Fund Skye's SEL Certification for Change

Help Fund My Certification in Mindfulness & SEL for Educator & Student Wellbeing

Hi friends, family, colleagues, and fellow changemakers,

My name is Skye Gentile, and I’ve spent the last 25 years teaching, mentoring, and building communities in higher education. I currently serve as a faculty member at Cabrillo College and am pursuing my Doctorate in Education in Trauma-Informed Educational Practices at National University.

Today, I’m asking for your support to help me enroll in Breathe For Change—a nationally recognized certification program in mindfulness, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and yoga for educators—so I can bring healing-centered, equity-driven practices to the students, staff, faculty, and community I serve.

Why This Certification Matters

This is more than professional development—it’s a personal commitment to restoration and resilience.

Over the past year, I’ve experienced the murder of a former student, Colter White, the loss of beloved students to suicide, violence, and emotional distress, and personal grief that’s left me carrying more than most people know. I recently wrote a letter advocating to keep Colter’s alleged killer in custody—ten years after he left my classroom. That advocacy reflects the soul of my teaching: I carry my students for life.

I’ve tried to advocate for healing-centered systems within my institution, but I’m met too often with bureaucracy, burnout, and a lack of grace. I've been told “no” to internal funding. I’ve jumped through every hoop, written every justification, and explained—too many times—why trauma-informed practices aren’t "extra" but essential.

And I’m tired. Not of the work—but of waiting for permission to do what I know is right.

What Is Breathe For Change?

Breathe For Change is a 200-hour certification in Mindfulness, SEL, and Yoga for Educators, backed by ESSA Level III research. A 2023 independent study by LearnPlatform found that educators who completed the program reported:

✔️ Less stress and burnout

✔️ Improved physical and mental health

✔️ Increased confidence in teaching SEL

✔️ Fewer challenging student behaviors

The training includes live virtual sessions, on-demand wellness curriculum, and community-based facilitation. This is professional learning that nourishes the whole educator—and the systems we lead.

Why I Need Help Now

I’ve pursued every proper channel at my college. I was told there’s no money available to support this opportunity.

At the same time, I’m paying off over $30,000 in higher education costs for my daughter. And I’ve made the decision to stop relying on grants that require educators to endlessly prove their value.

This is me taking agency, not waiting for a broken system to tell me I’m worth investing in.

What Your Donation Supports

The total program cost is $3,000.

Your support will help fund:

Community wellness programming at Cabrillo College and in Santa Cruz County.