Dana Bowser serves as the Director of Student Success and Engagement for the Chester Upland School District, where she leads comprehensive initiatives focused on social-emotional learning, student voice, mental health supports, and family engagement to ensure the success of the whole child. In her role, she works collaboratively with students, staff, and community partners to create inclusive environments that foster belonging, resilience, and academic readiness. As the Student Voice Chair for PA4SEMW, Dana is deeply committed to amplifying youth perspectives and empowering students to be active contributors in shaping school climate and well-being efforts across the state. Her passion for this work is rooted in her belief that when students feel heard, valued, and supported, they are better positioned to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Stephanie serves in PA4SEMW because she is committed to helping children and adults build the thinking and communication skills that support well-being, relationships, and resilience. She is the Training and Organizational Development Associate at the Center for Schools and Communities, where she leads the implementation and global expansion of the I Can Problem Solve (ICPS) and Raising a Thinking Child (RaTC) programs, supporting schools, families, and communities in strengthening problem-solving, decision-making, and social and emotional development.
Michelle serves in PA4SEMW because she believes the skills that support well-being, connection, and resilience should be developed proactively and universally—not only in response to crisis. She is the Founder of Believe Learning, where she partners with schools, organizations, and leaders to strengthen resilience, leadership, and workplace culture through emotionally intelligent practices.
Karen supports PA4SEMW because it strengthens schools’ capacity to nurture the whole child, fostering resilience, inclusion, and academic success across all communities. She is the Director of Safe & Supportive Environments at the Center for Schools and Communities, a statewide intermediary organization that advances professional development and capacity building for educators and community leaders dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive, and thriving learning environments.
Courtney is proud to support PA4SEMW because of her deep passion for making the world a better place for students, staff, and families. She is committed to helping schools create supportive environments where every member of the community can thrive. She is a Project Specialist at the Center for Schools and Communities, where she collaborates with program staff to support CPSEL and the I Can Problem Solve (ICPS)/ Raising a Thinking Child (RaTC) programs, as well as the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.
Dr. Shileste Overton Morris is driven by a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education. Her dedication spans both her professional and personal endeavors, ensuring that high-quality educational and social services reach students and families, particularly those in underserved communities. As the first African American Chief Program Officer at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, she spearheads the Center for Schools and Communities (CSC), overseeing a team dedicated to empowering schools, districts, and community-based organizations.
Lisa serves in PA4SEMW because she believes that SEMW skills are foundational to academic achievement, positive school climate, and career readiness. Lisa specializes in developing, implementing, and evaluating multi-tiered systems of support across varied PreK-12 educational settings, including alternative education programs for students with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. Lisa is the Director of School Consultation at May Consultation Services and serves on both Pennsylvania’s Positive Behavior Support Network State Leadership Team and the National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Community of Practice for Advanced Tiers and Alternative Education/Juvenile Justice.
Shannon believes that social emotional and mental wellbeing is important for our collective health and progress as a society. She is the Director of the University Center for Social & Urban Research at the University of Pittsburgh, which is the hub for community engaged research. Shannon knows that the health of the region rests of the relationships and wellbeing of all of its people. She is excited to contribute to PA4SEMW’s statewide mission.
Ross serves in PA4SEMW because he knows that when kids have SEMW skills and resources they grow in schools, in their families, and in their lives. Ross specializes in research, evaluation, and advocacy, and also serves as the President of Dogwood Consulting, the Chair of the SEL4NJ Youth Mental Health Advocacy Collaborative, and the Co-Director of the New Jersey Institute for Community Schools.
