Staff
Who We AreWe’re a diverse group of educators and facilitators with extensive experience in education and wellness coaching who will assist in identifying themes, problem-solving strategies and educator resources. Read our findings from the first VTL cohort and 2020 to 2021 school year by clicking HERE.
Only the BEst
We Provide Mutual Support for Teachers
Teaching has always been challenging but during the Pandemic, we heard about new concerns: disruptions related to temporary school closures and re-openings, student disengagement; fear of COVID spread and health safety; added instructional preparation time; needed added engagement with parent/guardians and other school personnel to support students with special needs; and Zoom fatigue.
Our EDUCATORS
Virtual Teachers’ Lounge Founders
Email VTL if you’d like to join our team or provide a program for teachers.
Karen Gross
Author | Consultant | Educator
Karen Gross is an author and educator who specializes in student success and the impact of trauma on student learning and psychosocial development. She teaches across the educational landscape and just released a new book: Trauma Doesn’t Stop at the School Door (TCPress June 2020)
Sakina McGruder
Certified NBCT Teacher
Sakina McGruder is a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) with more than 18 years of experience with elementary and intermediate school students and their families. She is currently teaching Kindergarten virtually and working on programs to improve the lives of teachers serving during the Pandemic.
Pat Neal
Education Director
Pat Neal served as a teacher in the District of Columbia Public School system. Later, she served as a teacher and school counselor for elementary and middle school students and as the Director of Student Services in the Fairfax Virginia Public School System. She is a recognized leader of educational organizations across the US.
Ed K.S. Wang, M.S., Psy.D.
Psycholoigst
Edward K. Wang, a grandparent and psychologist, promotes the social and emotional well-being of children across the globe. As the Director of Policy and Planning for the Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, a former member of the National Advisory Council, Department of Health and Human Services and a public steward of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, he continues to call attention to the resiliency and hope, growth and healing of mental ill adults and children.