H.E.R. Academy
H.E.R. Academy
SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) curriculum is an educational framework that teaches students how to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It helps build emotional intelligence alongside traditional academic subjects.
H.E.R. Academy offers a SEL Curriculum and mental health resources for elementary, middle, and high school students. Every cohort builds core habits, at a reading level and pace built for the room they're taught in.
Each band moves through the same core themes, adjusted in language, examples, and assignment depth.
Naming feelings, simple coping tools, and identifying safe adults — through pictures, short activities, and read-aloud language.
Peer conflict, empathy, and self-regulation, with room to practice real scenarios from school and friendships.
Mental health literacy, stress and identity, and building a wellness plan students can actually keep using.
Choose a cohort to see that semester's 18-week outline.
Semester 1 · Weeks 1–18
Semester 2 · Weeks 1–18
Choose a cohort to see that semester's 18-week outline.
Semester 1 · Weeks 1–18
Semester 2 · Weeks 1–18
Choose a cohort to see that semester's 18-week outline.
Semester 1 · Weeks 1–18
Semester 2 · Weeks 1–18
About the Founder
Owner & Executive Director, Healing Everyday Realities Academy, LLC
“Heal Responsibly.”
Melissa Dawn lives by her own slogan, “Heal Responsibly,” having walked through 13 years of brokenness and experienced authentic healing since 2021. Once she moved forward in her own healing process, she began to reach back and pull other women along with her. With a passion for not only women but school-aged girls and teens, she started 1-on-1 mentorship because the young ladies were demanding time, had questions, and sought out healing.
Due to the demand, Melissa founded H.E.R. Academy, LLC to add structure to what she was already doing and what was in her heart to do. From there, the academy grew to bi-weekly group coaching, teaching social-emotional skills and mental health strategies to aid them in their healing journeys. Through group coaching, Melissa realized that she had built out a curriculum and it was time to expand and pour into the children. H.E.R. Academy now has multiple cohorts of SEL curriculum built to implement in Elementary, Middle & High Schools as an elective.
Melissa has worked for Joyce Meyer Ministries as a youth leader to children & teens ages 10–19 for 5 years at the St. Louis Dream Center from 2015–2020, with a specialty in teen girls. She is trauma informed and has served as a Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Case Manager and Emotional Support/Crisis Intervention Counselor for 2 years at Lifesource Consultants, Inc. Her passion is to extend healing to the whole woman by any means necessary. She believes that if we can start teaching SEL principles to children, they will have a better advantage than her generation and yield better results that promote mental stability, emotional intelligence, social awareness, and healthier communication and relationships.
Dr. Melissa Dawn is a dedicated leader, social work professional, and community advocate with over 18 years of experience in administration, crisis intervention, maternal health, youth development, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership. As Executive Director of Healing Everyday Realities Academy LLC, she combines her expertise in social services, program development, community partnerships, and executive operations to empower individuals and families through compassionate, client-centered support.
Holding an Honorary Doctorate in Social Work, Dr. Dawn has built a career focused on advocacy, crisis counseling, maternal wellness, and strengthening community resources. Her passion for service, leadership, and creating meaningful change continues to impact countless lives throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.
She believes this is just the beginning, and is excited as she prepares for new ventures within the Academy.