Meet Our Team
At Calmer Schools, our team brings together educators, school leaders, and specialists
dedicated to creating calm, trauma-sensitive learning environments.
We combine research, real-world experience, and heart—so every school, classroom,
and community we serve can thrive.
Meredith McNerney, Ed.D. — Owner & President, Calmer Schools
Dr. Meredith McNerney is an educational leader, author, and national trainer with over 25 years of experience as a teacher, former Title I school principal, and professional learning designer. She is the owner and president of Calmer Schools and the author of Cultivating a Classroom of Calm: How to Promote Student Engagement and Self-Regulation, published by ASCD.
Meredith earned her doctorate from Northeastern University, where her research focused on social justice and mental health literacy in education. She was awarded the Dean’s Dissertation Award, recognizing her work for excellence in scholarship and impact. Her work centers on trauma-responsive education, educator wellbeing, and sustainable systems that strengthen school culture and student engagement.
Grounded in both research and practice, Meredith partners with districts nationwide to support educators, leaders, students, and families in creating conditions for learning rooted in the neurobiology of safety, belonging, and resilience, ensuring environments where both teaching and learning can thrive. Find Meredith's full bio HERE!
Daphne McKay — Senior Lead Trainer & Researcher, Calmer Schools
With over 30 years of experience in education, Daphne McKay is a cornerstone of Calmer Schools’ mission to advance restorative practices and evidence-based approaches to educator and student wellbeing across school communities, particularly in high stress environments. Her work, grounded in research-informed practices, integrates Tier 1 interventions such as brain-based strategies to strengthen attention, executive function, and emotion regulation, alongside Tier 2 interventions including targeted behavior plans, progress monitoring, and data-based decision making—ensuring comprehensive support for both educators and students.
A former staff-development teacher, restorative justice coach, and accelerated/enriched instruction support teacher, Daphne has been featured in major media, including The Washington Post, for her leadership in helping schools implement restorative practices and shift disciplinary culture. In addition to her Master’s degree in Education, Daphne is a certified instructor in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), an evidence-based suicide prevention program, and a Certified Mental Health First Aider.
At Calmer Schools, Daphne leads professional learning initiatives, conducts research on the neurobiology of learning, restorative approaches, and wellbeing outcomes, designs and delivers trainings, and mentors educators—translating decades of classroom and systems-level experience into sustainable school practices that promote healing, equity, resilience, and belonging.
Monica Colbert — Professional Learning Consultant, Youth & Family Engagement
Monica Colbert brings more than 12 years of experience as an educator dedicated to empowering young people and their families. As the creator of the Math, Money, and Mental Health series, she has developed programming that strengthens youth and caregiver financial literacy, mental wellness, and intergenerational dialogue—bridging academic learning with real-world life skills. Additionally, Monica has served as a school-based restorative justice coach, helping build a culture of accountability, belonging, and repair by guiding staff and students in restorative practices rather than punitive discipline.
At Calmer Schools, Monica plays a key role in leading parent-caregiver–community workshops and youth summits, facilitating participatory experiences that elevate youth voice, cultivate leadership, and strengthen community connection. Her work centers holistic youth development, equity, and empowerment—ensuring young people and families are supported as whole individuals.
Matthew J. Bowerman, Ed.D. — Professional Learning Consultant & Trauma-Informed Care Specialist
Dr. Matthew J. Bowerman holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership with a focus on trauma-responsive education. He brings extensive experience as a school administrator in Maryland, along with doctoral research grounded in building trauma-responsive and healing-centered school environments. A published author, researcher, speaker, and trainer, Matthew also contributes thought leadership to the broader education community through writing for online education platforms.
At Calmer Schools, Matthew partners with schools to embed trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices, supporting educators and administrators in responding to the complex emotional and mental health needs of students. His background as a professional actor, singer, and Emmy Award–winning writer and director uniquely informs his ability to design engaging, reflective, and impactful professional learning experiences.
Vittoria De Vincenzo — Educational Programs & Digital Engagement Coordinator
Vittoria De Vincenzo holds a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is a certified yoga and meditation teacher. She draws on her interdisciplinary background to lead research and content development for Calmer Schools’ educational and outreach initiatives.
In her role, Vittoria oversees the Calmer Schools website, manages email communication, and coordinates student-facing processes, ensuring clear, timely support for current and prospective participants. She also designs and produces multimedia learning materials—including social media content, video-based courses, and interactive modules—to expand the reach and accessibility of Calmer Schools’ work. Her focus on research-aligned content, digital engagement, and student support strengthens the effective dissemination of trauma-informed education, restorative practices, wellness strategies, and community-centered learning.
Debbe Manoly — Administrative Assistant
Debbe Manoly is an experienced office manager with over 30 years of experience supporting organizational operations. She manages Calmer Schools’ core administrative functions, including financial processing and course support, ensuring the smooth operation of all professional learning programs.
Join our mailing list - get the latest about our course offerings.
Thank you!
Calmer Schools® Copyright © 2024