Our collaborators and contributing partners are here to ensure that every aspect of our Social Emotional Learning Curriculum is held to the highest standards.

Photo of children sitting on the floor in a classroom while smiling and clapping.

Lee Sowles, MPH

Founder & Creator

Kind Mind was built on a foundation of Lee’s personal journey in building self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. With a background in early childhood development, public health, and public service, Lee had the vision to build a program for schools that would mitigate, and even prevent, the mental health epidemic facing our nation. Lee’s deep commitment to service, inclusion, and compassion are at the forefront of everything we create.

Master of Public Health 2013, Northeastern University
Mindful Schools 2017
Applied Compassion Training 2019-2020, Stanford University

Schedule a Call With Lee

Czean Dante

Digital Marketing Manager & Technical Assistance Specialist

With an eye for digital design and comprehensive training in digital marketing and web management, Czean charges Kind Mind’s website and social media management. Czean is highly organized and kind-hearted and our work is possible because of the talent she brings.

Emilia Dahlin

Contributing Author: Early Childhood SEL Curriculum

Songwriter, Teacher

Emilia is an award-winning singer-songwriter and has been singing with groups of young people for over 20 years. She produced and hosted The Kids Are Alright music series and worked as a teaching artist for The Telling Room and 317 Maine Community Music Center's Little Roots program. Emilia knows the power of music and singing to nurture a feeling of belonging and transform a space.

Photo of Dr. Robert Bruce Thompson, Professor of Psychology. Dr. Thompson is wearing a plaid shirt and books can be seen in the background.

Dr. Robert Bruce Thompson, Ph.D

Collaborative Evaluation Projects

Research Director, Professor of Psychology

Dr. Robert Bruce Thompson (Bruce) is a research psychologist and faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the University of Southern Maine, where he teaches developmental psychology. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Children’s Center of Portland. His research and teaching interests are in cognitive and linguistic development in early childhood, with a primary focus on metacognitive reasoning and social-cognitive development.

Learn More About Bruce

Erica Marcus

Contributing Author: Technology Lessons

Mindfulness Educator, Author

Erica brings her mindfulness and education expertise, in addition to her specialized work in mindfulness and technology to Kind Mind. Erica is a contributing author in Kind Mind’s curricula lessons with a specific approach to building awareness around the impacts of technology.

Buy Erica's Book

Photo of Erica Marcus, Mindfulness Educator and Collaborative Author. Marcus stands outside in a denim shirt with green trees and grass in the background.

Photo of Sabrina Volante, Graphics Designer. Volante stands in front of a fence that has flowers on it while wearing a floral dress and a jean jacket.

Noreaster Group

Noreaster Group helps growth-stage companies scale through technology-driven solutions. With deep experience in building and growing companies, they develop strategies and tools that deliver measurable results, empowering companies to reach their goals and create thriving businesses.

Visit Noreaster Group's Website

Michaela DiGionvittorio

Illustrator

Michaela’s artistic ability warms the hearts of children and adults alike, with illustrations that bring life to words, for all ages.

Sabrina Volante

Graphic Designer

Sabrina brings her creative skills and calm spirit to Kind Mind’s beautifully crafted materials. With our trauma-sensitive approach, soft edges, and inclusive design, we have developed imagery that entices children and adults alike.

Visit Sabrina's Website

Collaborative Partner Organizations