On this episode of Working Well we talk with Elvina Charley, Ed.S. She is a bi-lingual Diné (Navajo) school psychologist primarily supporting the Navajo Nation of Northeastern Arizona. Her school educates over 2,000 kindergarten through 12th grade students; a majority of students are bilingual and speak the language of the Navajo people. Ms. Charley has been practicing mindfulness since 2013 as a way to heal from historical trauma, and integrates mindfulness into her work with children, youth, and adults. She talks with NCSSLE Training Specialist Melanie Goodman about her Navajo heritage, reducing stress through mindfulness practices, helping students and staff process their post-Covid trauma, the importance of self-healing, and more.

0:21 - Introduction

1:12 - Family and Cultural history

4:14 - Decisions and path to becoming a school psychologist

8:25 - School district support

10:24 - Navajo Reservation and school setting

11:32 - School psychologist role and approach to wellness

13:31 - Teacher stressors and supports

16:00 - Mindful schools and implementation

19:08 - Post-pandemic implications and innovations

21:40 - Advice for implementing mindfulness and whole school wellness

24:57 - Post- pandemic awareness and self-reflection

26:52 - Closing

Working Well is brought to you by the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments at the American Institutes for Research. This podcast is funded by the US Department of Education. If you'd like to learn more about NCSSLE, visit safesupportivelearning.ed.gov. For all questions or feedback, you can email us at NCSSLE@air.org.

Thanks for listening. Please note, the contents of this podcast do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the US Department of Education, nor does it imply endorsement by the US Department of Education.