WHO IS WAO! ?
WAO! WE ARE ONE!
At WAO! WE ARE ONE!, we are united by a shared passion for wellness, self-discovery, and community. Our team is built through collaborations with other passionate, like-minded people who share our vision for a brighter future. By combining our ideas, expertise, and energy, we work together to promote the well-being of the next generation and contribute to making the world a better place.
Lucia
As a passionate educator, lifelong learner and wellness advocate, I’m deeply committed to helping young people thrive in every area of their lives. With a solid background in psychology, bilingual special education, and social-emotional learning, I bring a blend of expertise and motivation to my mission of empowering youth. Having personally experienced the transformative power of wellness, I am passionate about equipping young people with the opportunity to explore healthy, positive wellness practices that foster growth, resilience, and a sense of well-being.
Training
I hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology -FIU- and a Master’s in Bilingual Special Education -NYCTF CUNY-. I am also a trained Interior Designer -MDC-. My certifications include 200-Hour Yoga Teacher -CYT 200, Breath for Change-, Jewish Life Coaching for Professionals -Kavanah Coaching Workshop, CAJE-, Power of Community Building -Belong Institute-, and Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator -SEL*F, Breath for Change-. Additionally, I am a trained Bilingual Crisis Counselor Volunteer -CTL.
Current Work
In the initiatives and programs I’ve founded, I draw on my unique and diverse training & experience to equip youth with the tools for success. My goal is to help them feel a deep sense of belonging to a healthy community, where they are inspired by others, align with shared values, and are empowered to value and spread their own strengths, contributing to the community, and beyond, making our next generation a healthy one and this world a better place.
I am the Founder of WAO! WE ARE ONE!, a movement dedicated to uplifting the next generation through transformative wellness events that inspire well-being, leadership, and community. At Scheck Hillel Community School, my school community for the past 13 years, I serve as the coordinator & teacher of the Upper School ESOL Department. I work together with students, families and staff to help our students learn English, succeed academically, and navigate cultural transitions. Additionally, I founded WAH! WE ARE HERE!, a program that trains a peer-selected group of natural leaders. These students gain valuable leadership skills while facilitating a transition program for new members of our community. I’m also a Co-Founder of Shalva, a program focused on promoting academic and social-emotional success for all 6th grade students.
My Vision & Approach
I believe in creating an environment where young people can explore, make mistakes, and grow while feeling supported and inspired. At WAO! WE ARE ONE!, we provide opportunities for youth to make independent choices, practice leadership, and develop the tools and language to navigate life’s moments with resilience and joy.
I’m here to empower kids, teens, and young adults to create their own paths, embrace their unique strengths, and spread their positive energy to the world around them. Together, we build a community that inspires the next generation to live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives.