2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Smiling Calm Hearts Open Our Learning, Inc. (SCHOOL, Inc.)

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Education

Mission: Smiling Calm Hearts Open Our Learning, Inc. (SCHOOL, Inc.) is a non-profit organization that helps children and teens develop social and emotional competence for peaceful learning in public schools.

Community Stories

84 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Sphaatikhaa Client Served

Rating: 5

11/01/2024

I used to take yoga and meditation courses with Kelly Wood when she was the owner of Karuna Yoga. I thank her school and teachers for putting me on this path of healing and enlightenment. I fondly remember her school and I am confident that she is continuing to do excellent work for children. I think that it's important and meaningful to have meditation and yoga instruction for school-age children to give them invaluable tools for thriving and succeeding in life.

AHJRP Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/16/2024


School Yoga is an excellent organization dedicated to teaching yoga in public schools. Their focus on improving students' emotional and social skills through mindfulness is both impactful and necessary. Their mission to promote mindfulness practices in education is commendable, and their work is essential for fostering well-being in young minds

izzyw Client Served

Rating: 5

10/14/2024

Having taken yoga through SCHOOL since the age of 5, I can truly attest to the power of yoga to instill calm hearts, increased eagerness in learning, and a renewed sense of self. Miss Kelly's SCHOOL program allowed me to grow as an individual with calmness and breathing techniques that I continue to use today.

VMCyoga Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/11/2024

SCHOOL Yoga & Mindfulness is transformative experience for children. Their approach to teaching yoga and mindfulness is not only deeply knowledgeable but also incredibly accessible, making it the perfect fit for young learners. SCHOOL Yoga & Mindfulness is exceptional in their ability to engage children in a way that makes yoga fun, approachable, and enriching. They have a gentle yet effective teaching style that helps kids understand and appreciate the value of yoga and mindfulness in their everyday lives. The program encourages self-awareness, relaxation, and focus—all crucial skills for children as they navigate the stresses of growing up.

ursulaecheverria Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/05/2024

Smiling Calm Hearts its a wonderful organization that teaches kids social and emotional skills for life. Helps them focus, calm down, breath calmly, think positive, and act nicely with other kids.
I was a scout leader in my local community for more than 10 years, I can tell how important is the unconventional learning for kids as addition to their regular education. I get to know Mrs. Wood and her organization, as a professional filmmaker, helping her with the animation needed for her online version of her classes, and it's amazing how the kids enjoy while learning. If you have the chance to try it, it will delight you!

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Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/22/2022

I had the chance to meet and work with Kelly (creator of the program) , very kind and thoughtful person. Her way of seeing the world gets impregnated in this program aim to help our kids in their growing. Teaching and helping them practice core values needed to live in community, like: being patient, help others, be generous, persevere when things are not working the way you expected. Basically this program help kids be and take conscious decisions about their actitudes and actions towards them and others. As mother, kids scout leader, and teacher these values are most needed for a better society in a near future. Our kids are the future.

ericamooreburton Advisor

Rating: 5

10/04/2024

The President and Founder is a beacon of light and has been working in this space for over two decades. Her commitment to this work is admirable and is demonstrated in the programs that the organization oversees. The trainings are fantastic and ensuring that every teacher has access to them so that they can apply the teachings in their classrooms should be the goal of every school district. Providing our children with these tools is imperative especially in these turbulent times. In the aftermath of Covid-19, these tools are needed more now than ever. Keep doing this great work SCHOOL!

brianmahlum Client Served

Rating: 5

10/04/2024

Kelly Wood is an amazing teacher who creates a space and has a presence for each and every child so that they can show up as themselves and be truly heard and seen. She is an unparalleled listener who has a wealth of knowledge and compassion to meet every single child with exactly where they are with acceptance and with decades of experience she helps guide every student to new awarenesses of their bodies and spirit! A gem!

RBaerg Client Served

Rating: 5

10/04/2024

I have been doing yoga with instructor Kelly for 20 years. She is fantastic with kids - my daughters have participated in classes led by her and enjoyed them.
Her classes are easy to follow and the moves are not complicated, yet effective.

Kelly is a calm, nurturing yoga coach with excellent experience.

I highly recommend her services for for kids and people of all ages!

rosablanca60 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/23/2024

It is with much enthusiasm I recommend Kelly Wood and the outstanding yoga practice and services she offers at SCHOOL, Inc. I have known Ms. Wood for nearly 20 years. I participated in her multi-style Yoga Teacher Trainings for adults and children. During this period, she has demonstrated commitment and perseverance in helping adults and children enhance their wellbeing. Her yoga mindfulness teachings and dedicated program for teachers and students she established at SCHOOL, Inc., has been recognized as a top-rated nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. By practicing yoga and mindfulness on a regular basis, students and teachers gain physical flexibility and mental benefits that promote self-awareness, concentration, trust, focus and positive thinking.

cjvh Donor

Rating: 5

09/23/2024

Kelly Wood and SCHOOL, Inc. bring to the community a trusted and calming program to teachers and students that allows them to prepare and engage in their education. Kelly's positive instruction, years of experience, and media platform provide an environment of classroom success. Kelly is a dedicated and passionate professional who continues to invest her time and energy into the younger generation and their teachers. Thank you Kelly!

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Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2021

SCHOOL, Inc. helps teachers and children develop a skillset of mindfulness which can aid in a better educational experience. Ms. Kelly brings her expertise to the classroom with either in-person teaching or online options. How grateful I am to see the impact that Kelly and SCHOOL, Inc. is making on the local educational communities. Thank You Kelly!

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karunayoga General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/21/2024

I was a former student of Kelly Wood at the inception of her SCHOOL program. Her passion and dedication to this essential, lifelong, enriching practice, is inspiring.
She is the real deal. Her knowledge is foundational to being ready and receptive to learning.

zcastillo General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/19/2024

An amazing organization that truly helps our children develop new ways of coping and navigating their daily environment in a more mindful and relaxed way. A social practice that I believe can help the children at school and at home.

kellyamdkids General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/21/2023

I love what Kelly does for our young generation by bringing mindfulness and the power of breath in this technology heavy world and.

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General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/30/2019

School is fundamentally changing our children’s well being.

LauraWLipscomb Board Member

Rating: 5

10/05/2023

Such an outstanding program. The love and passion Kelly has for these children is profound. Teaching children how to manage and regulate their emotions and self esteem is making such a positive impact on our youth.

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Board Member

Rating: 5

10/27/2017

Kelly’s classes give students a fun and creative way to take a break from the routine of school. It is apparent that she truly cares about her students and wants to see each of them succeed. Her classes combine fun games and stories with positive thoughts of kindness, respect for others, and self-love. The SCHOOL program really should be implimented in every school in America.

SI3D Donor

Rating: 5

10/04/2023

I highly recommend School Kids Yoga, a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting children's well-being through a modified form of yoga tailored specifically for school aged children. Their engaging program blends simple mindfulness techniques along with modified yoga principles that will help support the students focus and emotional well being. I support School Kids Yoga in their mission to empower the next generation with essential life skills.

lauriejerome Board Member

Rating: 5

10/04/2023

I have had experience with a number of nonprofit organizations and School, Inc. stands out as one of the very best. School, Inc. offers comprehensive teacher training classes and the children’s yoga classes are taught with such care and compassion. These wonderful qualities are learned by the children who have the opportunity to be a part of School’s yoga classes. School’s founder, Kelly Wood is an excellent teacher and has instilled the highest of values within School, Inc.

pjhoen Board Member

Rating: 5

10/04/2023

SCHOOL is a great organization with an important mission. It is a pleasure to work with Kelly and see the positive impact that she is making!

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/11/2021

SCHOOL is is a pleasure to work with - I have learned so much! Kelly is responsive, thoughtful, and passionate about social emotional learning. SCHOOL has an admirable mission and a promising future that I am proud to be part of.

janeash Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/04/2023

Phenomenal yoga teacher, who has developed a unique Kids Yoga program to make it accessible to all children. She is focused on making sure they learn ways to stay calm throughout the day. Such an important skill for our children to have! I have collaborated with her on a research project and have seen her in action. I’m proud to be a board member now and support this amazing organization.

Jackmasa General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/30/2023

I've noticed the impact Kelly's mindfulness teachings have had on the students. It is a much needed addition in our classrooms. I've noticed the students were more focused, and empathetic.

SandraI Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/30/2023

I was introduced to Kelly Wood and her organization six years ago. The principles behind her teaching method is needed now more than ever. The social and emotional learning skills that she imparts on students and educators not only helps them but, all of society will benefit from their new found mindfulness.

Kayla N. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/29/2023

SCHOOL, INC. Is a wonderful organization! You can tell it was developed with love and mindfulness and would be a beneficial addition to any classroom.

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Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Kelly has done so much with this program and I cannot wait to watch it grow and grow. She truly cares for every child she meets along the way and I am sure they will never forget her. She is the best!!!

altruvista Client Served

Rating: 5

09/27/2023

As a parent of a child who suffers from anxiety, I have noticed how detrimental anxiety is for learning. When my son is in an anxiety spiral, he is not open to taking in anything new, and he can miss out on a lot of information (... and also the fun socializing). I'm grateful to SCHOOL for teaching students and teachers how to regain calm and be open to their peers and to learning. I wish every school would make this a priority, to help students learn how to cope with the myriad pressures they are facing.

Lindamcnamara1 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/27/2023

As a health professional and retired university director, I have had a bird's eye view of numerous schools and classrooms; and I led the effort to improve the academic performance of one elementary school. I believe that all children could benefit from what SCHOOL teaches. Children desperately need to learn to recognize and manage their emotions at an early age. Unfortunately, many parents never learned themselves and thus can't teach or be a good role model for their children. If children can learn to calm themselves and open their minds to learning, think what a difference it would make in this troubled world. I've observed Kelly's calm, caring, competent style when she is teaching. She has developed her program and methods through many years of study and practice. SCHOOL is a gem and I wish the program could be implemented in all schools.

ButterflyAngel Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/03/2022

This outstanding, accessible program uses practical tools to provide social-emotional support to students, parents, and educators in a very effective manner, which leads to positive learning outcomes in the hearts and minds of students.

Previous Stories

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2020

Finding calm in this current storm of chaos in our society is essential to all. School Kids Yoga and Mindfulness is an excellent program, created wonderfully by Kelly Wood that gets to the heart of the matter by providing students and teachers with effective tools to support combating the unknown traumatic effects of this pandemic on our youth. As an educator, my students enjoy learning how ‘calm breathing helps them to have calm body, calm brain and calm heart.’ All of which contributes to students being able to learn. This splendid program encourages us to find solutions from within to weather the stressful conditions with one breath at a time.

Arlen7 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/21/2022

I have watched Smiling Calm Hearts become part of the lives of teachers and parents and children. A true gift to children. In all the things children see in this world and are taught...there is really nothing better for their lives than to have tools....calm breathing, identifying feelings and all the fine teachings of SCHOOL,Inc Thank you Kelly Wood.

meganwargula General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

SCHOOL, Inc. is an amazing organization that is teaching students very important lessons that I wish I had learned while in school. Emotional wellness and mindfulness are so important to us all, especially these days. This program helps teachers create a more peaceful classroom, helps kids focus, and gives them the tools they need to deal with any issues they may be experiencing.

cat1121 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

I usually don't write reviews but when I come across something that I feel has a lasting
positive impact on the community they serve, like School Kids Yoga and Mindfulness program curated by founder Ms Kelly Wood, I have to share it with others. Ms Kelly Wood, her passion and sincerity in helping our youth is truly commendable! She is planting the early seeds for a more kind and thoughtful generation. Truly amazing work!

Fortheloveoflearning Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/12/2022

Thank you for this invaluable resource, Ms. Kelly!!! As a second-grade teacher of over 25 years, this year has been an especially difficult one. The pandemic really sent us all for a loop! Smiling Calm Hearts, nevertheless, has been an impetus for us to grow together in patience, generosity, perseverance, kindness, and most of all courage, to continue our work with social and emotional learning, acceptance, inclusion, and grace! Yes, the world is a better place, one classroom at a time! Our daily, first thing-in-the-morning, School Kid's Yoga practice has opened the doors of purposeful conversations and frequent opportunities to follow up with the week's lesson. Our classroom community is thriving as a result! Our District's focus on the social and emotional framework, "Trusted Spaces" has seamlessly partnered with our 'SKY ' practice, which also focuses on our student's well-being and development. Thank you so much for the well-thought-out lessons and support that you provide to get started and maintain our practice. This is truly an amazing gift and I am so appreciative of your time and effort to facilitate such a positive and uplifting space for learning!

ssuspence Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/10/2022

I worked as a video editor on the SCHOOL Yoga Library and was very impressed with every aspect of the nonprofit. Kelly is very professional and kind. The videos are inspiring to young and old alike, and I feel very grateful that I was able to be a part of this program.

MrRenteria Client Served

Rating: 5

10/09/2022

It is a great experience. The students look forward to our weekly Yoga meetings.

mrlira Client Served

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

With the impact COVID-19 has had on our society, it is great to have this as a resource for our schools and children to help them cope and learn how to self-regulate during these times.

kmickelson1234 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/23/2022

There aren’t enough words to express the gratitude for the routine practice and dedication of SCHOOL Yoga. I have been using the program for 3 years in my classroom. All virtual due to the pandemic.

I am looking forward to being the conduit to calm hearts, calm breathing, and calm brains.

Our children are dealing with a lot on a daily basis and I know that with consistent practice, the students will have tools to make good decisions and find peace.

newhart.linda Client Served

Rating: 5

09/20/2022

I'm a 2nd-grade teacher. I can't say enough about the School Kids Yoga program. My class loves learning how to take calm breaths and how to have a calm heart. School Kids Yoga emphasizes the importance of having a calm heart and a calm mind. Students learn that having calm hearts and minds can help you be better listeners, learners, and friends. Having a calm heart and mind can help you deal with any situation in a calm and peaceful way. I have witnessed students using calm breaths and reminding others who are upset to take calm breaths so they can have calm hearts and minds and find peace and positivity in any situation. I have even had parents comment that students are using it at home and teaching parents and siblings how to use calm breaths to have calm minds and hearts. This program has definitely made a positive impact on my classroom culture, helped create community, and has helped students make positive behavior choices and be kinder to each other.

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General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/12/2021

I love using School Kids Yoga with my class. They are learning the importance of calm and harmony in our daily life and how to achieve calm and harmony in any situation. My students are learning to use calm breaths to have a calm heart and calm mind and that by having a calm heart and calm mind , you can show the world the best you, be a better listener, friend and student. I see students using the techniques they are learning on their own and even reminding others to take calm breaths when things aren’t going their way.

LSansone Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

SCHOOL, Inc. is an inspiring nonprofit educational program for youth social and emotional learning in the classroom. The knowledge, care, and attention to detail are visible in each SCHOOL Yoga Library lesson. The video lessons include cheerful, eye-catching animated introductions, followed by memorable and soothing teachings from Ms. Kelly. The lessons are structured for teachers and students to learn together and build upon the material for practice in school and daily life. Kelly’s expertise and compassion for mindfulness practices are apparent in her core teaching of Calm Breathing Calm Hearts. It is a joy to work with Kelly and I am proud to contribute to the success of the program. SCHOOL, Inc. is an impressive educational program in which I highly recommend to all grade school educators.

Bobcats Client Served

Rating: 5

10/22/2021

As a classroom teacher I see the benefits that SCHOOL, Inc. provides for students. I have been fortunate to have worked with Ms. Kelly for several years now and have seen how her techniques support students' social emotional learning. My students look forward to meeting with her weekly and love applying what they learn throughout our days together. I highly encourage educators to participate in this program so they will experience firsthand the positive impact it has on their class environment.

EmilyN7 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/21/2021

I love practicing SCHOOL Kids Yoga daily in my classroom! It helps us to feel calm and refreshed so we can be our best selves for learning. It also gives us tools to apply at other times when we face challenging situations.

PumaPrinceKiwi Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/17/2021

This is a gem of a nonprofit that sparkles and shines in so many ways as a frontrunner in the field of education. It offers unique training opportunities to educators who want to increase the learning capacity for all students in the classroom, regardless of their student's background. Through promoting the principles of calm breathing and student-friendly yoga poses, SCHOOL increase student's learning and coping capacity, along with promoting values that make our communities and the world a better place for all.

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Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/30/2020

Since my time in the field of education, I have roamed the halls of many public schools, been into many classrooms, and attended numerous professional development workshops. Despite my experience, I have yet to come across something so powerfully robust and luminously healing for students and teachers as SCHOOL, Inc. My current involvement with the teacher training program has been a dynamic source of inspiring youngsters to improve their learning while developing their sense of peace and calm via yoga and mindfulness in the middle of a global pandemic. Other exceptional benefits to youngsters have been teaching them about making healthy food choices, helping others, focus, patience, gentleness, slowing down, problem solving, and having calm hearts. We also have positive affirmations like calm hearts help others, calm brains love learning, calm bodies are strong, and we are careful together. SCHOOL, Inc is a deeply beautiful and socially critical program that is needed by youth in the community.

Ktm M. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/13/2021

I started with SCHOOL Yoga three years ago. It made an instant impact on me and it was definitely something I could bring into my classroom (inside, outside or on Zoom). I have had the opportunity to use my practice with 5 different groups of students over the course of three years. It’s one of the long lasting professional developments I have been part of in my 15 years of teaching.

Marquezd Client Served

Rating: 5

10/12/2021

The School Yoga and Mindfulness Program is an amazing program that teaches students how to identify and manage their feelings and emotions through effective mind-body techniques. The skills that students acquire positively impact learning and social relationships in the classroom. My students and I always look forward to our School Yoga sessions with Ms. Kelly!
Diana Marquez
First Grade Teacher

gomez.felicia Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/12/2021

What a wonderful experience it has been to having had worked with Ms. Kelly for two years now. My students have learned how to manage stress and decision making, breathing, and movement. We are entertained by her stories and visuals that make my students think. Our classes with Ms. Kelly have been extremely valuable and my students look forward to it every week.

I am immensely grateful for having this program in our district.

bethstrehl Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/12/2021

I teach Traditional Kindergarten. School kids yoga and mindfulness has been a great addition to my classroom, especially during covid. Students have been so confused about what is going on and this brings them stress and worry. Yoga and mindfulness strategies to help them to deal with this stress . I am always amazed at their ability to understand the concepts and utilize the tools they are given. I know this will help them to be better students and more productive adults in the future.

Gianina Amica M. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/12/2021

I was honored to work with Kelly to help enhance the digital experience. In the time we worked together I was introduced to the wonderful work Kelly does with SCHOOL, Inc. I learned how she helped teachers create focused, harmonious classrooms where learning and positive relationships flourish. The smiles and love you see from the children (and teachers) exposed to this in school is amazing! I found myself wishing my children had the opportunity to have the program in their school. This nonprofit is doing such wonderful work helping the children think more clearly, not judge others, work together with compassion. We can all take lessons from Smiling Calm Hearts Open Our Learning, Inc.

murfalia Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2020

I have been using Calm Breathing with my 1st grade students since the first day of Zoom school this year. We do Calm Breathing and/or School Kids Mediation every morning before we start class and I can't imagine starting the school day without it. My class is focused and ready to learn after doing Calm Breathing and/or School Kids Mediation. I am so grateful for School Kids Yoga!

klauxen General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/27/2020

I was trained as a School Kids Yoga teacher, and I found the experience to be informative, inspiring, and helpful in my daily practice as a school counselor.

KamerinB Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/25/2020

SCHOOL, Inc. has given me the tools I need to enhance my professional career to better serve and support my students. They have enjoyed finding their calm hearts even in a virtual learning environment.

dlk2288 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/23/2020

This is a wonderful program for children! The first time I introduced SCHOOL Kids Yoga to my class they were very excited about about it. Several students commented that calm breathing was a technique they would use in the future to help calm down and make good choices.

aliciabdd Client Served

Rating: 5

10/22/2020

SCHOOL, Inc. (Smiling Calm Hearts Open Our Learning) is a true gift for students and teachers fortunate enough to experience these wonderful yoga and mindfulness classes. Ms. Kelly has worked with my students for a number of years. Students learn that calm breathing is the foundation for a calm heart, body and brain. My Kindergarten students love Ms. Kelly. It is a true honor to participate in these classes with my students. If all students had the opportunity to learn these techniques, the world would be a more beautiful and compassionate place.

mstascione General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/20/2020

SCHOOL Kids Yoga has been such a lovely experience for me. I went into the program with the idea that I would be benefiting my students if I taught them a healthy way of being and decision making. The program definitely accomplishes this, but so much personal gain as well. Kelly encourages daily practice, and this is what has been key for my personal growth. The course is set up in a very manageable pace, and Kelly's immediate feedback is helpful to bettering my instruction.

jmoy629 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/20/2020

Learning about SCHOOL Inc. has been an amazing life-giving experience for me as an educator. The practices we've learned have been so useful in my own personal life, especially given current circumstances. In addition, my students have enjoyed beginning to engage in the breathing and coordinated movements - it really helps them to find their focus even in the midst of remote learning.

btrinchero Client Served

Rating: 5

10/20/2020

As an educator grappling with distance learning, SCHOOL, Inc. has been instrumental in educating me about supporting my students social emotional learning during this time. I am grateful for their curriculum and care during this time. I highly recommend that educators participate in this program.

Yelena Yelenskaya T. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/20/2020

School Kids yoga benefits students and teachers. My students are able to transition smoothly between subjects during virtual learning because of this program.

Abbie L. Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2019

SCHOOL Kids Yoga & Mindfulness is an outstanding organization that strives to create harmonious classrooms and kind-hearted children. The work that they do is remarkable and you can definitely see a substantial difference in confidence and kindness in the classrooms that participate in their program.

lbierstedt Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/29/2019

As a music educator, I am keenly aware of the need for mindfulness and focus in working with students. I have seen aspects of Kelly’s innovative mindfulness program in the combined yoga/music workshops that she conducted with me. And I have personally experienced the benefits of her mindfulness and focus approach through private yoga training over the past 12 years. The SCHOOLS Kids Yoga and Mindfulness program provides schools with an essential tool in today’s world; a tool to enhance the school environment with better focus, less stress, better social interaction and greater empathy.
Lieschen Bierstedt, Music Educator

thenewday2 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/22/2019

Ms. Kelly was so wonderful in working with my ETK class last year. My students loved her! I would often overhear them telling each other “You need to have a calm heart and a calm brain.” We all looked forward to Yoga day with Ms. Kelly. I can’t wait until she’s with us again!

Vanessa Berti M. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/21/2019

I became involved with SCHOOL years ago after completing my kid’s yoga teacher training with Kelly Wood. This program has had a deep and lasting impact on me. Seeing the connection students cultivate to their own bodies, brain and heart makes me smile every day. To see the kids gain perspective from being able to pause and breathe- and the compassion for self and others that grows from that is a pleasure to experience.

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2017

My experience as Kelly's student and becoming a kids yoga teacher has been life changing. I observed SCHOOL in the classrooms and was so Inspired by the impact it had on children and teachers. Elementary students were practicing mindfulness before mindfulness became "popular". The transformation I saw was kids learning to respect their bodies and honor their heart and mind all while cultivating acceptance and compassion! I would have never learned how to teach these skills to children in a playful, developmentally appropriate way if not for Kelly and this program. I'm honored to be a part of it.

aihnat Advisor

Rating: 5

10/20/2019

SCHOOL, Inc. is a wonderful nonprofit that is incredibly dedicated to supporting educators and their students. I've had the pleasure of visiting the in-person SCHOOL Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Training for educators, as well as several classrooms where the program was being implemented. Teachers describe transformative change in their classrooms using the tools they gain in the training. Children respond to the program with attentiveness and enthusiasm as they learn about patience, self-regulation and focus through calm breathing. Every classroom needs SCHOOL Kids Yoga & Mindfulness.

chilindrina Client Served

Rating: 5

10/20/2019

I have worked with this organization for a few years now. I can not express my gratitude for the work they've have done with so many of my students. Through their sessions, my students have learned how to handle situations with greater ease, and how to use their calm breathing. Students have also heard wonderful stories that teach them lessons about everyday life. The best part of this organization is that the lessons that are taught will be beneficial for students for the rest of their lives.

whiterose Donor

Rating: 5

10/19/2019

As a contributor of SCHOOL, Inc. and certified yoga teacher, I highly recommend this non-profit. Since 2002 SCHOOL, Inc. has helped children in public schools, especially Title 1 communities, learn secular yoga, meditation and mindfulness skills to enhance attention and emotional regulation. Through my personal experience of practicing yoga on a consistent basis, I strongly believe children’s lives will be impacted in a positive way by the teachings that SCHOOL, Inc. provides in public school classrooms.

SCHOOL Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Program is the right fit for youth to help them learn healthy lifestyle habits which contribute to improved education. SCHOOL, Inc. has gained traction, support and recognition from organizations that believe in the benefits yoga and mindfulness training offers to children.

Kelly M.11 Donor

Rating: 5

09/27/2019

This charity is built, run and sustained on pure love. The efforts being made could not be more important to our world. Reaching out to children and teaching love and kindness is the best thing we can hope for, and SCHOOL is doing it. The individual care for each child is so rare and beautiful.

srn3 Donor

Rating: 5

07/10/2018

Smiling Calm Hearts is an amazing organization that contributes to the well being of School aged children. Focused on building confidence through the practice of centering and becoming quiet within while teaching techniques to help in the growth and development of the youth in the classroom.

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Donor

Rating: 5

10/24/2017

Kelly is a calm, inspiring and loving mentor and leader of a yoga experience that bestows peace and harmony to inner city children in the classroom. Her happy heart shines light on all those she encounters.

Daniela G.1 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/30/2017

Kelly Wood is extraordinary!! She has created a crucial niche for the education system and is renowned for her resounding success in the field. Her total, selfless dedication to the cause throughout the many years that she has been teaching is legendary. Her warm heartedness is a boon to small children, who often come from troubled homes.
Every school throughout the land ought to have Kelly Wood as their trump card. There is no cloning her, however. She is utterly unique. Whoever is lucky enough to have her as their teacher is being schooled in life skills and compassion and will be able to better face the challenges that all too often beset one. She is a true gem!

lauriejer Board Member

Rating: 5

10/30/2017

SCHOOL, Inc. has positioned itself to fill and provide a much-needed element in the public school system -- teaching children valuable techniques and methods through yoga and meditation to use in their lives not only at school but in their homes. Through SCHOOL teachers in the school systems are trained to use yoga and meditation techniques in the classroom to better equip their children with positive techniques to learn and to solve problems in a calm, mindful and respectful way as opposed to reacting in often-times confrontational, argumentative and even physical behavior.

Kelly Wood, the founder and CEO of SCHOOL, Inc. is such a warm and caring role-model for not only the children, but the teachers who she trains. Her passion is infectious, the children love her and the teachers are noticing positive results in the classroom—children listen better, interact in a more positive way with each other, are more focused in their academics, among many other benefits. The children’s faces say it all! A wonderful, and GREAT nonprofit.

Nancy Herran P. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/28/2017

I teach third grade in an impoverished, gang dominated part of LA. My students often bully, are victims of bullying, suffer depression, anxiety, and live with trauma. Many are in foster care and have a hard time regulating their emotions and focusing enough in school, so they lag behind. I wanted to find a way to teach students a life long skill they could depend on no matter what their environment threw at them. Enter Smiling Calm Hearts❤️ I attended Ms. Kelly's workshop, began implementing yoga and mindful, focusing on calm brain, strong body, kind hearts. Eventually, Ms. Kelly and her awesome student teachers were able to provide five of our classrooms with weekly yoga lessons that progressed to students coming front and center and teaching poses to the group! Many of my students went home and taught their family members yoga, pursued more poses on YouTube, and experienced a change in focus and behavior that supported student learning in our classes. It was life changing, because even we teachers realized that our moods were deeply effected by our student's moods, and together we could reach deep and activate our compassion, patience, and kindness, allowing us to capture our students hearts and minds in ways that deepened and expanded learning opportunities. I am amazed at what we have learned and accomplished. If I could suggest one thing it would be to have this program funded in many more at risk schools. Come to think of it, not just at risk schools. All students and teachers need to access patience, compassion, mental focus, and the courage to calm their mood in the face of obstacles. If we all did this, just imagine! Thank you Smiling Calm Hearts! You are a treasure!❤️

sito1121 Donor

Rating: 5

10/27/2017

Great program. Thoughtful and smart approach...providing kids with useful tools for everyday living. Mindfulness...cutting edge approach with modified age old traditions...a must have skill set for every kid and adult!

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2017

I am impressed with the mind/body approach taught by SCHOOL, Inc. The skills children learn thru SCHOOL will not only impact their educational careers, but their life after school.

Parind S. Donor

Rating: 5

10/27/2017

I’ve seen the fundamentally positive transformation kids go through due to teachings of SCHOOL, first hand, with my daughter and also with one of the classes that this organization teaches. This program is as important as math, science (or more since it builds character) and should be part of every kids curriculum.

irene.energy Board Member

Rating: 5

10/27/2017

SCHOOL is helpful as it trains teachers to encourage their students’ resilience and , mindfulness, generosity, pro-social skills, preparing their minds to learn by relaxing the body and suporting brain activity.

jonnykab Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/27/2017

Kelly is an amazing instructor - so open-hearted and radiant. She has been dedicated to working with children and instructors for many years now. The way she communicates mindful concepts to children speaks to them in their language. Her classes are amazing!

David J.1 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/25/2017

Today’s students are dealing with many issues which make learning challenging, that’s why I decided to take Ms. Kelly’s class. The tools and techniques of mindfulness and caring that I learned worked wonders for my high school students. They learned calm breathing and practiced it before taking quizzes and exams. I too practiced calm breathing. My students and I have benefited from Ms. Kelly’s teaching.

Kathy G.1 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/25/2017

As a newly retired school counselor, I looked into different programs I could take to learn how to teach yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to the elementary school population. Kelly had different options. I loved her philosophy. She offered exactly what I was looking for! I took the online class and got certified to teach. The instruction was easy to follow and packed
With information. Kelly is very knowledgeable and truly knows her stuff. I look forward to moving forward and sharing what I know with others! I highly recommend Kelly’s programs!

Writer Board Member

Rating: 5

10/25/2017

Seriously important work - the kids are so lucky to have Kelly sharing her talents with them!! She is a gifted yoga teacher, great with kids, and has a huge heart to be bringing the two together!!

mprado Client Served

Rating: 5

10/24/2017

I've had the pleasure of having Kelly work with my students for the past few years. I could never thank her enough for all the time and dedication that she invests in the well-being of students. Not only do the students benefit from the yoga exercises they participate in during her sessions; they also learn a lot from her stories about being patient and kind to others.

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