Hello, I'm M'Lissa.
Hi! My name is M'Lissa. It’s a pleasure to meet you! I am a passionate, energetic educator who has served in the public school system since 2005 where I’ve excelled in a variety of educational leadership positions throughout my career including: special education teacher, behavior specialist, school counselor, and Social-Emotional Learning specialist and content/program developer. I am also a devoted mother, daughter, and advocate of individuals who face challenges in overcoming daily obstacles of mental health and developmental deficiencies. My degrees include: ~ Education Specialist Degree: Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (2018) ~ Master’s Degree in Professional School Counseling (2010) ~ Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (2005) Having over 15 years experience specializing in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), I accommodate individualized and small group social skills lessons strategically designed with inventive, evidence-based tools and strategies targeted to increase emotional intelligence in the following areas: ~Self- Awareness: Understanding of Oneself, Self-Reflection, Identifying Emotions, Self-Perception, Recognizing Strengths and Weaknesses, Self-Confidence, Self Efficacy, Growth Mindset ~Self- Management: Manage and Regulate Emotions, Self-Motivation, Self-Discipline, Goal Setting, Organizational skills, Impulse Control, Coping Techniques ~Social-Awareness: Relating to Others, Perspective, Empathy, Appreciating Diversity, Respecting Others ~Relationship Skills: Relationship Building, Communication, Teamwork, Social Engagement, Conflict-Resolution ~Responsible Decision Making: Identifying and Solving Problems, Analyzing Situations, Solving Problems, Evaluating, Reflecting Integrating my devotion, expertise, and connection into each lesson, I demonstrate regulation of emotions and thoughts that drive desired outcomes and behaviors, achieve personal goals, and ultimately minimize stress across settings with lasting results. Using a variety of interactive learning methods, my mission is to empower the whole child by incorporating engaging activities into every lesson such as: - Art - Music - Creativity - Play - Role playing - Mindfulness With passion and purpose, I am on an exciting, new adventure to help strengthen the lives of children and families beyond the school setting; together providing awareness, enthusiasm, and elevation of SEL across climates and cultures to essentially promote life-skills that reinforce social, emotional, behavioral, academic, and personal growth for life-long achievement. Additional trainings, certifications, qualifications in SEL: ~ Applied Behavior Therapy: Registered Behavior Technician (2024) ~ Dialectical Behavior Therapy (2023) ~ Second Step SEL Certification (2022) ~ Conscious Discipline (2017) ~ TEACCH Autism Program (2016) ~ Capturing Kids’ Hearts (2015) ~ Reach MS (2015) ~ Cognitive Behavior Therapy (2010) ~ Boys’ Town Training (2008) ~ Educator’s Licensure (2005) ~ Emotional Disabilities (2018) ~ Guidance Counselor (2010) ~ Mild/Moderate Disabilities k-12 (2005)