Jennifer Dirga

Getting to the Heart of Learning through Open Circle: SEL+

Jennifer Dirga is the Executive Director of Open Circle, Open Circle:SEL+. For over 15 years she worked as a Program Director, trainer and coached at Open Circle through the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College. Ms. Dirga was formerly the Director of Social Emotional and Learning at Project Adventure. She is an experienced school counselor and is currently at the Chestnut Hill School. As an instructor for IDEAS: Initiatives for Developing Equity and Achievement for Students through the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents she helps to provide professional learning on Anti-Racism and DEI related topics throughout MA.

Jim Strouse

Educator, Trainer, & Program Director

As an educator, trainer, program director, spiritual leader and parent Jim uses his skills in Mindfulness, Gratitude practices and as a facilitator to promote the learning and growth of students and educators. He inspires presence through his gift of listening and connecting with others. Jim is also a talented musician.

Kasey Uppling

Educational Partnership Consultant

Kasey Uppling is an Educational Partnership Consultant at the Center for Responsive Schools. She spent nine years as a teacher in both private and public education settings and holds a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Kasey is deeply committed to removing barriers to learning and creating opportunities that empower and inspire every student to reach their fullest potential.

Joe Hennes

Social Media Director

Joe Hennes is the social media director at INSIGHTS Intervention, LLC. His multifaceted talents have enriched many programs in the children's entertainment and educational fields.

Angela Hinrichs

Lead Facilitator

Angela HInrichs is the lead facilitator for all three NEW INSIGHTS Into Children's Temperament programs. When facilitating, she applies her experiences as a classroom teacher and parent to relay support and practical advice.

Jim Vetter

SEL4US Executive Director

Jim Vetter has extensive experience with SEL, community organizing, online communities of practice, and e-learning. In addition to being the Executive Director of SEL4US, Jim serves as Executive Director of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts (SEL4MA) and is Associate Director of Health and Technology at Education Development Center (EDC).

Heather Thompson

CEO of Attachment Matters, LLC

Heather Thompson, CEO of Attachment Matters, LLC, is an educator, professional development specialist, and certified Integrated Attachment Theory coach. Combining her psychology background and classroom experience, she has supported school districts nationwide in assessment and curriculum implementation (HMH, Savvas, IXL). Now, she translates cutting-edge attachment science into practical tools, empowering schools and families to build stronger relationships and resilient communities.

Zephira Derblich-Milea

Core Facilitator for Attachment Matters

Zephira Derblich-Milea (they/them), a core facilitator for Attachment Matters, brings over 20 years of expertise as a healthy relationships educator. Passionate about fostering safe and respectful connections, Zephira has led impactful in-person and virtual workshops for parents and youth, equipping them with skills to thrive in their interpersonal dynamics.

Christa Pruss & Kasia Gutierrez

Student Success Coach | AVID Counselor

Christa and Kasia are a dynamic team of educators with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to supporting K–12 educators in integrating social emotional learning (SEL) into daily instruction. Known as the “Confidence Coaches for Kids,” they are the authors of The Puzzle of You and The Puzzle of Instruction—resources designed to empower both students and educators through reflection, confidence-building, and actionable SEL practices.

Susan Davis

Postdoctoral Researcher | UNC at Chapel Hill

Susan J. Davis, Ed.D., is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill specializing in educational leadership, social-emotional learning, and school-community partnerships. A former school counseling coordinator and CASEL Fellow, she brings two decades of experience bridging research and practice to promote equity and wellbeing in schools. Her current work focuses on the implementation of mindfulness-based programs through culturally responsive, community-engaged leadership.

Beth Rice

Co-Founder/Co-Director of SEL4NC

Co-Founder/Co-Director of SEL4NC

J Sterrett

Program Lead | Black SEL

J Sterrett is a 2nd year MDiv student at Duke Divinity School and Black SEL's program lead. J began their journey as an educator in 2010 teaching upper elementary in SE Washington D.C. J has taught elementary, middle, and high school and has designed student curriculum, school-wide behavior initiatives, and was a principal at a middle school in Durham, NC. J understands the power of SEL specifically culturally responsive and Black affirming SEL for the ongoing development of student and community leaders for Black communities. J has designed and facilitated adult learning and student programming with an eye toward equity and inclusion with a clear emphasis on identity and community engagement.

Matt Nink (He / Him)

Partnerships for SEL in WI, NC and the USA -- I can help you connect to the resources you need!

I am National Partnerships Director for SKY Schools and IAHV. We offer SEL and Breathwork that is evidence based and data driven. We can help ADULTS and STUDENTS in your school / community org reduce stress and INCREASE overall PERFORMANCE. Learn more at www.skyschools.org/research

Dr. OH

Executive Director, STEMearly

"What we learn in FUN, we remember all ways!