Choose Love CARES: Workshops & Coaching

Choose Love CARES
EXPERIENTIAL WORKSHOPS

Elevating Your School-wide Character Social Emotional Development Skills and Transforming Your School Culture

School administrators, principals, educational leaders…

Give your teachers, staff and students the support they want and need by creating a school culture of Choosing Love.

Choose Love CARES workshops provide professional development and coaching that supports our no-cost Choose Love For Schools™ programming. We are here for you and your team to cultivate a positive environment and healthy mindsets. We’ll show you how easy and rewarding it is to implement Choose Love programming and embrace the Choose Love lifestyle.

Get your school year started with a Kickoff Keynote with Scarlett Lewis, Choose Love founder, followed by Foundations of Choosing Love, and Implementations & Best Practices. Continue your Choose Love journey with our four-part Master Class series which focuses on each pillar of the Choose Love Formula. 

Our workshops allow you and your team to:

  • Help with the increasing number of students battling social, emotional and behavioral issues;
  • Grow greater awareness around the benefits of Character Social Emotional Development (CSED);
  • Feel more confident and equipped to integrate essential Choose Love practices within your personal life as well as the classroom;
  • Create a more peaceful and loving learning environment.
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Email us for more information: info@jesselewischooselove.org

Fundamental Workshops

Choose Love Kickoff Keynote

Powerful Background & Curriculum Overview

Summary

Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, will discuss the global nonprofit organization she created to build a culture of love, resilience, forgiveness, and connection in our schools and communities at a time when it is needed the most as part of the solution to the many issues we’re seeing in schools today that translate into society. Through Scarlett’s story, with a focus on what she’s learned and experienced, participants will discover the importance of essential life skills taught through the Movement’s no cost, comprehensive, lifespan, next generation Character Social Emotional Development programs (CSED) that are suited for all ages and stages of life, that teach educators and their students how to Choose Love in any circumstance. People become connected, resilient, and empowered when they Choose Love.

This session will offer participants ways to integrate social-emotional practices into their lives and in the classroom through understanding and practicing the transformative Choose Love Formula. They will be nourished and empowered to take a proactive hands-on approach to transform their classrooms and communities into positive learning environments to effectively support the needs of their students.

Outcomes
  • Participants will understand the Choose Love Formula, why it was created, what it includes, and how to apply it in the classroom.
  • Participants will be able to apply and implement simple practices in their daily lives to combat fatigue and anxiety, restore their vitality, and help them feel more emotionally and mentally empowered.
  • Participants will understand how they can take back their personal power and thoughtfully respond to challenges by choosing love.
Workshop Duration

Virtual Session

90 minutes

In-Person Session

90-120 minutes

Foundations of Choosing Love

Essential Self Care For Educators & Leaders

Summary
Through an “experiential” exploration of the foundational components of the Choose Love Formula, including Post Traumatic Growth, Mindfulness, Growth Mindset, Positive Intelligence, and Neuroscience, workshop participants will fortify their own social and emotional well-being.
Outcomes
  • Fun and connection through shared learning and community building.
  • Enhances personal mental well-being and professional sustainability through mindfulness/mental fitness and self-care practices.
  • Complementary strategies in fun and creative ways that can be used in the classroom.
  • Learn to integrate Choose Love CSED practices into personal and professional life.
Workshop Duration

Virtual Session

90 minutes

In-Person Session

90-120 minutes

Implementation & Best Practices

Choose Love Curriculum Lesson Engagement

Summary
For schools looking to align their teams in the rollout of the Choose Love curriculum. A deep-dive, hands-on experience where participants learn how to best use the Choose Love curriculum and will be able to implement the lessons immediately.
Outcomes
  • A step-by-step experiential journey through the curriculum and the Choose Love Formula Pillars.
  • Overview of lesson breakdown, best implementation practices and a demonstration of a Choose Love lesson.
  • Learn how the Choose Love Formula grows developmentally with each grade level.
  • Review of scope and sequence charts to assist in customizing a plan to implement Choose Love programming utilizing SMART goals.
Workshop Duration

Virtual Session

90 minutes

In-Person Session

90-120 minutes

Master Class Series

Ongoing Coaching for
Educators

Summary
Nurture and support the wellbeing of your school staff through an “experiential” exploration of principles, practices and implementation ideas for each of the Choose Love Formula character pillars: Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion in Action.

Each workshop (4 total) is designed to be facilitated quarterly throughout the school year.

Outcomes
  • Build support and momentum for Choose Love programming.
  • Enhance educators’ well-being through self-regulation techniques and strategies.
  • Cultivate connections amongst school staff through intentional community building.
  • Engage educators with strategies they use in their classrooms.
Workshop Duration

Virtual Session

4 workshops*, 90 minutes each

In-Person Session

4 workshops*, 90-120 minutes each

*Recommended quarterly. Can be combined depending on availability.

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Specialty Workshops

Trauma Informed Experiential Wellness

Creating The Safe Space To Heal

Summary

The increased trauma associated with pandemic teaching has created a silent epidemic in education: educators with nothing left to give. This workshop creates a safe space for teachers to reconnect to the heart, as it helps to heal from the inside out.

Outcomes
  • Participants will learn how to identify symptoms of stress and trauma, while learning tools and skills to manage emotions and make positive choices.
  • Cultivate connections with others while exploring opportunities for post traumatic growth.
Workshop Duration

Virtual Session

90 minutes

In-Person Session

90-120 minutes

The Behavior Guidance Connection​

Transforming Teachers, Transforming Education

Summary
This workshop will challenge your basic assumptions around the behavior of youth and the teacher’s role in shaping that behavior to accomplish learning goals in any area of the whole-child model (social, emotional, physical, and cognitive).
Outcomes
  • Create clarity around the behaviors expected in their classroom & the “why’s” of those behaviors.
  • Relate the four Choose Love ingredients to their Behavior Guidance efforts.
  • Understand their role in the shaping of the behavior of children and youth.
  • Recognize & effectively plan for & respond to the 4 main types of students’ mistaken behaviors.
Workshop Duration

Virtual Session

90 minutes

In-Person Session

90-120 minutes

The Mind / Body Workshop

Shifting the SELF into Regulation

Summary
With the rise of mental health challenges amongst our youth, educators need effective solutions to create calmer classrooms and support positive behavior. Mindfulness breaks, also called focused attention practices, have been proven to teach the nervous system how to come back into balance so that executive functioning skills can be accessed. As students develop the capacity to mindfully pause, breathe, move and direct attention, the neural circuitry for impulse control, emotional management, and attention flourish. This creates the optimal internal states for learning, communicating and thriving.
Outcomes
  • Learn the neuroscience of mindfulness and self regulation in relation to learning.
  • Explore evidence-based, mind/body practices that are easy to implement and save you time each day. This means more attention and less behavioral disruptions.
  • Understand the importance of your own well-being as a model for setting the nervous system up for success.
  • Enjoy how these tools prepare both you and your students to cultivate a classroom climate of safety, compassion and connection.
Workshop Duration

Virtual Session

90 minutes

In-Person Session

90-120 minutes

Packages & Custom Workshops Available!

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We’ll Be With You Every Step of the Way

We are here to support YOUR Choose Love Journey in whatever capacity you need. Select one of our current workshop offerings or let us know what you are looking for.

We are more than happy to discuss the unique needs of your team or district to create a custom workshop or series that best suits your current needs.

Meet Our Certified Trainers

Do Any of the Following Apply to You?

  • You would like to take more time to work on YOU to create a healthier mental well-being.
  • You would like to address the increasing number of students battling social, emotional, and behavioral issues, but don’t feel confident or equipped on where to start.
  • You would like to cultivate strong, authentic connections with staff & students, to enhance trust, collaboration, and teamwork.
  • You want to help your students and staff feel supported, safe, happy and loved to foster positive, loving learning environments and maximize academic learning.

If you checked ANY of these boxes…we have JUST the solution for YOU!

Need Funding? We Can Help!

Grants are available. We can help you find a grant and apply.

Looking for grant funds to schedule CARES professional development or implement Choose Love programming at your school? Your school may have Federal funding available, and we can assist you with grant applications. We recommend first contacting your school administrator for information about ARP/ESSER funding plans.

Educators may also check these websites for individual grants:

https://www.neafoundation.org/educator-grants-and-fellowships/
https://teach.com/what/teachers-change-lives/grants-for-teachers/

Email us for more information: info@jesselewischooselove.org

Schools & Communities Choosing Love

What People Are Saying About Our Workshops

“My greatest takeaway from this workshop was learning about things I can incorporate into my live lessons next year, and even things I can do to help my daughter with her anxiety. I plan to use positive self-talk, music, getting to know students on a more personal level, and share with students different breathing techniques. This is not information that only teachers can use for their students. It's information that anyone can use.”

Testimonial Item

KELLY FOSTE

7TH GRADE MATH TEACHER, WASHINGTON CONNECTIONS ACADEMY, WA
“I loved how personal this curriculum is and how it was created by educators for educators. My biggest takeaway is that SEL is so important for us teachers and students, and the more we can include reflections and check-ins throughout our weeks the better. I loved the facilitator’s energy, and I think any school without a SEL curriculum should join in and begin with this Choose Love curriculum because it lays a great foundation for students, teachers, and staff.”
Testimonial Item

KATIE NARDI

ELEMENTARY TEACHER, WASHINGTON CONNECTIONS ACADEMY, WA

Meet Our Certified Trainers

Choose Love Program Director, NH; Certified Trainer

Shannon Desilets
Certified Trainer

Aleshia Fleming
Certified Trainer

Shae Owens
Certified Trainer

Rick Rood
Choose Love Program Director, NH; Certified Trainer

Shannon Desilets

Shannon’s journey is an example of when one’s passion and purpose come together. At her core is the desire to help others. Shannon’s expertise in brain-based trauma therapy is what first introduced her to the Choose Love Movement, as she has provided therapy to the Newtown/Sandy Hook CT community for the last 10 years. She has been an instructor of this specialized therapy (MNRI), teaching and providing therapy worldwide. With a strong desire to work to bring the Choose Love Movement to her son’s school in NH, she became a Choose Love Ambassador, but things didn’t stop there.

Shannon was appointed by and has worked directly out of the office of Governor Chris Sununu since August of 2018  Since this time, she has led the nation through the efforts and example being set by the state of NH, utilizing this Character Social Emotional Development lifespan program. She is a pivotal member of the School Safety Preparedness Taskforce, working directly with Homeland Security. Further, under her direction, New Hampshire has become the first in the nation to launch Choose Love for Caregivers (designed for foster parents and workers in the field), as well as Choose Love for Corrections.  She provides workshops for every division within the Department of Safety and various other state departments.

Shannon is a published author for STRIVE magazine, sharing what NH has made happen with the Choose Love Movement. Shannon also leads the Choose Love Youth and College level Ambassadors.  In addition, she serves as the Choose Love liaison for governmental departments nationwide.

Her heart shines when bringing the Choose Love Movement forward, and she is fueled to bring this to all!

Email:shannon.m.desilets at nh.gov

Certified Trainer

Aleshia Fleming

Aleshia Fleming has dedicated herself to educating students in Texas for 24 years. She is currently a school counselor at Hillsboro Intermediate School in Hillsboro, Texas.

Aleshia became a Choose Love Ambassador for the state of Texas in 2020 and has spread the message of Choosing Love with many educators and families. She has had the opportunity to lead the movement in her own district since 2018. Aleshia has presented throughout the state of Texas to educators and administrators sharing the impact Choose Love can make in schools, communities, and homes. She is also a facilitator for the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation and hopes to help spread Jesse’s message of Nurturing, Healing, Love.

Email:aleshia at jesselewischooselove.org

Certified Trainer

Shae Owens

Shae Owens has a BS in Elementary Education and a MS in School Counseling.  She has been an educator for almost 30 years serving Texas schools as an elementary school teacher and counselor. She is currently the school counselor at Hillsboro Elementary School in Hillsboro, Texas.  Hillsboro ISD has been implementing Choose Love for Schools since 2018, and since that time Shae has experienced the many positive ways that Choose Love has transformed campus culture for both students and staff.

Shae was recruited by Jesse as a Choose Love Ambassador for the state of Texas in 2020, and has had the opportunity to connect with educators throughout the state by presenting at conferences and workshops at the district, region, and state levels to introduce them to the Choose Love Movement. She is passionate about sharing the Choose Love message and believes Choose Love should be part of ALL campuses and communities.  Shae is excited to be part of the team of Choose Love workshop facilitators and looks forward to helping Choose Love GROW throughout not only Texas, but across the nation, by assisting other educators with implementing Choose Love for Schools at the campus and district levels.

Email:shae at jesselewischooselove.org

Certified Trainer

Rick Rood

Rick Rood has been on the front lines of Education for nearly 30 years, working directly with children and front-line staff.  With degrees in Education, Afterschool Care, and Applied Mathematics, Rick is a student of the thought leader movement, distilling lessons from master teachers like Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, and Brendon Burchard – giving them practical application to education professionals.  Participants have described his workshops as “fascinating” and “life-changing.”

Rick is a classroom teacher, and in the past he has run afterschool programs, taught music, computer programming, and youth leadership workshops.  Rick is a contributor to “Youth Today!” and is the author of “Games Teachers Play Before the Bell Rings”.  Rick is a Certified High Performance CoachTM and works privately and in groups with education professionals to help them achieve higher levels of performance in their work and personal lives.

Rick is the driving force behind Transforming Teachers, Transforming Education, an organization rooted in the Positive Youth Development philosophy dedicated to training and inspiring youth-serving professionals.  Through Transforming Teachers, Rick has delivered workshops and keynotes to thousands of education professionals, helping teachers transform their “inner game” of teaching to better serve youth, children, and families.

Rick and his team created the Beyond School Time Conference for Out-of-School-Time Professionals in 2018 as a way for California’s OST Professionals to connect, learn, and gather inspiration.

Email:rick at jesselewischooselove.org

Read The Latest From Our Facilitators

Choose Love C.A.R.E.S. School Assembly

Choose Love C.A.R.E.S. School Assembly

Aug 15, 2022 |

By Julia Richter, Choose Love C.A.R.E.S. Implementation Coach I was privileged to onboard Choose Love programming at Curtis Strange Elementary School in Kenosha, WI in late August 2021 by facilitating 4 hours of Choose Love CARES Professional Developments to staff. ...

read more

You Aren’t Alone

We are here to help you and your team cultivate positive, healthy mindsets, enhance your personal well-being, embrace Choose Love programming with ease, unite greater as a staff, and better support the needs of your students.

Our workshops will allow you to grow greater awareness around the benefits of Character Social Emotional Development (CSED), feel more confident and equipped to integrate essential CSED practices within your personal life as well as the classroom, and create a safe and loving environment.

Check Out Our Workshops

Request More Information Today!