I have been serving the PK-8th grade students in a variety of settings since 2004. Establishing strong connections with my students, both in affinity and across difference, is a hallmark of my practice. I believe these strong connections and clear boundaries are the foundation for student engagement. Similarly, my peer-to-peer interactions are based on a respect for our commonalities and an appreciation of our differences.Because my style as an educator aligned with the philosophy of Culturally Responsive Education, I was offered the position of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coach. It was a natural fit, and I served in the position for three years, helping our staff to recognize and mitigate implicit biases which lead to inequitable outcomes for underserved student populations. This was a position I held while still performing my regular duties as a Learning Specialist in our Special Education Department.Along the way I was introduced to and became certified to teach Emory University's Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®). The secularized mindfulness and meditation training supports Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for students and the Emotional Intelligence adults need to successfully navigate the complex demands of life in the 21st century.I carry this unique experience with me in my role as an Educational Consultant., and look forward to expanding my practice beyond the confines of Education into the Professional and Personal Development arenas.