Today our guest is Jocelyn Pajimula the Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator & Restorative Practices Coach at Ewa Makai Middle School. We talk to Jocelyn about how her school have created a system to give students tools to repair and prevent broken broken relationships. She breaks down their two key strategies when conflict arises and introduces the PEACE strategy—a proactive tool that helps students navigate conflict before it escalates. Jocelyn also offers a powerful example of how they address peer pressure in a meaningful, memorable way. We dive into the importance of making systems easy to access and how that leads to better implementation—and offers an important reminder: don’t forget to make it fun.

Learn More About CharacterStrong:

• Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples
• Request a Quote Today!
• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Jocelyn is a proud graduate of the Hawaiʻi public education system, deeply influenced by its rich culture and vibrant community. With 12 years of dedicated teaching experience at the middle school level, she specializes in Social Studies, AVID Elective, and Health and Wellness classes. For the past three years, Jocelyn has served as her school’s Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator; this year, she has taken on the role of Restorative Practices Coach. Jocelyn's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment reflects her passion for education and the well-being of her students.

Today our guest is Taryne Dismuke, Culture Catalyst at DO EWE Coaching & Consulting. We talk to Taryne about the concept of living out your pillars of purpose. She unpacks how easy it is to get pulled away from our core purpose in education—and how that drift can lead to burnout. Taryne offers practical insights on staying grounded in our “why,” and how doing so not only sustains us but also creates a ripple effect that benefits students, families, and entire communities. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while purpose-driven work isn’t always easy, it’s deeply rewarding.

Learn More About CharacterStrong:

• Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples
• Request a Quote Today!
• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Taryne Dismuke, founder of DO EWE Coaching, is passionate about helping individuals, teams and organizations to develop systems, practices, goals, and cultural norms that enhance effectiveness, improve performance and advance equity. She inspires teams to gain traction toward their goals by fostering accountability, strategy, and inclusion.

With over 19 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and leadership development. Taryne has consulted for leaders and organizations across industries, including K-12 and higher education, management consulting, community development, and faith-based groups. She has helped hundreds of campuses strengthen school culture, elevate teacher-leaders, and implement sustainable, equitable practices.

While serving as a regional strategist in education solutions, Taryne led a team of 20 leaders, facilitating professional learning communities, mentoring individuals, and designing and delivering both virtual and in-person training. Her expertise includes strategic planning, leadership development, and cultivating inclusive cultures that embrace equitable practices.

Taryne holds a Bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University, a Master’s in Organizational Development and Leadership from Regent University with a coaching and mentoring certification, and an Executive Certification in Diversity Coaching from Howard University and CoachDiversity Institute. She is also a credentialed coach with the International Coaching Federation.

When she’s not helping teams and organizations grow, Taryne enjoys traveling, reading, exploring new restaurants, and spending quality time with her husband and son. She is also passionate about mentoring youth, helping them develop character and leadership skills to positively impact their communities.

Today our guest is Cara Newman a 4th grade educator in the Plainedge School District. We talk to Cara about how a simple yet powerful practice—having students set intentions throughout the day—can increase focus, presence, and ownership in the classroom. She explains how this strategy fosters student buy-in, supports self-regulation, and ultimately leads to meaningful returns in both behavior and learning.

Learn More About CharacterStrong:

• Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples
• Request a Quote Today!
• Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Cara Newman is an educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. Outside of the classroom, she is a life coach and mind-body practitioner. She’s passionate about mindful and conscious teaching, empowering educators and students to create meaningful and balanced learning environments while cultivating creativity, connection, and presence.