Professional School Counselor Experience
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." -Malcolm X
Kindall Tyson has worked at the intersection of education and mental health, in the United States and in Beijing, for the last 17 years. She has supported middle school and high school-aged students, the teachers that educate them, and the parents that support them. She believes in offering culturally responsive counseling support, programming, workshops and trainings,, and mental health education and support.
Due to her vast, diversified, student and community focused work, and international exposure, Kindall is uniquely qualified to support not only students, teachers, and counselors, but also parents and the entire school community at-large. She is a passionate advocate for student equity, mental health, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive social emotional learning.
The Importance of Social Emotional Learning
“Social emotional learning (SEL) is crucial because it equips individuals with essential life skills like self-awareness, empathy, relationship building, and responsible decision-making, allowing them to navigate challenges, manage emotions, and form positive connections, ultimately contributing to academic success, mental well-being, and overall life satisfaction; essentially, it teaches individuals how to understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make thoughtful choices in various situations.”
Key Aspects of SEL:
Self-awareness: Understanding one's own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence.
Self-management: Regulating emotions, controlling impulses, and setting goals, enabling effective coping mechanisms.
Social awareness: Recognizing and responding to the emotions and perspectives of others, fostering empathy and positive social interactions.
Relationship skills: Building and maintaining healthy relationships through effective communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Responsible decision-making: Evaluating situations, considering consequences, and making ethical choices based on personal values and social norms.
Benefits of SEL:
Improved academic performance: Studies show a strong correlation between SEL skills and better grades, as students are better equipped to focus, manage stress, and engage in learning.
Positive classroom climate: Reduced bullying, improved peer relationships, and a more supportive learning environment.
Enhanced mental health: Lower rates of anxiety and depression, as individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress.
Stronger social skills: Ability to build meaningful connections, collaborate effectively, and navigate social situations with confidence.
Positive life outcomes: Increased career success, better personal relationships, and greater resilience in the face of challenges.
