Kirsten H. Perry
International Educator | Author | SEL Consultant
I provide professional learning, consulting and coaching for schools in the areas of social emotional learning, restorative practices and school counseling.
Kirsten H. Perry
International Educator | Author | SEL Consultant
I provide professional learning, consulting and coaching for schools in the areas of social emotional learning, restorative practices and school counseling.
Leading with Heart,
Serving with Systems
With over 16 years of experience in education, Kirsten is an award-winning school counselor and SEL leader helping schools build sustainable systems that support both student and educator wellbeing.
Transforming Systems, Empowering Communities
Leadership in SEL and School Counseling
Led large-scale implementation of social-emotional learning, restorative practices and multi-tiered systems of support across 27 schools, and supported the development of comprehensive school counseling programs in more than 500 schools.
Proven Ability to Drive Measurable Results
Awarded as the National School Counselor of the Year for achieving measurable improvements in student outcomes. Examples include reducing chronic absenteeism by 61%, improving student attendance by 4% and increasing student “on-track” metrics (combination of grades and attendance) by 50%.
Exceptional Professional Development and Training Skills
Highly experienced in designing and delivering training for educators: has trained school administrators and faculty, led districtwide and statewide professional learning, presented at 45+ conferences and taught graduate-level university school counseling courses.
Collaborative, Equity-Focused Leadership
Launched the first Race and Equity Steering Committee for the Illinois School Counseling Association and co-developed a three-day training on anti-racist practices that was later recognized as a Pinnacle Award Finalist by ASCA in 2023 creating sustainable impact in schools.
International Education Experience and Expertise
Brings a global perspective through experience working in the United States, Singapore and Hong Kong: launched collaborative teams and initiatives that support the development of culturally responsive and equitable SEL practices in diverse communities.
Book Publication
The ABCs of Social Emotional Learning for School Counselors and
Administrators: An Adaptive, Balanced and Collaborative Approach
I authored and edited a book with Dr. Melissa S. Ockerman from DePaul University. This book aims to clarify the intersections among multiple SEL models and outline how school counselors can effectively support and enhance each one.
In addition to providing conceptual clarity, the book serves as a practical guide for both school counselors and administrators aiming to implement a fully systemic approach to SEL. It includes discussions
of common problems of practice, actionable solutions, reflective questions, professional learning and implementation templates in each chapter.
As an edited volume, the book features contributions from 19 practitioners and scholars selected for their demonstrated ability to lead systemic SEL initiatives in schools. Contributors include both field-based leaders driving change in K–12 settings and researchers offering evidence-based best practices from higher education.