Hey friends- I'm Lana.
I’m a former principal turned entrepreneur helping people create calm, connected,
and thriving workplaces and schools through Social and Emotional Learning, mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
I’m also the author of Unlocking SEL: The 5 Keys to Transform Your School Through Social and Emotional Learning, a practical guide helping educators bring balance, joy, and connection to their campuses.
Join over 1K+ folks who read Lana's weekly newsletter-full of tips, strategies and mindset shifts .
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Three Ways I Can Help
COURSES
Digital Learning
New online courses are in the works both in a cohort and mastermind model.
Check back soon for exciting opportunities!!
My Story
Many years ago, I faced one of the biggest challenges of my life — losing everything in a devastating school fire. It forced me to rebuild, not just my school, but my sense of purpose.
Through resilience, mindfulness, and the very SEL practices I now teach, we turned adversity into a new beginning.
People told me transforming school culture through SEL was too idealistic — that educator burnout was simply part of the job. But I refused to accept that.
Instead of wondering “what if,” I showed up every day to create real change. I co-founded Unlocking SEL, wrote a book, and now travel the country helping people stress less, smile more, and rediscover the joy in their work.
If you’re ready to stop running on empty, reconnect with your passion, and truly transform your school — let’s do this together.
Book your free discovery call.
In this short conversation, we’ll discuss your school or companies vision for staff wellness and SEL. You’ll walk away with at least one actionable next step to begin reducing burnout and building balance across your campus. If we’re a good fit, I’ll share how I can help through customized training or coaching.
Order Lana's Book
Unlocking SEL
The 5 Keys to Transform Schools Through Social and Emotional Learning
RELEASED OCT, 2024
In Unlocking SEL, former principal Lana Penley redefines how schools approach Social and Emotional Learning—not as another initiative, but as the foundation of a thriving school culture.
Penley introduces her 5 Keys to Unlocking SEL, a framework that empowers educators to integrate SEL seamlessly, fostering emotional resilience, authentic connections, and sustainable well-being for both students and staff.
Andy Long
Asst. Superintendent, OR
I have never met a person who doesn't appreciate Lana's message.
Kristie Lindholm
Director of Education, WA
Lana’s training brings home the message, we can't effectively teach SEL to our students if our staff isn't grounded in their own wellbeing.
Susan Olds
Principal, OR.
Our sense of joy and building culture dramatically improved after Lana began her work with her staff.