Kara Lee
Kara Lee is a child advocate and former educator with experience in public schools and event coordinating; ACE Interface Master trainer; passion for teaching and helping others; mindfulness instructor for children and adults.
Kara received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Converse College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Texas. In addition, Kara is a graduate of the year-long certification program offered through Mindful Schools, as well as having completed courses in Mindfulness Fundamentals, Mindful Educator Essentials, Difficult Emotions, and Mindful Communication. She is a former public school educator with 11 years of experience in early childhood classrooms, and is the Program Coordinator with USC Upstate’s Child Protection Training Center. Kara has had the privilege of speaking to educators and education majors from across the country on the power of mindfulness. She looks forward to the day that heart smarts are as treasured as brain smarts.
Kara received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Converse College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Texas. In addition, Kara is a graduate of the year-long certification program offered through Mindful Schools, as well as having completed courses in Mindfulness Fundamentals, Mindful Educator Essentials, Difficult Emotions, and Mindful Communication. She is a former public school educator with 11 years of experience in early childhood classrooms, and is the Program Coordinator with USC Upstate’s Child Protection Training Center. Kara has had the privilege of speaking to educators and education majors from across the country on the power of mindfulness. She looks forward to the day that heart smarts are as treasured as brain smarts.
Sessions Offered
Adverse Childhood Experiences
This training is an introductory presentation on ACEs, including data from the study, information on how early adversity as a child can impact adult health, and the steps we can take to address trauma in those we work with. (1.5-2 hours
An Introduction to the Compassionate Schools Approach
This module introduces participants to the Compassionate Schools framework. Compassionate Schools benefit all students who attend, but focus on students chronically exposed to stress and trauma in their lives. This is not a program, it is a process, and school communities are encouraged to explore their current strengths and develop a model that best serves their students. (1.5 hours)
Mindfulness
Becoming trauma-informed means learning more about how our students and families react to triggers, as well as how we can help (or hinder) these reactions. In this module, participants will learn the science behind mindfulness, as well as strategies that can be easily incorporated into ones’ day. (1.5 hours)
Resilience
This training focuses on how to help our students-- and ourselves-- strengthen skills of resilience. Evidence-based practices, research, and strategies will be provided. (1.5 hours)
Self-Care
Self-Care has become been a buzzword in many education circles, as we all recognize the challenges inherent in teaching. But what do those words actually mean and how can we incorporate self-care into our busy lives? This presentation will introduce participants to different levels of work-related stress, as well as internal and external types of self-care. Educators will leave this training with strategies that can be incorporated into daily-life immediately, without requiring gym memberships or costly meal plans. (1-1.5 hours)
