Helping Schools Create
Calm Classrooms,
Resilient Students
& Confident Educators

Partnering with schools to build resilience through mindfulness, nervous system regulation, movement, and social-emotional learning.

Why Schools Partner with Rise

Rise partners with schools to create calmer classrooms and stronger school communities through practical strategies that foster emotional regulation, resilience, and meaningful connection.

Stronger Connections

Calm Minds

Empowered Educators

Teach students practical strategies to recognize stress, regulate emotions, and feel safe enough to learn.

Strengthen relationships through mindfulness and movement that foster belonging and improve classroom culture.

Equip educators with sustainable tools that extend far beyond a single visit.

Who We Support

Rise partners with schools to strengthen every part of the school community through practical, relationship-centered support for students, educators, families, and school leaders.

Students

Educators

Families

School & District Leaders

Supporting Every Part of Your School Community

Whether you're supporting students, strengthening educators, partnering with families, or creating district-wide initiatives, Rise provides practical, relationship-centered solutions that meet your community where it is.

FOR STUDENTS

Student Programs

Interactive classroom experiences that help students build emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence through mindfulness, movement, breathing, and practical strategies they can use throughout the school day.

LEARN MORE

FOR EDUCATORS

Professional Learning

Helping educators feel more confident, connected, and equipped with practical strategies they can use immediately to support student well-being, strengthen relationships, and create calmer, more connected classrooms.

Me presenting at parent workshp SRD edit

LEARN MORE

Trusted by Schools Throughout New Jersey

From public school districts and independent schools to therapeutic, preschool, and special education programs, Rise proudly partners with communities across New Jersey.

For Families

Parent Education

Parenting doesn't come with a manual—but understanding your child's nervous system can change everything.

Rise workshops give parents practical, evidence-informed strategies to build stronger connection, navigate big emotions, and raise resilient children with confidence.

LEARN MORE

For School Leaders

Me presenting at Guidance Workshop_edite

Strategic Partnerships

Rise partners with schools and districts to build sustainable systems that strengthen student well-being, support educators, and create lasting school-wide impact. From professional learning and strategic planning to customized consulting, every partnership is designed to meet your community's unique goals.

LEARN MORE

Why Schools Choose Rise

Rise is more than a workshop—it's a long-term partner that helps schools build calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and sustainable systems that support lasting student and staff well-being.

Relationship—centered, customized to every school community

Practical strategies educators can use immediately

Designed to strengthen—not replace—existing SEL initiatives

Customized for the unique goals of every school community

Long-term partnership, not one-time programming

Contact

201-240-8226

Riseyogakids@gmail.com

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to work with paraprofessionals around one of the foundational beliefs of Rise Yoga & Mindfulness:

Regulation comes before expectation.

We explored what behavior may be communicating, how adult regulation influences student regulation, and practical strategies to use when a child is overwhelmed, impulsive, resistant, distracted, or shut down.

Paraprofessionals are often beside students during their most challenging moments. Giving them simple tools to breathe, move, ground, connect, and co-regulate can make an enormous difference—not only in behavior, but in a child’s sense of safety and ability to learn.

Supporting the adults who support our children matters. 🤍

#regulation #coregulation #mindfulnessinschools #socialemotionallearning
#studentsupport

To all my educator friends: a reminder that you make a difference to that “one” day in and day out! 💛

Wishing everyone a wonderful school year 🌟 Thank you for all you do!

#teachersmakeadifference
#teachers
#firstdayofschool
#thankyouteachers
#helloschool

Yesterday was a reminder that the people who carry so much for others need space to reset, too. 🤍

20 educational leaders. One intentional pause to breathe, reconnect, and remember that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s part of sustaining the work.

And hearing, “Can we do this again?” might have been my favorite part. 🌿

#EducationalLeadership
#EducatorWellness #AdministratorWellness #SelfCareForEducators
#schoolleadership

The passing of Hayden Panettiere has affected me more than I would have expected.

I didn’t follow her career closely or know much about her life before listening to her recent conversation with Jay Shetty. But hearing her speak so openly about everything she had endured—addiction, abuse, grief, postpartum depression and the immense pressure of growing up in the public eye—stayed with me.

One thing she said gave me chills:

“I feel like that’s something that they need to teach in school to children—how to be kind to yourself.”

She spoke about negative self-talk and how deeply the way we speak to ourselves can affect us—emotionally, mentally and physically.

I keep thinking about that.

What if children learned from an early age that their inner voice matters? What if they were taught how to meet their mistakes with compassion instead of shame? How to recognize when they need help? How to trust themselves, care for themselves and believe they are worthy of kindness—including their own?

We cannot know how someone’s life might have unfolded differently. But we do know that self-compassion, emotional awareness and healthy coping skills should not be lessons people encounter only after they are already hurting.

This is why we do the work.

This is why teaching children how to understand their emotions, regulate their nervous systems and speak kindly to themselves is not “extra.” It is essential.

May Hayden rest in peace. And may her willingness to share her story remind us how important it is to give children these tools early—before they desperately need them. 🤍

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #proactivewellness
#selflove❤️ #selfkindness

There are moments that remind me exactly why I do this work. 🤍

Yesterday at BOCES, this sweet boy was the very first one to arrive because he couldn’t wait for mindfulness to begin. As we settled in, he took a deep breath of lavender, soaking in a moment of calm.

Later, while I was teaching, he got up, walked over to me, and wrapped me in the biggest hug.

I don’t know exactly what he was trying to say, but in that moment, I felt like his hug said everything words couldn’t.

Moments like these remind me that sometimes the greatest measure of success isn’t mastering a pose or following directions—it’s helping a child feel safe, regulated, connected, and seen.

This is why I love my job. 🤍

#connectedteaching #nervoussystemreset #kidsmentalhealth #socialemotionallearning #socialemotionaldevelopment

A few weeks ago, I watched a boy fall off his scooter.

…and his first instinct wasn’t to cry.

It was to scream.

To hit.

To melt down.

To push away the very person trying to comfort him…his mom.

To his mom…

I see you.

I am you. 🩷

It’s easy for people to look at moments like these and see “bad behavior.”

But when you understand the nervous system, you see something different.

You see a child whose brain and body were suddenly overwhelmed.

Fear.
Pain.
Surprise.
Embarrassment.

His nervous system wasn’t choosing connection—it was choosing protection.

And in those moments, our children don’t need perfection from us.

They need us to be their calm when they can’t find their own.

That doesn’t mean we allow hitting.
It doesn’t mean there aren’t boundaries.

It means we recognize that regulation comes before reasoning.

Because a dysregulated child isn’t giving you a hard time.

They’re having a hard time.

To the parent who felt judged.
To the parent who questioned themselves.
To the parent who went home replaying the whole moment…

You’re not alone.

And neither is your child.

Maybe tomorrow, he’ll remember the scrape.

Maybe he’ll remember the fall.

But what he’ll carry much longer is whether someone helped him feel safe enough to find his way back.

That’s the work.

Not raising perfect children.

Raising children who know they don’t have to navigate their biggest feelings alone.

💛 Regulation before expectation. Always. We got this. 🫶

#consciousparenting #nervoussystemreguation #connectedparenting #coregulation #raisingresilientkids

Every new program reminds me that I’m the one who has to earn their trust. 🤍

Yesterday I began a new partnership with Rockland BOCES, and once again I’m reminded that every new environment is a transition—not just for me, but especially for the students.

For many of the non-speaking autistic students I work with, change can feel overwhelming. So I don’t rush it. I observe, connect, and meet each child exactly where they are. I find myself again in the seat of the student- learning from them because they have so much to teach me. I’m always so grateful for the knowledge and insight.

Slowly, unfamiliar becomes familiar. Trust grows. Bodies soften. Engagement follows.

It’s a beautiful reminder that regulation doesn’t begin with expectations—it begins with safety and connection. And watching that transformation unfold is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. 💙

#coregulation #autismsupport #specialeducation #rocklandcountyny #nervoussystemregulation

This one resonates with me deeply.

There are always two voices.

One whispers, “Stay where it’s safe.”
The other asks, “What could be possible?”
I’m learning that curiosity has taken me much farther than doubt ever could. 🤍

#mindsetmatters #mindfulliving #personalgrowth #resilience #healingjourney

There’s nothing better than watching children light up when they know they’re having yoga… and so much of that is because of amazing teachers like our Ms. Julia. 💛

Her calm presence, playful energy, and genuine love for every child make each Rise class a place where kids can move, breathe, grow, and simply be themselves.

We’re so excited that Ms. Julia is leading all of our Rise Summer Kids Classes this year, and we know the little ones are going to have the best summer with her! 🌈✨

#mindfulkids #kidsyoga #socialemotionallearning #breathemovegrow #livingourdream

What if today wasn’t about doing more, but about being more present?

The reminder I didn’t know I needed. Maybe you needed it too. 🌿

#livingwithintention #mindfulliving #breathepausechoose #slowdown #pause

Children don’t need another assembly.

They need experiences that help them pause, breathe, connect, and build skills they’ll carry long after the school day ends.

If you’re a PTO, HSA, school leader, counselor, or parent looking to bring meaningful wellness programming to your community, I’d love to connect.

Let’s give children tools for life. 💛

📩 Reach out to learn more about partnering with Rise Yoga & Mindfulness.

#schoolwellness #selmatters #mindfulschools #studentwellbeing #socialemotionallearning

Not every impact can be measured on a data sheet.

Sometimes it arrives in the form of a letter that leaves you speechless and with the deepest feeling of justification.

To know a child felt seen. To know a family felt supported. To know that kindness, patience, connection, and belief made a difference.

This is why we do the work. ❤️

As a specialist at one of our weekly partner therapeutic schools, I received this letter along with the other educators and specialists who also worked with this child. It’s hard to put into words how much this meant to me. I’m grateful beyond measure.

#werisetogether #therapeuticeducation #proactivehealth #sel #everychildmatters

As we say goodbye (or maybe just “see you in September”), I’m reminded that the most important things we teach can’t be left behind in a classroom.

Their breath. Their mindfulness tools. Their ability to pause, reset, and begin again.

They carry them everywhere they go—like an invisible backpack—through summer adventures and beyond. 🌿

Happy Summer Break to all my educator friends! ☀️

#resilientkids #riseup #rise #mindfulkids #sel

This is what proactive prevention looks like: giving children tools before they need them. ✨

Final days of this school year in our partner schools this week and next, and our empowering message is: you have all the tools inside you and you carry them everywhere
you go. 💛

#mentalhealthforkids
#sel
#mindfulschools
#mindfulclassrooms
#wholechild

Supporting the whole child through practical, classroom-friendly mindfulness and SEL experiences. 🌿

#wholechildeducation
#sel
#socialemotionallearning
#mentalhealthinschools
#schoolculture

We often underestimate the power of small things.

A 30 second reset.
A mindful breath.
A moment to notice before reacting.

These tiny acts of regulation add up- and over time, create meaningful change. 🌿

#childwellbeing
#nervoussystemreguation
#educatorwellness
#mindfulnessinschools
#socialemotionallearning

Resilience isn’t something we give children. It’s something we help them remember. 💛

#resilience
#resilientkids
#teacherprofessionaldevelopment
#socialemotionallearning
#guidancecounselor

Schools are getting closer to summer break, but now is the perfect time to start planning for a calmer, more connected new school year.

At Rise, we partner with schools to bring practical mindfulness, emotional regulation, and wellness strategies to students, educators and families.

From classroom programs and wellness days to staff professional learning and parent workshops, our goal is simple: help children and adults thrive.

We are running a New Client Summer Special with the hopes of spreading this work with some new school communities. 🌿

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, support student and educator well being, strengthen classroom culture, or provide meaningful training for educators, we’d love to connect.

✨ Small shifts. Meaningful change. Lasting impact.

Info@riseyoganj.com

Tag a school administrator, teacher, counselor, or PTO leader who should see this!

#schoolwellness
#teacherwellbeing
#minfulnessinschools
#socialemotionallearning
#educationalleadership

Yesterday, I had the privilege of presenting to the Bergen County School Counselors Association on a topic that is at the heart of my work: helping children build resilience through connection, regulation, and everyday practice.

For years, schools have worked hard to provide social emotional learning opportunities for students. But what if SEL wasn’t something we only taught during a designated lesson?

What if it lived in the everyday moments?

The small moments before a test.
The transition after recess.
The difficult conversation.
The frustrating mistake.
The big feeling.

By merging the principles of The 5 Keys to Raising Resilient Kids and Teens with a “Regulation Before Expectation” approach, we can create small shifts within existing school routines that help children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

Because resilience isn’t built during one assembly, one lesson, or one program.

It’s built moment by a moment, relationship by relationship, and breath by breath.

Thank you to the Bergen County School Counselors Association for the opportunity to share this work, and to all of the educators, counselors, and school leaders who show up every day to support the well-being of our students. 🌿

And always good to see friends and former colleagues! @sar_.marie 💗

Photo courtesy of the amazing @humansocialco the best!

#schoolcounselors
#traumainformededucation
#resilience
#mindfulschools
#socialemotionaldevelopment

Breathe in calm.
Breathe out tension.

Teaching children that they carry one of the most powerful regulation tools with them wherever they go – their breath.

And a good Friday reminder to us all! 🌿

#regulationtools
#fridayvibes
#mindfulmoments
#teachingandlearning
#selflove❤️

So grateful to join @drrscottlee for a conversation I believe every child deserves: accessible tools to support their mental health, emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience.

Mindfulness isn’t just about calming down. It’s teaching children how to understand themselves, move through big feelings, build focus, and feel safe in their bodies and minds.

And schools have the power to make these tools accessible to all children – not just the ones who can access support outside of school.

This mission means so much to me.
Glad to share the why behind the work and appreciative for the receptivity and collaboration from Scott. 🌿

Listen to our full episode and so many other great episodes for educators on “The Thoughtful Teacher” podcast.

#childrensmentalhealth #socialemotionallearning #nervoussystemregulation #emotionalregulation #mindfulschools

This work is personal. 💚

Meet me, learn my mission, and see why I’m passionate about helping kids and educators feel supported, regulated and seen.

Available for student wellness days, PD and parent workshops.
DM to collaborate ✨

#selcurriculum
#selprogram
#njeducators
#njschools
#educator

Eight years ago, our family’s world stopped for a moment.

My daughter was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor and underwent brain surgery.

Even writing those words still feels surreal.

What followed was a season of fear, gratitude, perspective shifts, and the painful realization of how quickly life can change. It also opened our eyes to how many individuals and families are living through brain tumors and even worst, brain cancer- how many lives are forever altered by a diagnosis no one ever expects.

During that time, the song “Rise Up” by Andra Day found me.

There’s a lyric that stayed with me deeply:
“I’ll rise up… in spite of the ache.”

I even quoted it years ago while speaking at a Brain Tumor Awareness walk because it captured exactly what I was trying to hold onto.

Not perfection.
Not toxic positivity.
Not pretending things aren’t hard.

Just the belief that even in our hardest moments… we can rise.

Rise through fear.
Rise through grief.
Rise through healing.
Rise through uncertainty.
Rise through change.

That message became part of my heart long before it became part of my business name.

And that’s how “Rise” was born. I thought, what could be more fitting or more meaningful for this work and this mission?

As May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, I’m holding close every individual and family navigating diagnosis, treatments, loss, healing, and the invisible aftermath that continues long after surgeries and appointments end.

Life can change in an instant.
And yet, somehow, the human spirit keeps finding ways to RISE.

🩶

Mindfulness doesn’t need a yoga studio, a perfect set up, or a quiet room.

It can live right here… On a classroom rug, in the middle of busy school days, helping children, pause, breathe, connect and feel safe in their bodies.

These little moments matter more than we realize. 🌿

#earlychildhoodeducation #mindfulkids #preschoolteachers #kidsyoga #kidsmindfulness

One breath, one moment, one child at a time. 🌿

#schoolcounselor #sel #teachersupport #wholechildeducation #educationalconsultant

On Monday, we said goodbye to Miss Sophia as she graduated from her MSW program. 💛

Sophia’s calm presence, compassion, and genuine care for every child that we worked with have made such a meaningful impact. She showed up with patience, heart, and a deep understanding of what it means to truly support others.

I am so proud of Sophia and grateful to have been part of her journey! The world is better with her in it, and the students and families that she will work with are so lucky to have her.

Wishing you so much success and fulfillment in this next chapter, Sophia – you will do incredible things! ✨

Classroom energy isn’t random.

👉 It’s created.

And it starts with regulation.

Comment “STATE” and I’ll send you a simple classroom reset you can use tomorrow. 💛

#SocialEmotionalLearning #MindfulnessInSchools #TeacherLife #TeacherSupport #ClassroomManagement #StudentBehavior #SchoolCounselor #SEL #ElementaryTeachers #MiddleSchoolTeachers #SpecialEducation #TraumaInformed #WholeChild #TeacherTips #EducationMatters

I had the wonderful opportunity to have a great conversation with Michael about why the first few minutes of a tutoring session (also very applicable to ANY teaching in general!) matters more than we think…
Full episode link in my bio! 🎙️

Most kids don’t need more discipline.
They need help regulating their nervous systems.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of working with students, educators, and parents across our partner schools- from time with the incredible students at Benway School to connecting with families through an Englewood Cliffs PTA workshop.

We’re seeing real momentum as more schools begin embracing a powerful shift:

Regulation before learning.
Connection before a correction.

Even more exciting – grants are being approved to support monthly SEL visits next school year, helping this work become part of the culture of the schools we partner with!

Grateful for the educators, administrators, and families helping bring this vision to life. 🩵

#selinschools #schoolwellness #mindfulnessinschools #wholechildeducation #traumainformededucation

Random Acts of Kindness Week hits differently when you return to the same schools year after year. 🤍

There is something so special about knowing the students, reconnecting with the teachers, and watching how these children grow every year. Ongoing partnerships allow this work to go deeper… it’s not just a visit, it’s a relationship.

This year’s theme: Be kind to yourself first.

When we take care of our minds and bodies- through breath, mindful movement, positive self-talk, and nervous system resets- it becomes so much easier to be kind to others.

✨Feel Good ➡️ Do Good.✨

Students and teachers received their own “menus” of simple strategies to use in school or at home- turning our wellness day into an ongoing SEL toolbox instead of a one and done experience. Because resilience is built through repetition, practice, and connection.

So grateful to partner with schools who value proactive mental and emotional wellness. We Rise together. 💛

#randomactsofkindnessweek #schoolwellness #sel #mindfulnessinschools #elementaryeducation

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Helping Schools Create
Calm Classrooms,
Resilient Students
& Confident Educators

Partnering with schools to build resilience through mindfulness, nervous system regulation, movement, and social-emotional learning.

Why Schools Partner with Rise

Rise partners with schools to create calmer classrooms and stronger school communities through practical strategies that foster emotional regulation, resilience, and meaningful connection.

Teach students practical strategies to recognize stress, regulate emotions, and feel safe enough to learn.

Strengthen relationships through mindfulness and movement that foster belonging and improve classroom culture.

Equip educators with sustainable tools that extend far beyond a single visit.

Who We Support

Rise partners with schools to strengthen every part of the school community through practical, relationship-centered support for students, educators, families, and school leaders.

Supporting Every Part of Your School Community

FOR STUDENTS

Student Programs

LEARN MORE

FOR EDUCATORS

Professional Learning

LEARN MORE

Trusted by Schools Throughout New Jersey

From public school districts and independent schools to therapeutic, preschool, and special education programs, Rise proudly partners with communities across New Jersey.

For Families

LEARN MORE

For School Leaders

Strategic Partnerships

LEARN MORE

Why Schools Choose Rise

Rise is more than a workshop—it's a long-term partner that helps schools build calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and sustainable systems that support lasting student and staff well-being.

Contact

Follow Me!

@RISEYOGA KIDS

Helping Schools Create Calm Classrooms, Resilient Students & Confident Educators

Partnering with schools to build resilience through mindfulness, nervous system regulation, movement, and social-emotional learning.

Why Schools Partner with Rise

Rise partners with schools to create calmer classrooms and stronger school communities through practical strategies that foster emotional regulation, resilience, and meaningful connection.

Teach students practical strategies to recognize stress, regulate emotions, and feel safe enough to learn.

Strengthen relationships through mindfulness and movement that foster belonging and improve classroom culture.

Equip educators with sustainable tools that extend far beyond a single visit.

Who We Support

Rise partners with schools to strengthen every part of the school community through practical, relationship-centered support for students, educators, families, and school leaders.

Supporting Every Part of Your School Community

FOR STUDENTS

Student Programs

LEARN MORE

FOR EDUCATORS

Professional Learning

LEARN MORE

Trusted by Schools Throughout New Jersey

From public school districts and independent schools to therapeutic, preschool, and special education programs, Rise proudly partners with communities across New Jersey.

For Families

LEARN MORE

For School Leaders

Strategic Partnerships

LEARN MORE

Why Schools Choose Rise

Rise is more than a workshop—it's a long-term partner that helps schools build calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and sustainable systems that support lasting student and staff well-being.

Contact

​

Follow Me!

@RISEYOGA KIDS

Helping Schools Create
Calm Classrooms,
Resilient Students
& Confident Educators