Angelina Zara

Born and raised in the heart of Washington, DC, Angie found her passion in education after rewiring her brain and overcoming her own adversity. She will be the first to share that she is living proof of the power of neuroplasticity.

 

As an elementary school teacher serving a Title 1, full inclusion classroom, Angie learned early on about the power of research based, trauma informed strategies and her philosophy was forever changed. She has first hand experience of the impact of trauma informed education and the direct correlation to powerful relationships and increased student achievement in diverse learning communities. Through what Angie refers to as “walking the walk”, she pioneered the vision and creation of the brand new position of Social Emotional Learning Specialist in her elementary school. Currently serving in this position, Angie provides professional development, classroom modeling and coaching to educators on trauma informed practices and strategies to promote awareness and relational safety for students and staff. After accomplishing this role in its inaugural year, Angie is proud to say that it has been created across the entire local educational agency in the middle school and high school setting. This only further fuels the fire that this work must be shared widely and authentically.

 

Angie completed Applied Educational Neuroscience Certification from Butler University in 2021, and has had the privilege to work closely with Dr Lori Desautels. These collaborations include designing and incorporating various applications within her Applied Educational Neuroscience (AEN) Framework. These have focused on wellness practices for the educator nervous system, and intentionally incorporating equity within the AEN Pillars.. Angie has also spent the last few years collaborating with Guy Stephens and the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint to promote trauma responsiveness and advocacy for students with disabilities. Angie lives in Washington, DC with her partner, Jason. She is a self proclaimed fitness fanatic and loves movies, dancing and recharging at the beach during the summertime.