When leaders BE with Tovi, this is what they say…
"I found this class very powerful. From the moment that it was made clear, we are not here to vilify white people, but rather to move toward racial healing through conversation,
connection, and compassion
-- I was hooked."
Lana Penley
CEO Mindflow
​This course has been one of my most powerful racial healing experiences. I have spent years reading books and listening to podcasts but nothing ever really stuck until I was called to experience it and talk about it in the container. In one session I could actually feel my body release what felt like intergenerational trauma. Thank you all for providing such a safe and powerful experience!
Cara Jones
Racial Healing Allies, Cohort 1
“Participants in the workshop expressed deep appreciation for Tovi's ability to illuminate and address difficult issues of inequity, particularly in relation to systemic racism. They found her emphasis on the power of breath as a tool for trauma-responsive practices to be invaluable, allowing them to engage without shutting down. The workshop provided actionable strategies for working with trauma, cultivating resilience, and fostering connections in both personal and educational settings. Attendees praised the comprehensive exploration of trauma, brain science, and SEL, noting the impact of trauma on students and educators alike. The session was described as thought-provoking, inspiring, and transformative, reinforcing the importance of trauma-informed education and self-care. Overall, the testimonials demonstrate a deep appreciation for Tovi's expertise, her ability to inspire change, and the practical tools provided to implement trauma-responsive approaches.”
​Caroline Simard, PhD
Regional Dean,
Silicon Valley Campus,
Northeastern University
I stand in awe of Tovi’s honesty, determination, courage, and her
commitment to student success. Her unwavering desire and commitment to student achievement through collaboration, not just with faculty and staff, but parents and
community members
ensures success for every student.
Adam Taylor
Executive Director of K-12 Operations, West Contra Costa USD
“... Never have I before
experienced such a
transformational
curriculum - even in an all virtual format. Their mastery of the content on courageous leadership, expert facilitation, and individualized coaching
approaches will forever change your outlook on leadership and give you the tools to embody your aspirations."
Caroline Simard
Regional Dean,
Silicon Valley Campus,
Northeastern University
​Your presentation on Mindfulness for Racial Healing and Realizing Equity was so
well-received by our recent cohort of Queens North educators they
decided after you said goodbye to nominate you as a speaker for the TED TALK offerings. This is the first time I've ever seen 118 keen-eyed
professionals in the
NYCDOE—in August no less —be so inspired they spontaneously respond in this way. This is a
testament, feedback for you, on the impact,
relevance, and value of your service.
Barnaby Spring
Director, Student Services and Community Partnerships
New York City Department of
Education
RHA has been a place for profound re-centering. I am learning how to locate myself and my actions as a white person in the frame of systemic racism, to acknowledge my
complicity, to learn new practices for
self-compassion and
forgiveness, and to begin to take meaningful action as an ally.
​Marla Truini
​Racial Healing Allies, Cohort 2
From a teacher, visionary and school leader for over 20 years comes the
courageous truth about effective parent
partnering for school
success. Tovi Scruggs knows exactly what our students need from school and home to achieve.
​Glenn E. Singleton
Author, "Courageous Conversations
About Race:
A Fieldbook For Achieving Equity In
Schools" and "More Courageous
Conversations About Race"
President & CEO, Pacific
Educational Group
"I’ve had the privilege of
attending several workshops facilitated by Tovi, and there’s a reason I am drawn back for more. Tovi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience related to SEL, mindfulness,
trauma-informed practices, racial equity, and social justice...Tovi has challenged me to work outside my comfort zone while creating a safe and healing space to do so."
Rachel Vatannia
Educational Leader
Thanks so much Tovi! Overt attention to healing is often missing in systems change efforts but is SO needed. Your work is needed to fill in the gap!
Jessica Swain-Bradway
Executive Director
Northwest PBIS Network
www.pbisnetwork.org
Tovi Scruggs is committed to designing empowered partnerships between homes and schools in order to ensure that our children reach their
academic potential and succeed in life. Her book gives parents and
guardians the lay of the land and grounds our
expectations in a hard
reality. It challenges us to be reflective and
proactive. It has practical tools that are tried and tested, use one or use them all....Just get in action!
​Jenee Johnson
​Parent Champion, Mother of 1
Director, San Francisco Black
Infant Health Program,
San Francisco Department of
Public Health
This process changed my life. I learned (and
unlearned) so much about myself, and I am eternally grateful. My intention was to be present. My vision was to be a better mother and teacher. I was present, even through the unpleasant moments. I am encouraged and
inspired to shine my light even brighter—for me, my children, and my
students.
Rachael Jones.
Racial Healing Allies, Cohort 1
Speaks to the human being in all of us
I took 'Developing a Trauma-Informed
Practice" led by Tovi Scruggs-Hussein. It was
not only a highly informative course on how teachers can support students, it had a holistic approach that speaks to the human being in all of us. Tovi is an excellent presenter and gave participants enough time to process the information. I always came away from the class feeling invigorated and rested, though it was a night class after a full day of work.
Tre Luna,
Teacher
Gave us the space to come together
Thank you again for our Equity training session today! We have quite the email chain going w/ the Board Directors giving their complements, so I wanted to make sure you knew how well it resonated with everyone. I wish we had the time do ½ day session or even longer as I can see how we only scratched the surface but it gave us the space to come together with more understanding of ourselves and the intentions in which we need to direct change as an organization.
Non-profit Board President
If my being doesn't change, the strategies don't matter
This session was fire!!! I was challenged through so many critical lenses. I left with a deep need for critical analysis of my own practice and a strong need to re-focus from they to "me." It confirmed my need to refine my work from an inside out perspective. If my being doesn't change, the strategies don't matter.
Practical tools we can use on a daily basis
Tovi, Thank you very much for your training. I felt it was very helpful b/c you provided us with many practical tools we can use on a daily basis. What I liked the most about this training is that we got to practice the tools you shared with us. The partner activity was difficult, but I appreciated it.
Tools to help yourself, your school, and your family as well
A collective sigh of relief passed through our group with every workshop session led by Ms. Scruggs-Hussein. Providing unconditional positive regard, Tovi modeled what we teachers so desperately need for ourselves and our students, including the following: Being seen, heard, and validated, being a warm demander, regulating our brains, and giving permission to just be.Take the training. You’ll get the tools to help yourself, your school, and your family as well.
Lydia Oey
San Leandro Unified
Made me think about big ideas
This-was my favorite session. Tovi Scruggs-Hussein was an incredibly intelligent and genuine presenter who made me think about big ideas around engaging black families and practical steps to take to improve my practice in a short amount of time. The session flew by. I was really grateful that I picked it and will try my best to use the tools she provided in the upcoming year! Please invite her back!
"Magic" intangibles and concrete takeaways
The speaker is amazing and facilitated a truly excellent presentation. It both had the "magic" intangibles and the concrete takeaways I can share with my school team.
Racism discussed by looking within
I feel very grateful for this session. It was very refreshing. For the first time, heard the issue of racism was being discussed without taking sides. Instead, you looked within. I am looking forward to more workshops with you.
Challenged me to work outside my comfort zone
I’ve had the privilege of attending several workshops facilitated by Tovi, and there’s a reason I am drawn back for more. Tovi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience related to SEL, mindfulness,
trauma-informed practices, racial equity, and social justice. This is evident in the material and resources she presents, as well as, carefully integrated into her presentation and delivery of her work. Tovi has challenged me to work outside my comfort zone while creating a safe and healing space to do so.
Tre Luna,
Teacher
Feel like part of the solution
She had a great energy and presence. She made white participants feel like a part of the solution and not just part of the problem.
Allowed teachers to be reflective on their bias
I thought that Tovi's practice and norms allowed us to voice some of the factors holding back the conversations with African American Families. The structure of the discussion allowed teachers be reflective on their bias toward these conversations and begin to plan on how to grow in this area.
Reflect on where I am as an educator
Awesome! Amazing! Empowering! Refreshing! Practical! It allowed me to truly reflect on where I am as an educator and how I need to think "inside-out" in order to improve as an educator as well as support my students and families fully.
Come, let’s heal. Come, BE with me. Together, you will do the work, and I will
show you how.
Tici'ess, Inc.
4200 Park Blvd, #237 Oakland,
CA 94602
Social: @goddessatwork
