SEL- Based Educator Training
Support the People who Support Students
Schools rely on paraeducators every day yet many enter the role without structured training, ongoing support, or clear career pathways. Stronger preparation leads to stronger student support and more sustainable school teams.
This interactive training prepares adults to enter K–12 schools ready to support students with skill, confidence, and compassion. Participants learn practical strategies in social and emotional learning, Universal Design for Learning, and effective support for students with disabilities equipping them to help create inclusive, relationship-centered classrooms.
A core part of the program focuses on personal reflection and self-awareness, helping participants build the regulation, presence, and professionalism needed to work effectively with students and teachers. Graduates enter schools prepared to support learning, reduce disruptions, and contribute positively to classroom and school culture.
The Living Become Method
🤝 Community-Centered by Design
Our programs are built in partnership with schools and grounded in the communities they serve. We honor the lived experiences of students, families, and staff and design trainings that reflect real school contexts, not generic models.
🌟 Responsive & SEL-Informed
We integrate social and emotional learning and responsive practices throughout our training that help paraeducators understand student behavior through a regulation and relationship lens, not just compliance. Participants learn how to support students with dignity while maintaining clear expectations.
🛠 Practical, Real-World Strategies
Everything we teach can be used immediately in classrooms. Participants leave with concrete tools for de-escalation, engagement, collaboration with teachers, and daily classroom support.
🎓 Led by Experienced Educators & Workforce Leaders
Our training is facilitated by professionals who understand both school systems and workforce development. We bridge classroom realities with professional standards, preparing paraeducators to succeed as valued members of school communities.
Meet the Trainers
Jennine Tambio, EdD
Jennine Tambio is an educator and higher education leader with deep expertise in college access, transfer pathways, and K–16 partnerships. She currently serves as Assistant Vice President of College Partnerships and Transfer Initiatives at Lesley University, where she leads strategy and relationship-building across community colleges, school districts, and nonprofit organizations to expand equitable pathways to degree completion. Jennine’s work is grounded in her early career as a special education teacher, where she witnessed firsthand how systems can either open doors or create barriers for students with diverse learning needs. That experience continues to guide her commitment to designing pathways that honor students’ lived experiences, particularly adult learners, transfer students, and first-generation students, while aligning institutional mission with enrollment sustainability.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University, a Master of Education from the University of Hawai‘i, and a Doctor of Education from Northeastern University. Known for her relationship-driven leadership, compassion, and practical innovation, Jennine is passionate about building partnerships that translate vision into meaningful opportunity for students and communities.
Kristin Asadourian, MSW
Kristin Asadourian is a social worker, educator and the Founder and CEO of Living Become, an SEL and leadership development organization that partners with schools, athletic teams and community organizations to build purposeful, resilient leaders through practical skill-building and values-driven learning. With more than 15 years of experience spanning city government, policy, and nonprofit leadership, Kristin is known for turning vision into execution by building trusted partnerships, aligning stakeholders, and delivering programs that strengthen culture, communication, and career readiness.
Kristin previously served in municipal government as a Senior Field Deputy for the City of Los Angeles and a Council Aide for the City of Boston, where she supported public priorities through community engagement, collaboration, and operational leadership. She is also the co-founder of Artists for Change, an arts education nonprofit.
Through Living Become, Kristin leads the design and delivery of school-based programs, professional development trainings, the BECOME workshops, and team mindset coaching. Her leadership approach combines strategic clarity and compassion to help move individuals and organizations from intention to impact.
The Results
Presented at the 2025 CASEL SEL Exchange
Work with Living Become
Living Become Prepares and Supports Paraeducators Through:
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Practical Training
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Coaching
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School Partnerships
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Career Center Partnerships
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ParaPro Exam Prep
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Education Pathways
Living Become Partners With:
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Individuals looking to advance their careers in education
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School Districts in need of trained professionals
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School Administrators wanting to seamlessly integrate SEL into the curriculum
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Workforce Boards promoting career pathways
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Educators focused on relationship building
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School Communities committed to creating a culture centered on compassion and inclusion
What our participants are saying....
“This program helped me in more ways than I imagined . Not only did I get a new career but I learned so much about myself . It gave me new confidence and I learned to give myself grace. Both Kristin and Jennine are wonderful educators and are rooting for your success . My future is brighter because of their guidance and encouragement .”
What our partners are saying....
"Living Become has been an exceptional partner in preparing participants for real success through the ParaEducator Program. Their collaborative spirit is evident in every step of the process. They communicate openly, work closely with employers, and consistently go above and beyond to ensure each participant is supported. Their training has been truly transformative for participants, helping them build confidence, develop meaningful skills, and step into new opportunities with a strong sense of readiness and purpose. Their willingness and genuine effort to equip individuals for long‑term success truly sets them apart. I’m grateful for their dedication and proud to work alongside such a committed training team."
