On this episode of Working Well we talk with Elvina Charley, Ed.S. She is a bi-lingual Diné (Navajo) school psychologist for the Kayenta Unified School District of the Navajo Nation of Northeastern Arizona. Kayenta educates over 2,000 kindergarten through 12th grade students; a majority of students are bilingual and speak the language of the Navajo people. Ms. Charley has been practicing mindfulness since 2013 as a way to heal from historical trauma, and integrates mindfulness into her work with children, youth, and adults. She talks with NCSSLE Training Specialist Melanie Goodman about her Navajo heritage, reducing stress through mindfulness practices, helping students and staff process their post-Covid trauma, the importance of self-healing, and more. 0:21 - Introduction 1:12 - Family and Cultural history 4:14 - Decisions and path to becoming a school psychologist 8:25 - School district support 10:24 - Navajo Reservation and school setting 11:32 - School psychologist role and approach to wellness13:31 - Teacher stressors and supports 16:00 - Mindful schools and implementation19:08 - Post-pandemic implications and innovations 21:40 - Advice for implementing mindfulness and whole school wellness 24:57 - Post- pandemic awareness and self-reflection 26:52 - Closing

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