Lana Penley

Lana Penley, former Principal turned CEO, stands at the forefront of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) movement in education. After a school fire crisis, Lana spearheaded a complete transformation at her school, reducing suspensions, improving academic performance, and fostering a thriving community for both students and staff
As the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of Unlocking SEL, Lana draws on 25 years of experience to shape her groundbreaking, mindful, and community-based approach to schooling, solidifying her status as a preeminent voice in SEL. She is on a mission to reimagine what’s possible for schools today, helping them become healthier and happier places through SEL, increasing positive student outcomes while reducing teacher burnout.
Her upcoming publication, Unlocking SEL: The 5 Keys to Transform Schools through Social and Emotional Learning, is poised to be a game-changer in the field, offering step-by-step strategies for comprehensive school and classroom transformation
With 25 years in education, Lana is also a renowned keynote speaker, avid pickleball player, dog mom, and the founder of groundbreaking courses like SEL Jumpstart—a mini-course designed to help educators stop delaying and start doing with SEL.
No matter what she’s doing, Lana brings a unique blend of engaging storytelling, wit, emotional connection, and practical insights, making her style truly unforgettable