Hey friends,
I'm Lana. Former Principal, current School Change Specialist.
Bestselling Author of
Unlocking SEL The 5 Keys to Transform Schools Through Social Emotional Learning
I help educators create healthy and happy schools through social and emotional learning.
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Three Ways I Can Help
Hey, I'm Lana
Many years ago, I faced one of the biggest challenges of my life—losing everything in a devastating school fire. It forced us to rebuild, not just my school, but my purpose. Through resilience, mindfulness, and the very SEL strategies I teach, we turned adversity into a new beginning.
People told me transforming school culture through SEL was too idealistic, that burnout for educators was just part of the job. But I refused to accept that.
Instead of wondering what if, I showed up every day, doing the work to create real change. I co-founded Unlocking SEL, wrote a book, and now travel the country empowering educators to stress less, teach more and find the joy in their jobs again.
If you're ready to stop running on empty, reconnect with your passion, and truly transform your school, let’s do this together.
Order Lana's New Book
Unlocking SEL
The 5 Keys to Transform Schools Through Social and Emotional Learning
RELEASED OCT, 2024
In Unlocking SEL, former principal Lana Penley redefines how schools approach Social and Emotional Learning—not as another initiative, but as the foundation of a thriving school culture.
Penley introduces her 5 Keys to Unlocking SEL, a framework that empowers educators to integrate SEL seamlessly, fostering emotional resilience, authentic connections, and sustainable well-being for both students and staff.
Andy Long
Asst. Superintendent, OR
I have never met a person who doesn't appreciate Lana's message.
Kristie Lindholm
Director of Education, WA
Lana’s training brings home the message, we can't effectively teach SEL to our students if our staff isn't grounded in their own wellbeing.
Susan Olds
Principal, OR.
Our sense of joy and building culture dramatically improved after Lana began her work with her staff.