outward Bound and the Yosemite Institute. Social emotional learning has always been an integral aspect of her teaching. AJ earned a Master of Arts in Teaching, a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and holds a current Nevada Teaching license K - 8. She is a passionate about SEL/SEAD and is grateful to be working with such an amazing group of talented leaders.      ​

Eddie is an assistant principal at Traner Middle School and handles school-wide discipline among other responsibilities. He has seen firsthand the benefits of implementing meaningful positive behavioral intervention supports, as well as social emotional tenets. Eddie believes in the power of teaching students the concepts of empathy and emotional control in pursuit of increased student achievement. Honoring one’s humanity is the foundation of student success, as it strengthens authentic relationships with all stakeholders.  Eddie holds a a Master’s degree in Secondary Education and a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre. Eddie served as the English Department Lead at Reed High School and has taught all levels of high school English and most recently worked with seniors in Advanced Placement Literature and Composition.

Allison Sharpe, M. Ed.

Shelby Litchfield, RN, BSN

​Allison's positive and whole-student approach to teaching allows her students to demonstrate growth as human beings. She believes when you address the social emotional needs of students by strengthening  connections with them, their success follows naturally. "My students know I'm teaching them at their level and we work together to set goals in and out of the classroom. I address their goals and show them how they can use their education to improve their quality of life".
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Shelby is a traditionally trained nurse with a passion for the road less traveled. She is intrigued with the effect our thinking mind has on our health and how perspective leads to life satisfaction. Her dedication to being the best version of herself has lead her to be sculpted most notably by certifications in Positive Psychology, Neuro Linguistics Programming (NLP), and Integral Facilitation.  Shelby’s true gift is connecting compassionately with people. Her favorite pastime is being outside and she allows nature to teach her deep connection with herself and life. Shelby brings a unique perspective to the learning field.

Advisory Counsel
Are you seeking an opportunity  to support the academic and personal success of students through the development of social and emotional mindful practices.  Do you have experiences that we can draw upon to promote the growth of the organization?  Then, Mindful SEAD is looking for you. Please contact us if you would like to be a member of the Mindful SEAD team  as a member of the Advisory Council.

Governance & Policy Documents

• IRS Determination Letter 
• Mindful SEAD Bylaws
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Articles of Incorporation