MEET THE TEAM
Our hearts and minds are invested in every child!
We are dedicated to empowering educators and counselors with innovative, sustainable, and dynamic programs to optimize every child's potential.
We’re devoted to fostering emotional and mental well-being in children. Our mission is rooted in compassion, innovation, and scientific rigor, and we are dedicated to democratizing access to essential mental and emotional health resources. By emphasizing experiential learning, we empower children and adults alike to cultivate their 'joy muscle,' enabling them to confidently navigate the world with a deep sense of agency and purpose.
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Aicha Sharif
CEO, Co-Founder
Aicha, an education innovator with 10+ years of experience, specializes in Emotional Intelligence, STEAM, and Entrepreneurship. She has developed comprehensive curricula, including 300+ lesson plans, collaborating with esteemed universities and empowering 100s of students to find their Super Powers.
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Shalini Samtani Melwani
Curriculum and Crafts, Co-Founder
Shalini successfully develops innovative and impactful products that prioritize compassion, creativity, and emotional well-being—pioneered the groundbreaking integration of cognitive behavioral therapy into toys as the co-founder of Open The Joy, a trailblazing global toy manufacturer.
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Anju Ganglani
Psychometrics, Co-Founder
Anju has spent the last two decades educating children internationally, her leadership has transformed the way students learn through her innovative approach to building positive school cultures. Anju is a children’s book-published author as well
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Jessica Heim
West Coast Program Consultant
Jessican is an experienced educator with a 20-year career spanning various roles in education. Holding multiple degrees and certifications, Jessica currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Cal Lutheran University and is the Founder of Innovation Station, collaborating with organizations to create engaging learning experiences for K-12 students.
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Shawna E. Longo
East Coast Program Consultant
Shawna is an author and arts supervisor, is a nationally recognized expert in music education, technology, social-emotional learning, arts integration, and STEAM. Hosting the "ArtSaid" podcast, she is a distinguished international consultant and clinician.
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Shirish Arashanapalli
CTO
Shirish is a seasoned Technology Strategy and Product Management Executive with over 25 years experience providing strategic, business and technology solutions across diverse industries including corporate, consulting and startup environments. Shirish’s expertise spans across several areas including AI/ML, Digital Transformation, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Architecture and Data Management. Shirish is also an artist in his free time and is working towards his first painting exhibition.
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Ella Davies
Clinical Programming
Penelope (Ella) Davies, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Orange County, CA, is dedicated to helping children and teens manage their emotions for healthy development. With experience in diverse settings, including schools and shelters, Ella has expertise in trauma-informed care practices such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR. She founded TBH Therapy in 2021, providing therapy and mentorship in her community.
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Yadira Flores, Ph.D., NCSP
MTSS and PBIS Frameworks
Dr. Yadira Flores is the Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer of KOI Education, specializing in MTSS/PBIS. With a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Dr. Flores has extensive experience in helping schools create positive, safe, and effective learning environments.
Her expertise lies in collaborating with educators to align school systems that foster productive, nurturing, and supportive environments, promoting both student and staff well-being.