Starting Strong: 3 Strategies to Unlock SEL at the Start of the School year
I'm Lana Penley! Welcome to Unlocking SEL.
If you landed here, chances are you are an educator
who is interested in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
We can help!
Unlocking SEL is an educational consulting firm that helps districts, schools and classrooms
implement systemwide social and emotional learning.
We believe that success in schools starts with cultivating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. Through evidence-based strategies, we develop and deliver personalized SEL solutions that are tailored to meet your specific needs
When we partner with you, we provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure you are ready to implement our SEL Blueprint. Together we will help you foster an environment where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Past and
Current Partners

Providing Social and Emotional Solutions to Schools
Are you struggling as an educator?

I've been where you are...
We all know Social and Emotional Learning is helpful, but often it is unclear where to start. We also know educators are really struggling.
of teachers are reporting high levels of stress with an unprecedented amount of considering leaving the field.
Teachers are charged with creating an ecosystem of care and calm in their classrooms. How do educators create that environment when they are running on empty, have compassion fatigue and often have reached their maximum stress level?
I can help.
My business has helped 1000's of educators reduce their stress and increase joy in their life through learning stress reduction strategies through the lens of mindfulness.
Want to find out more about how to work together?
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COMING SPRING 2024
Unlocking SEL
DO YOU KNOW SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING IS CRITICAL IN TODAYS WORLD BUT AREN'T SURE WHAT STEPS TO TAKE?
My book will show you a comprehensive model to SEL implementation in your school, district or classroom.
Unlocking SEL is a 5-step blueprint which will lead you from feeling stuck to a systemic plan-even if you don't know where to start.
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In this guide I will take you from the foundation of SEL, to the importance of starting with the adults to the classroom and finally to a schoolwide framework.
Mindful Leaders
Network

In this program, Mindful Leaders Network, Lana leverages her experience in school leadership and her experience in mindfulness.
This program is specifically designed for school administrators and district leaders, to support their learning of strategies that can decrease their stress and increase their wellbeing.
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FOR LEADERS
Unlocking SEL
A Blueprint for Schools

Our flagship educational program is titled Unlocking SEL. Through a blend of on site and interactive remote sessions, we lead teams through five sessions of SEL Implementation.
This training is for the whole staff. We begin with adult SEL and then pivot to student and classroom SEL.
FOR SCHOOLS
02
Keynote to Coaching

Based upon your schedule, resources or needs, we tailor our program to meet you where you are.
Contact us to discuss your particular situation and how we can help.
Some common examples of custom trainings are Keynote speeches and 1 on 1 coaching.
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CUSTOM
I have been in education for more than 20 years. Lana's training was the best I have ever had.
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-4th grade teacher

My Story
Ever had one of those days when your whole life changes, Nov. 10, 2009 was that day for me.
That was the day my school burned down. Though everyone got out safely, we were all left with significant trauma
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Following this crisis, we realized we needed to prioritize relationships over rigor and look to SEL as a path to healing.
I shifted my life and the direction of the school through SEL by adopting a foundation of mindfulness.
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With the laser like focus on many component of SEL, referrals dropped and academics rose. Happiness increased tremendously.
Most importantly, when focusing on heart first, everything else improved.
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I now want to serve the world by helping other educators implement SEL as a vehicle for creating happy and healthy schools and classrooms.
COO and Co-Founder

Dian Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Dian has over 25 years of experience in executive leadership, including a successful career with Kohler Company and President of Ann Sacks Tile and Stone. Dian manages our operations, planning and client relationships. she does everything that Lana hates to do. :)
Dian is highly skilled in the world of business, loves sudoku, and never met a crossword puzzle she can't complete.

Quincy
Director of "Pawsitivity"
Quincy is our certified emotional support pup. He has been working in mindful schools for the past four years. He brings his kisses and calming energy to work each day. Quincy offers his services pro "bone-o".
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He is available for keynotes speeches entitled, "Mindfulness for Mutts.