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.
Founders
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Molly Dahl, M.Ed., CiPP - Positive Education Specialist and Author of YOUTH Positive
Molly Dahl, M.Ed. has profoundly and positively influenced thousands of students and teachers. She is the co-founder of Mindful SEAD, a non-profit organization established to support educator effectiveness of mindful, social, emotional learning. 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. 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. |
Debb Oliver, Ed.D. - Learning Science Researcher and Author of The Learning Transformation
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, instructional technology, STEM and innovative learning scenarios. She has provided relevant learning opportunities for hundreds of teachers and administrators as they transition to technology enhanced personalized 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. She, co-founded Mindful SEAD, a non-profit organization that supports the efforts of schools and school districts with bringing Social, Emotional and Academic Development (SEAD) to students and staff and has authored the book The Learning Transformation. |
SEAD Team
Roxanne Busch
Jessie Kolz
Stephanie Gibbons
A.J.Long
Eddie Hirschman, M. Ed.
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Roxanne's positive outlook on life affects every person she comes in contact with. She is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. Her interest goes deep into learning how connect on the individual level to bring about positive self talk. Most recently, Roxanne has created a series of motivational videos for educators to practice affirmations to overcome personal barriers.
Roxy is Mindful SEAD's Director of Operations. Jessie has been a school counselor for over 6 years where Social Emotional Learning has been a part of her daily life. Jessie founded the nonprofit Mindful Health Initiative to integrate more mindful awareness and physical activity into the lives of at-risk youth in the Reno/Tahoe community. She understands the value explicit Social Emotional Learning lessons have within and outside the school setting to support the whole child. Jessie is currently working on her Ph.D. in Counselor Education at UNR and holds an M.Ed. in Counselor Education and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Psychology . Jessie is Mindful SEAD's Director of SEAD Champions. 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
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.
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Allison Sharpe, M. Ed.
Shelby Litchfield, RN, BSN
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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". 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.
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
