about Irene
Hi there!
I’m Irene.
It brings me immense joy to extend a warm welcome to you. As a Conscious Childhood Expert, my work is deeply rooted in the belief that fostering conscious and mindful growth in children is essential to their holistic development. I was born and raised on Long Island, New York, and my journey has taken me to Maryland and South Carolina, where I’ve lived, worked, and grown both personally and professionally. With over a decade of experience in education—including as a general education teacher, special education teacher, reading interventionist, teacher coach and mentor, IEP chairperson, school leader, and yoga and mindfulness instructor—I’ve had the privilege of supporting children’s growth in many diverse and meaningful ways.
I’ve earned three degrees: a bachelor’s in history, a master’s thesis in world history, and a master’s in teaching. I’m also certified as a special education teacher for all grades, as an English teacher for grades 5-8, and as a social studies teacher for grades 5-8. Having gone through the teacher training process myself, I’ve gained a unique perspective on what is covered—and, just as importantly, what is often left out. This firsthand experience has inspired me to create learning environments that not only meet the diverse needs of students but also prioritize teaching the “whole child”—an approach I believe is essential for truly supporting children’s growth, yet is often overlooked in many traditional training programs.
In addition to my educational credentials, I hold a 200-hour yoga teacher certification and have completed all three levels of Reiki training. As a Reiki teacher and practitioner, I integrate energy healing into my work, helping both children and educators achieve greater well-being and balance. My experience as a yoga and mindfulness teacher, particularly working with children with autism and special needs, has deepened my commitment to fostering emotional and mental well-being within educational settings and beyond.
Beyond my classroom and leadership roles, I have developed a strong understanding of how energy healing, yoga, and emotional coaching can support children’s social and emotional development, especially for those with special needs or autism. I’ve seen firsthand how these practices reduce stress, improve focus, and foster self-regulation—skills that are essential for both academic success and personal growth. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader, I am here to provide you with the tools, strategies, and support to nurture mindful, resilient children who are ready to thrive.
Mindfulness has been a part of my life for almost two decades, and it’s carried me through some of my hardest moments—including my experience with cancer. When I was diagnosed, my car was already packed for a cross-country move to California. I had a new job lined up, a new apartment waiting in the Bay Area, and I was ready to start this exciting new chapter. Instead, I found out I had sarcoma—later confirmed as Ewing’s Sarcoma—and ended up moving to Maryland to stay with my dad and the Maryland family for what became a year of chemotherapy and surgery.
Even when I got the diagnosis, I didn’t feel like my life was over. For me, it felt more like this really annoying thing I had to get through so I could keep going. I know that’s not how everyone experiences cancer, and there’s no judgment for how anyone reacts. This is just my story—one perspective out of so many.
In my day-to-day life, I love spending time with my dogs, friends, and family. I’m also passionate about gardening, animals of all kinds, herbalism, reading, plants, traveling, exploring, and spending as much time outside as I can. I enjoy making things from scratch—food, cleaning products, jewelry, skincare, oils, body butters, candles, soaps, dog treats, you name it. You’ll see little pieces of my personal life sprinkled throughout TCE, and my hope is that these moments bring some connection and relatability as you read.
I’m excited to share my insights and resources with you as we embark on the journey toward creating conscious, enriching educational and living experiences. As individuals who practice mindfulness and conscious living, we create ripples—small yet powerful shifts that can transform our lives, homes, classrooms, and beyond. And when we come together, those ripples grow into generational and transformational waves of change and consciousness.