smoot

About Us highlighter

Miss Kendra Programs is the result of the incredible advances in our understanding of toxic stress and psychological trauma, propelled by thousands of researchers, clinicians, and health professionals over the past 40 years. Our work is empowered by the vision to create schools that support open conversations about the truth in our students’ lives and liberate their energies and spirits for the important work of learning.

In developing Miss Kendra Programs, we partnered with principals, teachers and staff to find ways to address trauma and stress without interfering with the flow of the school day or academic tasks. Our work is never done, and we continue to refine the program with the input from Miss Kendra schools and classrooms around the country.

More than 15 Years of Experience

icon1

100% calmer classrooms

icon2

75% fewer suspensions and office referrals

icon3

95% of teachers recommend Miss Kendra Programs

icon4

Over 50,000 students in 250 classrooms

icon5

Over 500,000 Letters to Miss Kendra written

icon6

Over 100,000 Red Beads worn

David Read Johnson, PhD, Chief Executive Officer

David Read Johnson has spent most of his career as a psychologist and drama therapist in the field of trauma and toxic stress. He has published widely about trauma treatment and has spearheaded the development of the Miss Kendra Program.

Hadar Lubin, MD, Chief Medical Officer

Hadar Lubin is a psychiatrist and expert in the treatment of trauma, having published “Principles and Techniques of Trauma-Centered Psychotherapy” (2015). She is passionate about the work of the Miss Kendra Program, and the role of a public health frame in impacting the effects of adversity in children.

Erinn Webb, MA, RDT-BCT, Program Director

Erinn Webb has played every role in the Miss Kendra program, from intern to co-director since 2013, and is happy to see students and adults engaged in moments of love, truth-telling, and imagination. She coordinates, trains, and supervises Miss Kendra staff, creates curriculum and content, and provides direct service to schools in New Haven, CT.

Alicia Stephen, MA, RDT, Program Director

Alicia has been with the program since 2016 and enjoys being a part of Miss Kendra’s magical and truth-centered world. She believes that every child has the right to be seen, heard, valued and cherished. Alicia cares deeply about her team and the people she serves! She trains and supervises the Miss Kendra staff in CT and MN, creates curriculum and content for the Miss Kendra Program and also provides direct service to students and school staff in CT. Alicia is creative, silly and playful and knows that the real medicine to heal trauma is in the commitment to connect, create, love, rest and play!

Bring Miss Kendra to Your School!