Akira is a Senior Training and Technical Assistance Associate at EDC, supporting schools and communities in advancing their youth wellbeing initiatives, including in early childhood, youth suicide prevention, and healthy social-emotional development. As a subject matter expert for SEB Academy, she draws from research and practice experiences with social-emotional and behavioral skills, and mental health wellness and prevention. Akira has collaborated with schools and districts across the U.S. to support their implementation efforts around social-emotional, culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices to benefit educators, students, and families. She holds advanced degrees in developmental and child clinical psychology. Akira is also currently completing her doctoral degree in psychology. Her research interests include learning about youth’s experiences with adversity, resilience, and sense of belonging. Akira’s ultimate goal is to work in community with others to create healthy and supportive environments that promote mental and emotional wellbeing for youth from different backgrounds, identities, and abilities.