Alicia Cardina is a consulting teacher for Center for Responsive Schools. She holds an MEd in elementary education from Lesley University and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and education from Hamilton College. Alicia discovered the Responsive Classroom approach during her master’s program in 2006 and became wholeheartedly committed to implementing the strategies in her own classrooms. Over the past fifteen years, she has taught first, second, and fifth grade in Asheville, North Carolina, and in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Alicia deeply values the power of intentional language and building a strong community among both students and teachers. Alicia brings her love for music, art, and nature into the classroom, creating opportunities for students to explore their own creativity while maintaining deep academic engagement. She recently stepped away from teaching full time to pursue her passion for teacher wellness through retreats and programming with the nonprofit organization Center for Inspired Education.