As an early childhood educator with more than 20 years of experience, I can say without hesitation that my training with IFSEL was the most meaningful professional—and personal—development I have ever received.

Throughout my career, I have believed that social and emotional learning is not an “extra.” It is fundamental to how we learn, how we build relationships, how we navigate conflict, and ultimately, how we care for one another. These skills are just as essential for adults as they are for children.

Too often, I have watched the intentional teaching of social-emotional skills begin to fade after the early childhood years, when in reality, this learning should deepen and grow alongside us throughout our lives. I believe the work IFSEL is doing belongs at the very heart of our classrooms, schools, and educational communities—not just locally, but globally.

My experience learning from Elizabeth and the IFSEL community profoundly shaped me. I left with practical tools that transformed my teaching, but the impact went far beyond my professional practice. The experience invited me to reflect on how I listen, communicate, navigate difficult moments, build relationships, and show up as a human being.

That is what makes IFSEL so extraordinary: this work is not simply about helping children manage emotions or develop interpersonal skills. It is about creating communities where people feel seen, valued, connected, and equipped to move through the world with greater empathy, self-awareness, courage, and care.

After more than two decades in education, it is rare for professional development to fundamentally change the way I think about both teaching and living. IFSEL did exactly that.

I deeply applaud Elizabeth and the entire IFSEL organization for the thoughtful, necessary, and deeply human work they are bringing into the world. Every child deserves access to this learning. Every educator deserves access to this learning. And, truly, I believe we would all benefit from it.

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