Shanell Sharpe developed and implemented Sharpe-Mindset into schools, correctional facilities, organizations, and homes. She has served in the school system since she was a sophomore in high school herself, beginning with after-school programming with the YMCA. She is currently making waves in the field of Educational Technology. She is also a nationally recognized Recording Artist and Poet.
She received her Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut and decided to merge her professional and creative disciplines together.
“I started Sharpe-Mindset because I saw a need. I saw something missing and knew that void needed to be filled. Mental-Health is not a huge part of most curricula but it needs to be. Looking back, I wish mental wellness was taught in ways that were relatable to me.
I had one friend in my adolescence who overdosed and is no longer here and another who committed suicide after we graduated. I had no idea what either of them were going through. And I didn’t exactly know what to do after. What if he had the skills to cope without drug or alcohol use? What if she had real resources in class when we were still in school? Would their outcomes have been different? What about friends and families affected by these outcomes?
This is why Sharpe-Mindset takes a whole-school approach to SEL and targets students, teachers, and parents. There is also an emphasis on Racial and Gender Equity. Our SEL is culturally-responsive. Our digital curriculum is living and breathing and constantly growing/changing with what’s taking place in the world right now.
After working in Education for so many years, I’ve seen a lot…the good, the ugly, and everything in between. Regardless of the learning environment, there’s always room for improvement. And my goal is to always provide more for our students….give voice to the silent, create movement for the still, create racial and gender equity where there is little to none, create change for the future.
Whether remote or in-person, technology and the arts have proven to increase student engagement which is why we decided to turn our program into an app. Sharpe-Mindset is culturally responsive SEL that creates positive online experiences and improves overall mental wellbeing.
Every student everywhere is in a crucial period of their lives. This time is extremely sensitive, especially given fairly recent global issues. It’s necessary to process all this with our students…affirm and make them truly aware of their agency and equip them with the skills necessary to help them get through any and everything that may come their way. Let’s engage them creatively. Let’s have fun! Laugh, cry, whatever it takes to make true change. Love them. Love yourself. That is what’s needed. This is not a job. This is not a hobby. At Sharpe-Mindset, this is purpose.” -Shanell Sharpe