Kelli Sammis, Ed.D.

Dr. Kelli Sammis has 36 years of experience in PK12 – Higher Ed with roles ranging from classroom teacher, building principal, district-level leadership, SME, and adjunct professor. Her current role is guiding and supporting graduate students in Action Research inquiries through William Jewell College in partnership with Breathe for Change. This day to day work is grounded in equipping students with the skills they need to bring mindfulness and human-centered practices into their professional communities.

While earning her doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, she designed a new teacher induction program for Texas schools, grounded in positive behavior systems, mindful practices, and educator well-being. During the years she served as a Director of School Leadership, she wanted to do more than merely evaluate those in campus leadership positions; this led her to design a leadership coaching framework that was deeply rooted in the principles of mindfulness education as the foundation for how school communities meet the needs of both the students and the staffs for whom they are ultimately created. She’s also a yoga studio owner with a 500hr ERYT yoga certification and multiple credentials in Meditation and other contemplative practices. All of these Yogic tools greatly informed how she lives and her methodologies as a seasoned educational leader.

B.S., Midwestern State University

M.Ed., Midwestern State University

M.Ed. University of North Texas

Ed.D. University of Louisiana Monroe