SEL Connection Lab

Welcome to SEL Connections Lab! I'm a middle school counselor, licensed creative art therapist, and creator of engaging SEL resources designed to help students build the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. After nearly two decades working in schools and over 20 years in the mental health field, I've learned that students learn best when they feel connected, valued, and engaged. That's why I create low-prep, high-engagement games, activities, and lessons that help students develop social-emotional skills while having fun. My resources focus on topics such as friendship skills, digital citizenship, growth mindset, bullying prevention, communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, study skills, and community building. Whether you're a counselor, SEL teacher, classroom teacher, advisory teacher, or administrator, you'll find activities designed to get students talking, thinking, laughing, and learning. Thank you for visiting SEL Connections Lab. I hope these resources help you create meaningful connections with your students while making your job a little easier!

I believe students learn best when they feel connected, engaged, and safe enough to take risks. My approach combines social-emotional learning, relationship building, and active participation through games, discussions, movement, teamwork, and reflection. Rather than relying solely on lectures or worksheets, I strive to create experiences that help students practice real-life skills in meaningful ways. My resources are designed to build community, encourage student voice, foster belonging, and make important SEL topics accessible and engaging for middle school learners. I am a strong believer in the power of gamification. While students are having fun and learning important content, they are also developing many of the social and emotional skills they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom. Through game-based learning, students practice taking turns, listening to others, communicating effectively, solving problems, managing emotions, handling both success and disappointment, working collaboratively with different classmates, showing respect for teammates, and persevering through challenges. In today's world, where many students spend increasing amounts of time interacting through screens, I believe it is more important than ever to create opportunities for face-to-face interaction, teamwork, and meaningful connection. My goal is to create activities that not only teach skills but also help students build relationships, strengthen classroom community, and develop the confidence to navigate real-life situations with empathy, resilience, and respect.

I have a Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and completed a three-year Postgraduate Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychodynamic Program. My education and training have provided a strong foundation in child development, counseling, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents.

As both a school counselor and art therapist, I am passionate about helping students develop the social, emotional, and life skills they need to thrive. I believe that meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for connection are just as important as academic success. When I'm not working with students or creating resources, I'm often cheering on my son's baseball teams, spending time with family, brainstorming new game ideas, or developing creative ways to make SEL engaging for middle school students. My goal is simple: create resources that help educators build stronger classroom communities while making learning meaningful, memorable, and fun.