The Why

At the heart of my work is a simple but powerful question:

How do we build the trust, teamwork, and belonging that help people thrive?

As a researcher and educator, I study these elements of connection in teacher preparation and higher education—where the quality of relationships often determines whether a student feels like they belong, and whether they choose to stay.

But this work reaches far beyond the classroom. It’s deeply personal. And deeply universal.
It’s about the everyday ways we connect—or disconnect—with ourselves, our families, our teams, and our communities.

My hope is that by exploring both the science and the stories behind connection, we can create spaces—homes, classrooms, workplaces, retreats—where everyone feels seen, heard, and truly part of something meaningful.

Time to Reflect (and Begin)

There are a million questions that shape how we move through the world, but these three offer a gentle way in. Take a quiet moment and ask yourself:

  • Do I know the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?

  • Have I explored a strengths-based vs. deficit-based way of seeing myself and others?

  • How fluent am I in emotional literacy—the ability to name and navigate my own emotions?

These aren’t just ideas. They’re frameworks for becoming more connected—to yourself and to others.

Read more about each one here.

If you’re curious about your personal strengths, a great place to begin is the free, research-backed VIA Character Strengths Survey.

It takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of your core strengths—qualities you already possess that help you reflect, relate, and grow.

(P.S. This is a great time to practice strengths-based thinking—notice what’s strong before rushing to what’s missing.)

What I Know to Be True

Our connection with others is only as strong as our connection with ourselves.

That’s why I invite you to begin wherever you are—with a breath, a pause, or a few kind words in a journal. Whether you reflect, connect, or learn—it’s enough to begin.

Try This Right Now

  1. Put your feet on the ground.

  2. Take two deep breaths.

  3. Ask:

What’s the kindest compliment I can offer myself today?

For me today:

“I’m proud of how I balanced organizing the garage with staying present in my reading. I created movement and stillness—and both are meaningful.”

Download the Kindness Compliment Reflection sheet here.

What’s Next?

Choose a path that feels like a fit today: