Social Emotional Learning Advisory Committee

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Authorizing Legislation

Contact Information

Debra Parker

SEL Program Supervisor

360-972-4074

Tammy Bolen

SEL and Title VIA Assistant Director

360-701-0575

Emme Williamson

Administrative Assistant

360-725-6078

Washington State authorizing legislation RCW 28A.300.477 directs the Social Emotional Learning Advisory Committee (SELAC) to continue developing statewide support to expand and promote SEL. SELAC plays a crucial role in advancing social and emotional learning across educational settings. The key purpose and responsibilities of the committee:

  • Expand and Promote SEL: The committee is authorized to identify and improve coordination between early learning education, K-12 education, youth-serving community partners, culturally based providers, and higher education preparation programs. 

  • Legislative Reporting: The committee provides recommendations to the state on needed policies or policy revisions and assesses the state of SEL implementation in Washington.   

  • Guidance and Best Practices: The committee provides guidance on SEL best practices and lessons to help schools and educators implement SEL standards, benchmarks, and developmental indicators effectively. 

  • Coordination Enhancement: Identify strategies for improving coordination between various stakeholders, including early learning programs, K-12 schools, community partners, culturally based providers, and higher education institutions to enhance SEL outcomes for students. 

  • Stakeholder Engagement: The committee actively engages with stakeholders, seeking input to ensure diverse perspectives are reflective of communities. 

The committee will continue to work on three focus areas: SEL Implementation Evaluation, Family Engagement, and Community Engagement.

Review the SEL Advisory Committee Letter and the SEL Advisory Committee Charter. for more information.

SEL Advisory Committee Meetings

The public is invited to attend SEL Advisory Committee meetings. Please review the agenda for the next meeting topic.

SEL Advisory Subcommittees

Subcommittees meet as needed to discuss various topics informed by the SEL Advisory.

Education Preparation Program Subcommittee

This subcommittee is working on social emotional learning topics for higher education preparation programs.

SEL and Equity Subcommittee

This subcommittee meets as needed on various tasks including the organization of the larger committee’s collective work and reviewing new resource documents to ensure equity. For additional information, please contact the SEL Advisory Committee.

Education Preparation Program Subcommittee

This subcommittee is working on higher education practices that include SEL implementation by building faculty SEL competency, embedding SEL into coursework and internship experiences, and promoting meaningful connections with families and communities. The following resources are intended for incoming administrators and educators to enhance their leadership and classroom readiness to support social emotional learning.

Notes & Agendas

2024
2023
2022
2021

Legislative Reports

SEL Committee Members

SEL Committee Members
Committee Member Member Role
Anita Valdez Sequim School District, High School Teacher Representing the Education Opportunity Gap Oversight & Accountability Committee (EOGOAC)
Anna Armstrong Member of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians Representing Native Tribes East of the Crest of the Cascade Mountains
Anna Smith  Member of the Makah Tribe of Indians Representing Native Tribes West of the Crest of the Cascade Mountains
Carola Brenes Healthcare Authority Behavioral Health & Recovery |*Rachel Ray Representing the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA)
Caryn Park  SELAC Co-Chair/ Antioch University Seattle Faculty Representing the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA)
Danielle Eidenberg  Senior Executive Ombuds Representing the Governor’s Office of Education Ombuds (OEO)
Danielle Harvey Registered Nurse, Richland School District |*Stephanie Breckon SNOW Board of Directors President Representing the School Nurse Association of Washington (SNOW)
Debra Parker SEL Program Supervisor Representing the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Debbie Tully  Teacher Certification Program, Whitworth University |*Suzie Henning Assistant Professor, Eastern Washington University Representing the Washington Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (WACTE)
Dr. Mona Johnson Executive Director, Systems & Career Pathways ESD 114 Representing the Washington Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD)
Emily Santiago Psychologist, North Kitsap School District Representing the Washington State Association of School Psychologists (WSASP)
Lauren MacDonald School Counselor, Tacoma Public School District |*Susan Mosby Members of the Washington Education Association (WEA) Representing K-12 Educators
Laurie Dils Assistant Director of Content, Health & Sexual Health Representing the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Leiani Sherwin Education Preparation Program Director |*Makenzie Dyer Grant & Policy Specialist Representing the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB)
Liliana Uribe Representing the Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA)
Maddy Vonhoff Committee for Children Representing a Non-Profit SEL Curricula Organization
Mary Fertakis Member of the State Board of Education Representing the State Board of Education (SBE)
Michelle Sorensen Social Worker, Richland School District Representing the Washington Association of School Social Workers (WASSW)
Monika Schuller Physical Education and SEL TOSA, White Salmon Valley School District Representing the K-12 Educator
Nigar Suleman *Farheen Al-Mishari Member of the Washington PTA Representing the Washington Parent Teacher Association (WSPTA)
Rayann Silva University of Washington School Mental Health Assessment Research & Training (SMART) Center Representing a Foundation supportive of Social Emotional Learning
Sarah Butcher *Jennifer Karls Roots of Inclusion Representing a Coalition of members who educate and advocate
Scott Lehrman  Member of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs Representing the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPPA)
Tammy Bolen SEL & Title IVA Assistant Director Representing the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Terique Scott  Member of the Commission on African American Affairs Representing the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs (CAAA)
Xyzlora Brownell  SELAC Co-Chair/ Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Manager Representing the Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF)
Vacant Positions One member of a Rural School District Representative from a coalition of youth-serving organization One school Counselor