Professional background

With a background in education and child development, Lani has over 20 years of experience in youth-focused work, including teaching, coaching, and program development. After earning her B.S. in education at Indiana University, she worked as an educator for public schools in Elkhart County, advocating for the importance of emotional well-being for students and staff.

Motivation & Vision

Lani was moved to action by the loss of several young people in her community to suicide, a tragedy that changed the course of her life. She felt driven to go upstream and do everything she could to prevent it from happening again. By what she describes as a combination of the power of intention and serendipity, Lani was drawn to the School Care Team like a magnet. She absolutely believes it was meant to be. As part of a compassionate team with a mission of improving the world, Lani knows that children need hope now more than ever, and she deeply wants to be part of that change. Where pain meets passion, purpose is found.

Why School Care Team?

Lani joined the School Care Team in 2023 and now works with schools across Indiana as a consultant, a certified QPR instructor, and a Level 2 WRAP facilitator. She is a suicide loss survivor and is passionate about mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. She believes in the power of storytelling and using our lived experiences to help others navigate life’s obstacles and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. She has worked closely with individuals struggling with mental health and addiction, emphasizing the deep importance of connection, support, and understanding.

SuperPower of Choice

If Lani could have any superpower, it would likely be Empathic Healing—the ability to feel and understand others’ emotions deeply while also having the power to heal their pain, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.