Kami is a strong leader with incredible talent, insight and diversified talents. Whether it’s mindfulness practices, restorative justice/discipline, or curriculum development-Kami is definitely your person! She builds solid relationships and is extremely personable. I have enjoyed working with her and have learned a great deal from her!
Dr. Tera Helmon Zazenski EdDÂ
Kami's greatest strength is her ability to connect with people. She is strong in transforming the climate and culture amongst a group of people while empowering others and focusing on people’s assets. She has a natural ability to nurture and senses when people are in need.
Ashley Echols, Teacher
Kami is highly skilled at inspiring others to be the best version of themselves. Through working with Kami, I am more empowered with the tools needed to co-lead our Equity work in our building. Kami’s leadership has helped our staff grow tremendously as we continue to strengthen our work and build sustainability.
Sarah Frederick, NBCT , Instructional Coach & Teacher
"Kami is an amazing leader, colleague, and friend. As a school psychologist, there is no better feeling than working with a leader who values social and emotional learning. Kami has been an integral person in my career and she has always been open to sharing ideas and collaborating on ways to support our most impacted students.
She spearheaded a time at our school called “Connect to Kids” which allows teachers and students to connect and build relationships with one another in order to establish trust and safety within the classroom. I have talked to many educators and this sacred time to focus on SEL is a rare find in schools and I am so thankful Kami brought it to our school. Kami inspires others to think outside the box and she continues to inspire me with her work through The Excellence Team, LLC."
- Vy Ngyuen, School Psychologist
Kami has been the heart and soul of our equity work since I’ve been at Ponderosa. Her passion for equity is apparent. Kami was a leader that was approachable because she was able to be a compassionate, understanding listener while still maintaining the focus of equity for students no matter what. I would consider myself a teacher of a more progressive classroom and atmosphere and I’ve never felt more supported than with Kami. She knows the needs of students rely first and foremost on their social-emotional needs before they are capable of content learning. As a leader at Ponderosa, Kami was able to help foster a school whose priorities became equity and social-emotional learning alongside high expectations of academics which is necessary not only in the population we teach in but in the “times” we teach in.
Erin Boyce, Teacher
"The Excellence Team has taught me as an educator that I can't push the academics upon a student that is struggling with trust, social emotional issues and factors out of their control. Through this team’s leadership, knowledge, guidance and passion around equity and social emotional learning, I have learned to really take the time to get to know my students directly and build relationships so that we can move onto gaining academic skills that are expected."
- Jennifer Christianson, NBCT Teacher
I have had the privilege of working with Kami as a parent and a colleague for over a decade and what really stands out is her ability to build relationships. She is one of the most genuine and caring individuals I know. She is an effective leader who is able to understand all sides of an issue and develop a plan to accommodate everyone’s needs. She is a model facilitator and leads by example. She wants what is best for all students. Her background and experiences related to creating an equitable environment for students, staff and families are at the core of what she believes. Kami knows what it takes to build trust and I fully trust Kami’s insightfulness and practical approaches in creating a positive climate of success and growth.
Scott Schleich, PrincipalÂ
I am continually amazed by the positive impacts Kami Guarino can make on both the individual and the community. One on one conversations with Kami are inspiring. Her care and energy that she brings to any dialogue is unique. Her commitment to being focused on the words you say, the issues you are working through, are remarkably genuine and thoughtful. Kami brings this same level of intention in working with communities. When she trained in our Mindful Life Schools program, she took her passion and figured out how to transform an entire school community. She was looking for a cultural shift, and her tireless energy led this community to experience social and emotional learning not just in a cursory way, but in a manner that truly moved the needle for a community that was in need of much self care. Put quite simply, people are better off when they are able to interact with Kami Guarino.
Kristen Race, Ph.D. Founder of Mindful Life
"I have known Kami for eleven years and I am truly a better person because of her. She lights up a room when she enters and can build rapport with anyone she meets. Her natural ability to read the room and bring her skill and knowledge to move work forward is brilliant. She is highly skilled in social and emotional learning for adults as well as children. She brings integrity into her work and her relationships which is contagious. Her reputation in the community is extremely positive and trusted."
- Elizabeth Sloan, Principal
