Award-Winning Teacher, Principal, and Internationally Recognized Author

Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, aka Principal EL, is an award-winning principal and teacher, an internationally recognized speaker, and author/co-author of five best-selling books. Principal EL believes that resilient leaders make courageous decisions, take risks, and challenge the status quo. They are able to bounce back from adversity to become innovative and transformational to ensure all teachers and students achieve their dreams, no matter the odds. Transformational leaders shift mindsets and inspire others to effect change. In his thought-provoking presentations to over 100,000+ attendees, Principal EL shares how we can change school cultures and foster a positive school climate so teachers and leaders can focus on the protective processes that build resilience in all of our students.

7 Mindsets Director of Innovation, National Certified School Psychologist, and Author

Dr. Byron McClure is a National Certified School Psychologist and Founder of Lessons For SEL, where he uses research, human-centered design thinking to build empathy, ideate, co-create solutions, and design equitable resources that put the needs of children front and center. He formerly served as the Assistant Director of School Redesign at a high school in Southeast, D.C., where he was responsible for leading and reimagining what Social Emotional Learning looked like within an inner-city community.

President of 7 Mindsets, Executive, K-12 Education Marketplace Pioneer

Lupita Knittel has 20 plus years of pioneering leadership in the K-12 education marketplace. Prior to becoming the president of 7 Mindsets, she was CEO of PlanetHS and Global CMO of Promethean, playing key roles in building Promethean from its early start into a market-leading platform. Prior to working at Promethean, she led strategic initiatives for Apple and Electronic Data Systems. Lupita is passionate about improving the quality of life for all, and in addition to her work with 7 Mindsets, she serves as a board member for the SEL Providers Association.

Co-Founder of 7 Mindsets, Sought-after Speaker, and Best-selling Author

Noted as one of the world’s leading experts on student and educator empowerment, Scott Shickler is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, and SEL advocate. Scott is a renowned thought leader in social-emotional learning, equity, and educational leadership.

Scott has authored and co-authored eight books, including The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life. He has been featured in a variety of media, including CNN, ABC and NBC News, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Co-Founder of 7 Mindsets, Best-selling Author, and Acclaimed Speaker

Jeff Waller is a thought leader in social and emotional learning, personal achievement, and youth empowerment. He is the co-author of The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life. He is also the co-author of Ridiculously Amazing Schools – Creating a Culture Where Everyone Thrives. Jeff is the co-founder of 7 Mindsets Corporation, a social and emotional learning solution provider currently serving 2 million students and educators in 42 states.

Jeff has spent the last fifteen years observing hundreds of schools and thousands of classrooms and interviewing many of the country’s most preeminent educational leaders, including over 100 of the most successful administrators and teachers. Through this work, he has co-authored two books and co-developed the revolutionary 7 Mindsets program that delivers SEL curriculum and professional development to schools and classrooms from PreK to 12th grade.

Instructional Technology Coach, Professional Learning Executive, and Dynamic Speaker

Driven by a passion to advocate for the education needs of all learners, Aleasha draws from a combined 25+ years of experience as a leader in both the classroom and the boardroom working with individuals and organizations to amplify their learning and leadership success so they can make a measurable impact on the world around them. She presents with enthusiasm and expertise, effectively guiding her participants to elevate their skills to new heights. Audiences love her practical strategies and often describe her passion and energy as infectious.

Chief Science Officer – 7 Mindsets

Clark McKown, Ph.D., founded xSEL Labs with the mission of supporting effective educational practice with high-quality social and emotional learning assessments. Clark is a nationally recognized leader in the field of SEL assessment who is regularly sought for his expertise. He was lead author on a report of the state of the field of SEL assessment and author of “Assessing Student Social and Emotional Learning: From Planning Through Action.” Clark has been Principal Investigator on several federal and foundation grants whose purpose was to design, develop, validate, and scale social and emotional assessment systems. In his role as Chief Science Officer, Clark will lead 7 Mindsets’ work to provide usable, feasible, and actionable assessments alongside its program offerings.

Partner Solutions Leader, Educator, Instructional Coach

Chelsea Buchanan is Director of Partner Solutions and works with large districts across the country supporting them as they implement social- emotional learning with students and educators.  Chelsea has spent the last 17 years in education and has loved her roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, curriculum writer, district coach, and leader of the 7 Mindsets Education Services team. She was Teacher of the Year in 2012 and sat on district committees for literacy, curriculum design, data teams, academic coaching, and teacher evaluations.  Chelsea has extensive experience setting and monitoring IEP academic and behavior goals, the RTI process and data teams in schools. Chelsea now works with multiple departments at 7 Mindsets to ensure that districts and schools are set up for success and will thrive in their 7 Mindsets journey.