Social and emotional learning (SEL) is essential to a high-quality education to support academic achievement, well-being, and lifelong success. This keynote traces the evolution of SEL through research, policy, and practice. The overlap, intersection, and synergies, as well as distinctions between SEL and contemplaive practices curriculum will be presented. As our schools and communities face unprecedented political polarization and attacks on evidence-based practices like SEL, we’ll explore why it remains critical and how we can work together to ensure all students benefit from a whole-child approach in education. 

Kyla Krengel is the Director of SEL Implementation at the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), where she supports districts and partners in advancing systemic SEL. She previously served as Program Manager for the SEL Exchange, CASEL’s signature annual conference that brings together thousands of educators, researchers, and leaders from around the world.

Before joining CASEL, Kyla was the Director of Social and Emotional Learning for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, where she helped bring SEL supports to administrators, teachers, students, and families. Her career in education has also included roles as a classroom teacher, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and trainer in classroom management and bullying prevention. She has served as co-chair of the Alignment Nashville Behavioral Health Committee, co-chair of the National Music City SEL Conference Committee, and a member of a statewide Tennessee Department of Education committee that crafted Social and Personal Competencies for educators. Kyla was also part of the Aspen Institute team that developed the Action Guide for School Leadership Teams on Integrating Social, Emotional, and Academic Development.

Kyla holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology (University of California, Santa Barbara), a master’s degree in Elementary Education (Lesley University), and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership (University of Phoenix). In her free time, she enjoys learning about the world through the eyes of her 14-year-old son, now a high school freshman.

Asher Miller (he/him) is CASEL’s Policy Specialist. Asher believes deeply in the power of public policy serving to improve the experiences of students, educators, and families. A Chicagoland native, he has a particular passion for SEL and Restorative Justice and earned a Masters in Education Policy and Analysis from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2022. Prior to joining CASEL, Asher served as a Senior Impact Coach at Umoja Student Development Corporation, working with teachers, administrators, and security guards to implement and foster SEL and restorative practices in several Chicago Public Schools. He has also served students directly in multiple capacities, including providing academic and SEL supports to high school students in the Upward Bound Program, teaching life and job skills in special education classrooms as a teaching assistant, and facilitating community circles in a 5th grade classroom as a community volunteer. Asher loves sports and engaging in political discussions, and plays multiple musical instruments.

This session is part of the FREE Contemplation by Design Summit, Oct. 15-27, 2025.

The full summit schedule is posted at: https://med.stanford.edu/contemplation/summit.html.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stanford-contemplation-by-design-summit-2025-online-oct-15-27-registration-1520413249959