Overview
Breathe For Change’s Master’s of Education Degree Program is for educators inspired to take their teaching and leadership to the next level and facilitate learning environments that promote positive behaviors, elevate student performance, and enrich the well-being of entire communities. In this program, educators enhance their pedagogy, deepen their expertise in mindfulness and yoga, and improve their ability to foster healing and social change in their classrooms and communities.
Dean
Ilana Deborah Nankin
Dr. Ilana Nankin is a visionary leader in the field of education and wellness, recognized for her transformative work as the Founder and CEO of Breathe For Change. With a mission to enhance the health and well-being of educators, students, and entire communities, Dr. Nankin has established herself as an innovative entrepreneur, award-winning teacher educator, and passionate advocate for social justice.
Dr. Nankin's academic journey began with a B.A. in Psychology and Education from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also facilitated education courses. Her early career included roles as a pre-k teacher, early childhood education instructional coach, and education non-profit leader in San Francisco. Driven by a commitment to amplify the voices of teachers in the educational landscape, she pursued a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and became a teacher educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her doctoral studies, she engaged in teaching, mentoring, and conducting research, while also leading social-emotional learning, wellness, and yoga trainings for educators.
Her dissertation research revealed the critical connection between educator well-being and student learning, highlighting the detrimental effects of educator stress and the positive impacts of enhanced educator well-being on student outcomes. This research inspired the founding of Breathe For Change in 2015, and the launch of the world’s only Mindfulness, Social-Emotional Learning and Yoga Teacher Training specifically for educators. The organization has since certified over 15,000 educators as social-emotional learning facilitators and yoga teachers, and impacted 20 million students nationwide. Dr. Nankin is now pioneering the vision and curriculum and instruction design efforts of Breathe For Change’s Master’s of Education Program.
In addition to her work with Breathe For Change, Dr. Nankin has served as a professional development consultant for the NYC Department of Education, a teaching and research fellow at Sesame Workshop, and a keynote speaker at various conferences and engagements. Her dedication to integrating wellness into education continues to drive her efforts to create a more socially just and conscious world.
Academic board
Barbara Malkas
Dr. Barbara Malkas is the Superintendent of North Adams School District in Massachusetts. She has served as an educator for over 36 years and in 2024 was honored as Superintendent of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. In each of her roles, she strives to improve the quality of education for all students, particularly those representing underserved populations.
Barbara Malkas holds a Master of Science degree in Science Education from St. John’s University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the Sage Colleges of Albany.
Her doctoral research studied the impact of collaboration as a systemic reform initiative in large urban districts. She found that shared leadership and mutual accountability can lead organizations to increased clarity, coherence, and professional growth.
Dr. Malkas is a 500 hour certified yoga instructor through Breathe For Change. Recently, her district engaged with Breathe for Change as a research site identifying the positive outcomes for students and staff when these strategies are taught, used, and supported.
Dr. Malkas resides in Clarksburg, MA with her husband, and their two dogs and cat. She is the proud parent of two young adults.
Ilana Deborah Nankin
Dr. Ilana Nankin is a visionary leader in the field of education and wellness, recognized for her transformative work as the Founder and CEO of Breathe For Change. With a mission to enhance the health and well-being of educators, students, and entire communities, Dr. Nankin has established herself as an innovative entrepreneur, award-winning teacher educator, and passionate advocate for social justice.
Dr. Nankin's academic journey began with a B.A. in Psychology and Education from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also facilitated education courses. Her early career included roles as a pre-k teacher, early childhood education instructional coach, and education non-profit leader in San Francisco. Driven by a commitment to amplify the voices of teachers in the educational landscape, she pursued a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and became a teacher educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her doctoral studies, she engaged in teaching, mentoring, and conducting research, while also leading social-emotional learning, wellness, and yoga trainings for educators.
Her dissertation research revealed the critical connection between educator well-being and student learning, highlighting the detrimental effects of educator stress and the positive impacts of enhanced educator well-being on student outcomes. This research inspired the founding of Breathe For Change in 2015, and the launch of the world’s only Mindfulness, Social-Emotional Learning and Yoga Teacher Training specifically for educators. The organization has since certified over 15,000 educators as social-emotional learning facilitators and yoga teachers, and impacted 20 million students nationwide. Dr. Nankin is now pioneering the vision and curriculum and instruction design efforts of Breathe For Change’s Master’s of Education Program.
In addition to her work with Breathe For Change, Dr. Nankin has served as a professional development consultant for the NYC Department of Education, a teaching and research fellow at Sesame Workshop, and a keynote speaker at various conferences and engagements. Her dedication to integrating wellness into education continues to drive her efforts to create a more socially just and conscious world.
Kelli Sammis
Dr. Kelli Sammis spent three decades in PK-12 education with roles ranging from classroom teacher to building principal to district-level leadership.
While earning her doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, she designed a new teacher induction program for Texas schools that was grounded in positive behavior systems, mindful practices, and educator well-being. Her doctoral research focused on Second Language Acquisition of Adult Learners, and her thesis for her graduate endorsement in Gifted Education inspired her to design an alternative assessment tool for recognizing gifted students in environments of generational poverty.
During the years that she served as a district Director of Professional Development, she always grounded her professional development presentations and trainings in mindful practices regardless of the content being delivered, so that every educator that she had the privilege to lead received tools for their own well-being that then informed their professional practices. She’s also a 500hr-E-RYT yoga instructor, a certified Masters of Wisdom Meditation teacher, and a Chopra Center Ayurvedic health coach and meditation guide. All of these yogic tools have greatly informed her practices and methodologies as an educational leader.
She currently serves as the Dean of Academic Programs at Breathe For Change, a Member College of WOOLF University, as well as Adjunct Professor for Antioch University, and Subject Matter Expert for Western Governors University.
Education
2021-
Doctorate of Education
University of Louisiana at Monroe
2002-
Graduate Endorsement in Gifted Education
University of North Texas
1999-
Masters of Educational Leadership
Midwestern State University
1993-
Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in English `
Faculty, instructors and professional experts
Barbara Malkas
Dr. Barbara Malkas is the Superintendent of North Adams School District in Massachusetts. She has served as an educator for over 36 years and in 2024 was honored as Superintendent of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. In each of her roles, she strives to improve the quality of education for all students, particularly those representing underserved populations.
Barbara Malkas holds a Master of Science degree in Science Education from St. John’s University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the Sage Colleges of Albany.
Her doctoral research studied the impact of collaboration as a systemic reform initiative in large urban districts. She found that shared leadership and mutual accountability can lead organizations to increased clarity, coherence, and professional growth.
Dr. Malkas is a 500 hour certified yoga instructor through Breathe For Change. Recently, her district engaged with Breathe for Change as a research site identifying the positive outcomes for students and staff when these strategies are taught, used, and supported.
Dr. Malkas resides in Clarksburg, MA with her husband, and their two dogs and cat. She is the proud parent of two young adults.
LaShawn Williams
Dr. LaShawn C. Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Relational Change Strategist focusing on the interactions between people and across differences where connection matters most. Her anti-oppression work centers on the effects of marginalization, isolation, and disconnection in personal and professional spaces.
She holds Masters in Social Work and in Public Administration from Marywood University, and a Doctorate of Education from the College of Saint Mary, where she focused her research on Relational Cultural Theory's major topics (i.e. Connection, Disconnection & Relational Transformation) as experienced by Social Work faculty members who were teaching diversity concepts in graduate and undergraduate classrooms.
Grounded in Relational Cultural Theory, Dr. Williams works with leaders at every level to help them engage the taboo concepts of interpersonal shame and humiliation to create pathways toward mutual empathy and empowerment. She is passionate about Relational Transformation and eagerly supports individuals, couples, families and groups through her practice.
She is currently a faculty member at Breathe For Change, with expertise in social emotional learning and relational transformation.
Elizabeth Anne Schreiber
Beth Schreiber has been an educator for more than 28 years. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana and a Masters Degree in Education specializing in Yoga, Mindfulness, and SEL from Breathe Fir Change. She has been a classroom teacher, administrator, mentor, instructional coach, and has delivered professional development across the country. She is excited to join the Breathe For Change faculty as a Faculty Advisor and Adjunct Professor.
Tammy Thompson
Dr. Tammy Thompson Kapp’s 30+ years in education includes experiences at all levels, 4K through 12th grade. During her career, Tammy has worked as a classroom teacher, school improvement facilitator, educational consultant, elementary and alternative high school principal, director of elementary education, and assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. Each of these experiences have continued to support her passion to support and build capacity in educators to ensure high quality teaching and learning for all students. Dr. Tammy Thompson Kapp holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and Master of Arts in adaptive education from Alverno College. She holds a Master’s in educational leadership from Cardinal Stritch University and obtained a Director of Instruction certification from Marquette University. She earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Edgewood College for her dissertation studying School Leaders’ Perceptions of an Inclusive, Equity Focused Social-Emotional Learning Framework in Diverse School Settings.
Ilana Deborah Nankin
Dr. Ilana Nankin is a visionary leader in the field of education and wellness, recognized for her transformative work as the Founder and CEO of Breathe For Change. With a mission to enhance the health and well-being of educators, students, and entire communities, Dr. Nankin has established herself as an innovative entrepreneur, award-winning teacher educator, and passionate advocate for social justice.
Dr. Nankin's academic journey began with a B.A. in Psychology and Education from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also facilitated education courses. Her early career included roles as a pre-k teacher, early childhood education instructional coach, and education non-profit leader in San Francisco. Driven by a commitment to amplify the voices of teachers in the educational landscape, she pursued a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and became a teacher educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her doctoral studies, she engaged in teaching, mentoring, and conducting research, while also leading social-emotional learning, wellness, and yoga trainings for educators.
Her dissertation research revealed the critical connection between educator well-being and student learning, highlighting the detrimental effects of educator stress and the positive impacts of enhanced educator well-being on student outcomes. This research inspired the founding of Breathe For Change in 2015, and the launch of the world’s only Mindfulness, Social-Emotional Learning and Yoga Teacher Training specifically for educators. The organization has since certified over 15,000 educators as social-emotional learning facilitators and yoga teachers, and impacted 20 million students nationwide. Dr. Nankin is now pioneering the vision and curriculum and instruction design efforts of Breathe For Change’s Master’s of Education Program.
In addition to her work with Breathe For Change, Dr. Nankin has served as a professional development consultant for the NYC Department of Education, a teaching and research fellow at Sesame Workshop, and a keynote speaker at various conferences and engagements. Her dedication to integrating wellness into education continues to drive her efforts to create a more socially just and conscious world.
Yvonne M. Roberson
Yvonne M. Roberson is a Licensed Educator at the middle school level of a large urban school district, where she has served for 28 years. She holds a Master's Degree in Policy and Leadership from The University of Dayton, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology for The Ohio State University and a Teaching License from Ohio Dominican College. She specializes in interpersonal and organizational change with staff members through professional development that covers SEL, PBIS and restorative practices. Yvonne works with leaders and teachers at every level administering district and school wide professional development opportunities and examining schoolwide data to determine action plans for improving school culture, climate and academic conditions. Yvonne is a certified yoga instructor through Breathe For Change and is leading the charge of teaching yoga and mindfulness skills to urban children that traditionally have not had the opportunity to learn these skills. She teaches yoga skills to children in her school district and the community. She is also the author of two children's books, School The Perfect Place For Yoga and I Just Need to Breathe. These books are learning tools that bridge the gap between literacy, mindfulness, and social emotional learning. She currently is employed as a Social Emotional Learning Practitioner and a Restorative Practices Trainer in her school district. As a Faculty member for Breathe For Change, Yvonne offers expertise in social emotional learning, mindfulness and yoga.
Elizabeth Siliato Bailey
Elizabeth is a member of the faculty, product, operations, and leadership teams at Breathe For Change. She is grateful to be in a position that honors her knowledge and experience in the areas of education, yoga, online programming, relationship health, community service, and holistic wellness.
Education: B.A. in Psychology with minors in Music & History (Boston University) Certified Nonprofit Professional (AmeriCorps NCCC & UMontana) Child Development Associate Credential (Bright Horizons University) E-RYT 500 with various yoga training in prenatal yoga, chanting, deep stretch meditation, power vinyasa, and more (The River Yoga & more) Master in Education & Human Development, with a concentration in Family Relations, thesis option (University of Colorado Denver)
Pamela Ruta Alles
Pamela Alles is a trauma-informed educator, mentor, and coach whose 30 years of classroom experience has provided support and guidance for students of all ages, from childhood through adult.
Pamela holds a Master's of Education degree in Health and Wellness, along with certifications in Health Coaching, Social Emotional Learning and Facilitation, and Transformative Teaching and Leadership. Her academic background and practical experiences have equipped her with a deep understanding of the brain-body connection and the importance of holistic well-being.
Pamela offers weekly mindfulness and meditation practices to guide students and colleagues in becoming more present and centered, equipping them to navigate the various challenges of life. Within the Breathe for Change organization, Pamela has served as a Student Mentor, Product Lead Trainer and Social Emotional Learning Trainer and Facilitator.
Kelli Sammis
Dr. Kelli Sammis spent three decades in PK-12 education with roles ranging from classroom teacher to building principal to district-level leadership.
While earning her doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, she designed a new teacher induction program for Texas schools that was grounded in positive behavior systems, mindful practices, and educator well-being. Her doctoral research focused on Second Language Acquisition of Adult Learners, and her thesis for her graduate endorsement in Gifted Education inspired her to design an alternative assessment tool for recognizing gifted students in environments of generational poverty.
During the years that she served as a district Director of Professional Development, she always grounded her professional development presentations and trainings in mindful practices regardless of the content being delivered, so that every educator that she had the privilege to lead received tools for their own well-being that then informed their professional practices. She’s also a 500hr-E-RYT yoga instructor, a certified Masters of Wisdom Meditation teacher, and a Chopra Center Ayurvedic health coach and meditation guide. All of these yogic tools have greatly informed her practices and methodologies as an educational leader.
She currently serves as the Dean of Academic Programs at Breathe For Change, a Member College of WOOLF University, as well as Adjunct Professor for Antioch University, and Subject Matter Expert for Western Governors University.
Education
2021-
Doctorate of Education
University of Louisiana at Monroe
2002-
Graduate Endorsement in Gifted Education
University of North Texas
1999-
Masters of Educational Leadership
Midwestern State University
1993-
Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in English `
Laurene Hofman
Dr. Laurie Hofman’s 25+ years in education include teaching and administration in rural and suburban elementary schools. In 2013, she began her career in higher education, both as an adjunct within the Concordia University System and as full-time faculty at Olivet Nazarene University, supporting teachers pursuing additional endorsements and advanced degrees. She recently added work with undergraduate teacher education candidates to her professional experience. She loves working with people who are entering the field of education as well as those who are currently teaching.
Dr. Laurie Hofman earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Irvine and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction/Educational Leadership from University of Phoenix. Her dissertation focused on the Perceived Effects of Courage to Teach Self-Reflective Practices on Teacher Stress.
Supporting teachers in both their professional roles and their personal lives continues to be a passion, and she is excited to serve as a Faculty Member for Breathe for Change College.
Alicia Gee
Alicia is a multifaceted professional dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, particularly for marginalized individuals. By day, she serves as an adjunct professor, imparting knowledge in English Education for Chicago Public School students via Kennedy King as she has done for the last twenty-two years. By night, she transforms into a therapist, focusing on areas such as sex education, domestic violence, and self-care, rooted in her extensive educational background.
Alicia holds a diverse array of degrees, including a Bachelor’s in English Education from Northeastern Illinois University, a Master of Fine Arts from Chicago State University, an Education Specialist degree from Concordia University, and a Masters in Social Work from Aurora University. Her commitment to holistic wellness is reflected in her certifications in yoga, mediation, anger management, sex therapy, and Gottman Levels 1 & 2. She is excited to be a Faculty member at Breathe For Change college, with a focus on mental health, social emotional learning and wellbeing.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Alicia finds joy in family bonds, cherishing moments with her three adult children, grandchildren, and siblings. She indulges her creative spirit through gardening and the art of candle making. Currently residing in Chicago, Alicia continues to advocate for mental health equity and empowerment within her community and beyond.
Samuel Rami Levine
Sam is the Senior Vice President of Product at Breathe For Change and an Associate Professor of Leadership and Psychology. He holds a B.A from Cornell University in Political Science and an M.A in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. His Master's thesis focused on the psychology and neuroscience of purpose, which culminated in a popular course titled, "A Guide to Uncovering Your Life's Purpose."
He is a successful entrepreneur and learning leader in the education sector, where he’s held leadership positions over the past 15 years at innovative companies in K-12 and higher education like Amplify, Breathe For Change, Coursera and Hone.
Most recently in his position as Vice President of Learning at Hone, he developed a curriculum of over 100 courses focused on social emotional learning with subject matter experts in neuroscience, psychology and leadership development. His classes on leadership and social emotional learning have been consumed by over 100,000 employees from companies, schools and organizations across the globe.
Sam is a professional coach, transformational facilitator and keynote speaker, and leads workshops and professional development for diverse audiences, ranging from C-suite leaders to K-12 educators and students.
Michelle Cordero Myers
Michelle is a Professor of Yoga at Breathe For Change College, responsible for the quality and content of all yoga courses, as well as professional development courses and webinars.
Michelle began teaching yoga and movement in 2002. Known for her passion for teaching skillfully and mindfully, she was voted "Best Yoga Teacher of the East Bay 2018" by Oakland Magazine. Michelle has led retreats, workshops and teacher trainings internationally. She is certified at the highest level with the Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 credential.
Michelle holds a certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, and is a Certified Wellness Coach and Craniosacral Work practitioner. Michelle has trained with the Trauma Center - Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TC-TSY) program as well as the Trauma Informed Resilience Oriented Approach (TIRO). Michelle teaches with a sense of humor, curiosity and compassion. Her courses are inclusive, gender affirming, trauma informed and uniquely tailored to meet the needs of each student regardless of experience, age, gender or body shape. Michelle has devoted the last decade to trauma informed, inclusive and accessible teaching. She is a highly skilled facilitator and diversity, equity and belonging program initiator.
Salina Gray
Dr. Salina Gray is an educator, researcher, and trauma-informed coach specializing in healing through resilience building. Her educational career of 25 years includes research and classroom teaching, serving students from elementary through graduate school. Salina earned her doctorate from Stanford University in the area of Curriculum and Instruction in Science Education. Her research focuses on the intersection of racial and science identity with an emphasis on social justice science teaching. Her work has been disseminated at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, the Teachers for Social Justice conference, Free Minds Free People, and the American Educational Research Association. Dr. Gray has been an adjunct faculty for more than 10 years at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, California. She has both developed and taught courses in Transformative Science Education, Curriculum and Instruction, as well as Education and Democracy. Salina is trained in trauma-informed facilitation and has vast experience and publications in the field of social justice. She is a certified yoga instructor through Breathe For Change and is currently a faculty member, with expertise in social emotional learning and trauma informed teaching.
Darcy Aksamitowski
Darcy’s love of education began in the mountains of Idaho. With an emphasis on outdoor learning and leadership, her schooling inspired a genuine interest in the field of education. It was this interest that propelled her to Tulane University in New Orleans, where she earned her BA in Psychology and Philosophy, before attending Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, and earning a Master’s in Education.
Darcy has been fortunate to work at some of the finest progressive schools in the country. Having spent time at Brookline Elementary in Massachusetts and Crow Island Elementary in Winnetka, Illinois, she has enjoyed the emphasis on innovative teaching ideas, experiential learning, and witnessing profound growth among her learners.
Her desire to expand her role in education led her to obtain a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership and take her 16 years of teaching experience into an administrative role. She currently works as Roycemore’s Early Childhood and Lower School Division Head in Evanston, IL, where she implements new initiatives to foster belonging, trauma informed practices, and SEL within the early childhood and lower school division and faculty community. Darcy is an active advocate of early childhood education and is a member of the Evanston Early Childhood Council, serving on the steering committee. Her desire to synthesize mindfulness into daily routines led her to become a Mindful Coach (Mindful Education Training with Daniel Rechtschaffen) in 2018. More recently, she has been trained as a trauma-informed SEL Coach and became a certified RYT 500 yoga instructor through Breathe for Change.
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