Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Professional Development

As a former Director of Clinical Experiences and Professional Development Schools, Dr. Kristi James brings a wealth of knowledge to the Navigate360 team. Kristi’s tenures as a Regional Special Education Director and Director of Professional Learning underscore her commitment to inclusivity, diverse learning needs, and educational excellence.

At the core of Dr. James’ philosophy lies the holistic development of every child. She is dedicated to equipping educators with essential tools for fostering complete student growth. From curriculum design to methodologies, her influence resonates in professional learning experiences for teachers and educational leaders alike.

Dr. Kristi James holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, specializing in Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University. Her dynamic blend of experience, vision, and educational background fortifies the Navigate360 Professional Development team and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Tameeka Pigford is a lifelong learner and educator. Working in Title I schools for almost two decades with the NYC Department of Education has equipped her with the tools to understand the nuances of social-emotional learning and the benefits that come with educating the “whole child”. She also completed a 200-hour yoga training through Breathe for Change where yoga and SEL were the objectives.

As an SEL Coach, her mission is to provide teachers with the resources to successfully incorporate strategies and skills while preparing their students to navigate the ebbs and flows of life.

In her spare time, she paints eclectic home decor pieces using the science of color called chromotherapy.

Amber Pearson is originally from sunny Phoenix, Arizona. She is an alumnus of Northern Arizona University (Go Lumberjacks!), and she has a BS in elementary and early childhood education, along with a MS in educational leadership and administration. Amber enjoys spending time with her husband and son, visiting family and friends, hiking with her dog, and reading mystery novels. 

While Amber will always be a Phoenician at heart (which is ever apparent in cold weather), her military family is often on the move. Throughout her 10 years in education, she has gained experience as an elementary teacher, Social Emotional Learning Instructional Coach, and/or Social Emotional Learning Behavior Interventionist while living in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wyoming. She now teaches elementary students remotely for a district in New York State.

Amber is excited to be a part of the Navigate360 team and she can’t wait to share her love of PBIS and social-emotional learning with other educators!

Kristin Calvert has been in the education field for over 20 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, a master’s degree in teaching in Early Childhood Education, and a master’s degree in School Counseling. She is currently working on a certificate in mental health counseling. 

Before transitioning into the role of school counselor, she was a teacher, mostly in the early elementary grades. For the past two years, she has been a K-8 school counselor and built a counseling program. This year, she will be a school counselor working primarily with grades 3-5. 

She has training in restorative practices, trauma-informed schools, yoga and mindfulness for kids, and is always looking for ways to stay up to date in all things social-emotional learning. 

It didn’t take long for his school and district to notice Adam’s enthusiasm, optimism and energy when it came to promoting PBIS. He worked tirelessly toward improving PBIS practices and encouraged his fellow staff members to join in the excitement of developing PBIS expectations and procedures. Thanks to his passion for PBIS, Adam has presented at several schools in his district and has helped many across the state in developing their PBIS initiatives.

Adam holds degrees in music education, counselor education and school administration. After a decade of using these degrees at the school and district levels, Adam was ready to expand his reach. As a professional development educator with PBIS Rewards, he now trains schools all over the world!

Anna is a native Texan, through and through. She knows where to find the best chicken fried steak and says that word ‘y’all’ often! She is sadly lacking in cowgirl skills but will happily chat with you about the Dallas Cowboys any day (especially after a winning game). When Anna isn’t working, she loves to travel, see movies and spend time with friends.

Those weekly experiences inspired India to become a teacher. She attended Indiana University on a full academic scholarship. She later obtained a masters degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University. India taught at public, parochial and independent schools in Evansville and Indianapolis. She has a long, rich history of building up, educating and developing youth. India has been a diversity director for preschool through 8th grade students, has started youth ministries in various organizations and founded a women’s ministry that is still going strong after 20 years. After years of teaching students, India now works with teachers as a professional development educator at PBIS Rewards.

In her spare time, India still enjoys reading, learning, traveling, building community and having fun with diverse people. One of her most meaningful accomplishments is being able to continue the tradition her mother started by taking her own two children to the public library to enjoy books, crafts and conversations every Friday.