My Story
Thrive and Learn Online was born from one simple truth:
Social-emotional learning is essential — but it shouldn't feel impossible to teach.
We come from a family of educators. As siblings who have dedicated our careers to education, we've witnessed the same story play out from two different perspectives — one from the counselor's office, one from the classroom.
One of us has taught at nearly every level — from elementary and middle school, to college as a professor, and now high school. The other has spent over a decade as a school counselor, working directly with teachers, students, and families across elementary, middle, and high school settings.
Together, we've accumulated over 20 years of combined experience and we've both seen the same pattern repeat: teachers know how valuable SEL is, but they're stretched thin, crunched for time, and expected to do more with less.
As a teacher, I've lived the reality of trying to fit SEL into an overflowing schedule while managing 25+ students, endless standards, and my own exhaustion.
As a school counselor, I've witnessed teachers struggle with SEL implementation, seen which approaches actually work (and which just add to teacher overwhelm), and supported educators on the verge of burnout.
Even though SEL has the power to transform classrooms, it often gets pushed aside — not because teachers don't care, but because they're already juggling so much. And when they do try to implement SEL, it often becomes another source of stress instead of support.
That's why we created Thrive and Learn Online — to make SEL simple, practical, and truly sustainable. We wanted to build tools that fit seamlessly into a teacher's day, not add one more thing to their plate. Tools that empower educators to bring emotional wellness and community into their classrooms — and still leave school feeling good about what they accomplished.
Because here's what we've both learned: When teachers are burning out, students suffer. When teachers thrive, students thrive.
Mission Statement
Our mission is clear:
To make social-emotional learning simple, practical, and sustainable for every classroom.
SEL isn't an extra — it's the foundation for strong academics, positive relationships, and resilient learners. But it shouldn't burn you out. Through Thrive & Learn, I help teachers weave SEL into daily teaching with confidence and ease, supporting your wellbeing while you support your students — creating classrooms where both educators and children can thrive."
Credibility & Experience
Created by a Teacher-Counselor Team Who Understand Both Sides
Every Thrive and Learn Online resource is co-created by siblings with over 20 years of combined educational experience:
A classroom teacher with more than a decade of experience teaching across elementary, middle, high school, and college levels — someone who knows what it's like to manage a classroom, meet standards, implement curriculum, and try to fit "one more thing" into an already-packed day.
A school counselor with over 10 years of experience working with teachers, students, and families across elementary, middle, and high school settings — someone who has spent a decade in the counselor's office seeing what teachers really struggle with, understanding the emotional toll of the classroom, and witnessing which SEL approaches actually work (and which just add to teacher overwhelm).
This unique partnership means Thrive and Learn Online bridges clinical expertise in social-emotional development with practical, classroom-tested implementation. We understand the research AND the reality. We've seen SEL from both the counselor's office and the front of the classroom.
✅ Grounded in Real Classrooms: Every resource is classroom-tested and counselor-approved — created by educators who understand what it's like to manage a classroom, meet standards, support students with complex needs, and still want to make a difference without sacrificing your sanity.
✅ Aligned with CASEL Competencies: All materials support the five key SEL areas — Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making — ensuring a research-based, clinically-informed framework that teachers can trust.
✅ Proven Through Experience: With over 20 years of combined experience as both a classroom teacher and school counselor across multiple grade levels, we know firsthand what works, what doesn't, and what teachers truly need to make SEL stick without burning out.
Our Values
Care: Every Thrive and Learn Online resource is created with heart — centered on the well-being of teachers first, then students. Because you can't pour from an empty cup. Sustainable SEL starts with sustainable teaching. We care about your mental health, your boundaries, your time, and your capacity — not just your students' outcomes.
Clarity: SEL should be simple to understand, easy to teach, and meaningful for students — without requiring a graduate degree to implement. Clear, jargon-free, and practical every step of the way.
Confidence: Teachers deserve tools that make them feel capable, supported, and inspired — not overwhelmed or guilty for not doing "enough." You get ready-to-use lessons, expert guidance, and permission to adapt or simplify. Your best is good enough.
Consistency: SEL works best when it's part of everyday teaching, not a one-off lesson or add-on activity. That's why we provide low-energy versions, quick activities, and flexible options — so you can maintain consistency even on exhausting days.
Sustainability: Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Thrive and Learn Online is designed for long-term implementation without burnout — giving you tools, support, and strategies that work in Year 1 and Year 10. We grow with you, not exhaust you.
Our Commitment to You
We understand how essential social-emotional learning is — not just for our students, but for you, the teacher who shows up every day despite exhaustion, overwhelm, and a never-ending to-do list.
You deserve support just as much as your students do.
Our goal is to help you bring SEL to life with confidence, clarity, and compassion — without sacrificing your wellbeing in the process. Our children deserve the skills to grow into kind, resilient, and capable adults. And you deserve a career that doesn't drain you dry.
When teachers are supported — truly supported, not just given more work — students thrive. And so do you. Together, we can shape the future one classroom at a time, sustainably.