ABOUT US
Imagine a School Culture based in
PEACE, COMPASSION & KINDNESS
Our curriculum encourages just that. Both teachers and students learn to adopt habits that result in a healthy body, mind and outlook.
Our Proprietary Stress-Reduction Program Includes:
Our SKY Teachers Can
- calm an anxiety attack related to a test or traumatic event
- ease an emotional outburst
- intervene to prevent a violent reaction to a difficult situation.
- offer one-on-one breath work interventions
Our purpose is:
To give teachers tools & techniques they can use inside the classroom and at home to practice self-care so they can manage their own stress and negative emotions.
These teachers naturally buffer the stress of the children they serve, thus helping them become more resilient and successful.
Meet Our Team
National Staff
BILL HERMAN
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR
Bill received his BFA, MFA and teaching credentials from the Art Institute of Chicago. He founded SKY Schools and has trained SKY Schools teachers in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Australia, South Africa, Canada and England as well as the United States.
Bill received his BFA, MFA and teaching credentials from the Art Institute of Chicago. He founded SKY Schools and has trained SKY Schools teachers in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Australia, South Africa, Canada and England as well as the United States.
ELAN GEPNER
NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Elan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University. He spent 15 years establishing empowerment programs for youth, including leadership academies, poetry and theater festivals, youth film productions, and personal development coaching and instruction.
Elan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University. He spent 15 years establishing empowerment programs for youth, including leadership academies, poetry and theater festivals, youth film productions, and personal development coaching and instruction.
DEIRDRE JACKSON
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING
Deirdre studied psychology and sociology at Clemson University in South Carolina and helped to found The Tracy Jackson Foundation, which provides support to battered women and self-empowerment programs for under privileged girls.
Deirdre studied psychology and sociology at Clemson University in South Carolina and helped to found The Tracy Jackson Foundation, which provides support to battered women and self-empowerment programs for under privileged girls.
SUSAN RAMSUNDARSINGH
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION CONSULTANT
Susan is a social worker and researcher. Her expertise is in community building approaches to poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and disaster relief. She holds a Master in Social Work, a MBA and is currently completing her PhD.
Susan is a social worker and researcher. Her expertise is in community building approaches to poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and disaster relief. She holds a Master in Social Work, a MBA and is currently completing her PhD.
MATT NINK
National Partnerships Director
Matt received his MA from Northern Illinois University. He is a life-long educator having worked as a teacher, coach, administor, board member, and consultant. He directs SKY Schools USA partnerships and works with teams to expand SKY programs to urban, rural and suburban districts across the US. He specializes in leadership development for schools and teams.
Matt received his MA from Northern Illinois University. He is a life-long educator having worked as a teacher, coach, administor, board member, and consultant. He directs SKY Schools USA partnerships and works with teams to expand SKY programs to urban, rural and suburban districts across the US. He specializes in leadership development for schools and teams.
Loaya Quesada
Operations and Finance Manager
Loaya has a BA in Humanities from the University of Puerto Rico. She’s spent over 20 years working with individuals and social organizations creating cultural exchange through community programs. She brings to the table a background on UX/UI and Content. Supporting our team on social media management and design.
Loaya has a BA in Humanities from the University of Puerto Rico. She’s spent over 20 years working with individuals and social organizations creating cultural exchange through community programs. She brings to the table a background on UX/UI and Content. Supporting our team on social media management and design.
New Jersey
Narciso Cruz
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Narciso studied Political Science at the City College of New York. He has more than twenty-five years of professional experience in youth development, and 10 years of experience as a SKY Schools teacher and also teaches SKY programs at youth correctional facilities nationwide.
Narciso studied Political Science at the City College of New York. He has more than twenty-five years of professional experience in youth development, and 10 years of experience as a SKY Schools teacher and also teaches SKY programs at youth correctional facilities nationwide.
Linda Salzer
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Linda Salzer is a registered nurse and a teacher. She began her career in Freeport as a Nurse teacher and later as a Health teacher where I was introduced to the SKY Schools Program. She is now a full time SKY Schools teacher.
Linda Salzer is a registered nurse and a teacher. She began her career in Freeport as a Nurse teacher and later as a Health teacher where I was introduced to the SKY Schools Program. She is now a full time SKY Schools teacher.
RONDI SEWELSON
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Rondi Sewelson taught with the NYC Department of Education for 30 years. She received her B.A. from Bennington College in Theatre Arts, and her M.A. from New York University. She is a Drama Therapist, a New York State licensed Creative Arts Therapist, English, Theatre, and Special Ed teacher.
Rondi Sewelson taught with the NYC Department of Education for 30 years. She received her B.A. from Bennington College in Theatre Arts, and her M.A. from New York University. She is a Drama Therapist, a New York State licensed Creative Arts Therapist, English, Theatre, and Special Ed teacher.
Washington / Maryland / Virginia
SHALINI JERATH
SKY SCHOOLS VIRGINIA COORDINATOR. SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Shalini Jerath. SKY Schools Teacher. Shalini has a degree in Electrical Engineering from India Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India. She is currently working with the Federal Aviation Administration and joined the SKY schools team as a teacher in 2018.
Shalini Jerath. SKY Schools Teacher. Shalini has a degree in Electrical Engineering from India Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India. She is currently working with the Federal Aviation Administration and joined the SKY schools team as a teacher in 2018.
STEER
SKY SCHOOLS VIRGINIA COORDINATOR. SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Steer. SKY Schools Maryland Coordinator. SKY Schools Teacher Steer completed his coursework at the University of Maryland for a Bachelor’s of Science in Community Health; and Drexel University’s School of Public Health for a Master’s in Public Health. He has a passion and desire for engaging and empowering under-served communities.
Steer. SKY Schools Maryland Coordinator. SKY Schools Teacher Steer completed his coursework at the University of Maryland for a Bachelor’s of Science in Community Health; and Drexel University’s School of Public Health for a Master’s in Public Health. He has a passion and desire for engaging and empowering under-served communities.
MARLENE SANDHU
SKY SCHOOLS GREATER DC AREA DIRECTOR
Marlene graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College and has a 25-year career of community service project leadership throughout the Washington, DC area. In 2008 she joined the International Association for Human Values teaching team as a teacher of ages 6-adult.
Marlene graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College and has a 25-year career of community service project leadership throughout the Washington, DC area. In 2008 she joined the International Association for Human Values teaching team as a teacher of ages 6-adult.
San Francisco Bay Area
PRIYA MAYURESHWAR
SKY SCHOOLS CITY DIRECTOR, SFBA. SKY SCHOOLS
Priya has 13 years of as a Software Engineer and Business Analyst in India, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and the US. Inspired by the work done by IAHV, she made the switch to teaching SKY Schools in 2009.
Priya has 13 years of as a Software Engineer and Business Analyst in India, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and the US. Inspired by the work done by IAHV, she made the switch to teaching SKY Schools in 2009.
ANJALI VISHWANATH
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Anjali has worked for many years in the hi-tech industry. She is a certified Yoga instructor, teaches Stress Management workshops through the Art of Living Foundation, and loves to run marathons.
Anjali has worked for many years in the hi-tech industry. She is a certified Yoga instructor, teaches Stress Management workshops through the Art of Living Foundation, and loves to run marathons.
SHASHIREKHA ALUR
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Involved as a volunteer with the SKY Schools Program since its inception in 2009, became a SKY Schools teacher in 2015. impressions. She strives to keep a peaceful and stress free attitude within, while being totally engaged with enthusiasm with the world outside.
Involved as a volunteer with the SKY Schools Program since its inception in 2009, became a SKY Schools teacher in 2015. impressions. She strives to keep a peaceful and stress free attitude within, while being totally engaged with enthusiasm with the world outside.
SUPRIYA GULLAPALLI
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Supriya received her undergraduate degree in India and completed Masters in engineering from NYU in 1991. She worked in software industry for 13 years until 2004. She has volunteered as a domestic violence counselor, PTSA president, Neighborhood association president and chaired various school committees in local public schools.
Supriya received her undergraduate degree in India and completed Masters in engineering from NYU in 1991. She worked in software industry for 13 years until 2004. She has volunteered as a domestic violence counselor, PTSA president, Neighborhood association president and chaired various school committees in local public schools.
SHAMILA SIHOTA
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Shamila worked as a Montessori teacher for 8 years in Asia. She has lived in India, London, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. She has been volunteering for the last 20 years and teaches The Happiness Program, SKY Schools, Art of Meditation and Prison Smart.
Shamila worked as a Montessori teacher for 8 years in Asia. She has lived in India, London, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. She has been volunteering for the last 20 years and teaches The Happiness Program, SKY Schools, Art of Meditation and Prison Smart.
IRENE YAMANE
SKY OUTREACH DIRECTOR BAY AREA & REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Graduate of UC Irvine with a BA in Social Ecology. Enjoyed a professional career as project manager in Silicon Valley startups. She has been volunteering with youth programs since 2009.
Graduate of UC Irvine with a BA in Social Ecology. Enjoyed a professional career as project manager in Silicon Valley startups. She has been volunteering with youth programs since 2009.
ALLIE XIONG
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Allie works as a Computer Science instructor at CSU Monterey Bay and Foothill College. She has 14 years of experience working as a software engineer and program manager in the IT industry. She holds a Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science.
Allie works as a Computer Science instructor at CSU Monterey Bay and Foothill College. She has 14 years of experience working as a software engineer and program manager in the IT industry. She holds a Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science.
Chicago / Milwaukee
AMBROSE WB
DIRECTOR OF SKY SCHOOLS, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
A personal trainer, performance coach, and workshop facilitator, Ambrose started with SKY Schools as a volunteer in 2013. Ambrose believes the SKY has the power to breathe new life into both traditional and modern educational institutions.
A personal trainer, performance coach, and workshop facilitator, Ambrose started with SKY Schools as a volunteer in 2013. Ambrose believes the SKY has the power to breathe new life into both traditional and modern educational institutions.
BEVERLY WALKER
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER. COMMUNITY MANAGER
An activist, businesswoman, and speaker, Beverly started her journey as a SKY participant. She is motivated to share her experience with others in the hope they'll find some peace in their lives as she has.
An activist, businesswoman, and speaker, Beverly started her journey as a SKY participant. She is motivated to share her experience with others in the hope they'll find some peace in their lives as she has.
BARON WALKER
TEACHER-IN-TRAINING
An activist, businessman, and speaker, Baron just completed his SKY Schools Teacher-Training Course in the summer of 2019. He's now a teacher-in-training, working closely with the Milwaukee team, volunteering as possible.
An activist, businessman, and speaker, Baron just completed his SKY Schools Teacher-Training Course in the summer of 2019. He's now a teacher-in-training, working closely with the Milwaukee team, volunteering as possible.
Los Angeles / Pomona
DEIRDRE JACKSON
LEAD SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER / COORDINATOR, LA
Deirdre studied psychology and sociology at Clemson University in South Carolina and helped to found The Tracy Jackson Foundation, which provides support to battered women and self-empowerment programs for under privileged girls.
Deirdre studied psychology and sociology at Clemson University in South Carolina and helped to found The Tracy Jackson Foundation, which provides support to battered women and self-empowerment programs for under privileged girls.
AURELIA LOPEZ
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER / COORDINATOR, POMONA, CA
Aurelia attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College and worked in the mortgage industry. Mother of four amazing, beautiful children, she feels fortunate her children had SKY tools and breathing techniques growing up.
Aurelia attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College and worked in the mortgage industry. Mother of four amazing, beautiful children, she feels fortunate her children had SKY tools and breathing techniques growing up.
JEFF KNEPPER
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Jeff has a BS in marketing and a MA in education. Jeff is a California credentialed general and special education teacher. He teaches math for both general and special-ed students at Hamilton High School.
Jeff has a BS in marketing and a MA in education. Jeff is a California credentialed general and special education teacher. He teaches math for both general and special-ed students at Hamilton High School.
PRAMILA AGARWAL
SKY SCHOOLS TEACHER
Dr. Pramila Agrawal is a retired, board certified pediatrician who believes in integrative medicine. She organizes and teaches SKY Schools Breathing and Meditation courses in Pomona. She lives in Diamond Bar, CA with her husband and she has two children.
Dr. Pramila Agrawal is a retired, board certified pediatrician who believes in integrative medicine. She organizes and teaches SKY Schools Breathing and Meditation courses in Pomona. She lives in Diamond Bar, CA with her husband and she has two children.
They are different than other teachers
” Teachers help us with math and science – SKY teachers help us in our lives… they always, I don’t know, but they always figure out a way to make us feel better and comfortable.”
7TH GRADER, DODD MIDDLE SCHOOL
SKY Schools is a Project of IAHV
The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) is a 501(c)3 educational and humanitarian nonprofit that is committed to developing and promoting programs of personal development that encourage the practice of human values in everyday life.
We Define Human Values as:
A sense of belonging to common humanity, respect for all people, cultures and traditions, respect for the natural environment, an attitude of non-violence and an ethic of social service.
Founded in Geneva in 1997, IAHV works in special consultative status with the Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, and participates in a variety of committees and activities related to health and conflict resolution.
Awarded the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, IAHV demonstrates the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness..
WE BELIEVE
- All human beings are equal.
- Responsibility and an attitude of selfless service is true empowerment.
- Peace, happiness and compassion are the intrinsic nature of human beings.
- Socio-economic development must be built on human values to be sustainable.
- Incorporation of human values into all aspects of life will ultimately lead to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.
