Jacelyn Matthews has over 15 years’ experience working in the fields of training and leadership development, mental health, and social justice. Jacelyn is a doctoral candidate in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, with a concentration in education and social justice. She is currently writing her dissertation with a focus on how teachers adapt their curriculum and teaching styles to accommodate the learning and social needs of trauma-impacted refugee students. In her past roles, she has created a leadership and empowerment curriculum for girls while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda, reaching over 200 young women across the country, and she established the first ever children’s grief support center in the greater Newark, New Jersey, area now serving 100+ individuals. Most recently she served as the Director of Training Programs for IGNITE National, concentrating on helping young women own their political leadership and train them on running for elected office.

Jacelyn is the founder of JM Consulting, LLC, where she offers training and professional development opportunities to schools and organizations on ways to create trauma-informed learning environments and brave vs. safe spaces for youth. Jacelyn received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from St. John’s University. She went on to obtain her Master of Arts and Education degree in the field of counseling psychology from Columbia University. Jacelyn continues to be a staunch advocate for vulnerable populations by assisting in the creation of policies and curriculum that are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.