Meet Our Senior Advisory Council
Senior Advisory Council is comprised of invited professionals in such fields as psychology, philosophy of education, education, counseling, and more. Members of the Council will provide consultation on specific topics as requested by the Board of Directors. There is a 3-year term limit for Senior Advisory Council members. We value their expertise and welcome their recommendations. The members are presented in alphabetical order.
Marie da Conceição Azevedo, PhD
Portugal
She received her PhD in Educational Sciences/ Philosophy of Education from UTAD (1994). She is currently Chair, Department of Education and Psychology in UTAD. She has also served as Chair of the Scientific Council of the School of Human and Social Sciences (2017-2021), Chair of the Ethics Committee (2013-2017), and Student Ombudsman (2014-2017). Her research is currently centered on ethical competence, both in the field of moral education, civic and values education for children and young people, and in the field of professional ethics in various training areas, with a particular focus on helping professions. She has been the lead researcher of the project “Education and moral development through the voices of the community – another look at citizenship and development” in CIIE. Maria is a member of the Portuguese Society of Educational Sciences (SPCE) and of its working group that monitors the application of the Ethical Code of Conduct. Maria serves as a volunteer in two solidarity organizations: Refood https://refood.org/en/home/ and “Ser Mais Valia” https://sermaisvalia.org/sobre-nos/.
Maureen Barnowski, M.A., CAGS
United States of America
Maureen is an educator, counselor, parent, and passionate believer in kindness.
Maureen earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She worked for a partnership that coordinated student support services for elementary and middle school students in the Boston Public School and as a guidance counselor in a middle school in Massachusetts. Maureen then earned her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education Policy, Planning and Administration and worked as an elementary school assistant principal for seven years. While taking a career break to parent her young children, Maureen dedicated much of her time to volunteering for organizations that built community and connection in her town. She was a youth sports coach, Girl Scout troop leader, child and parent organization board member, and president of the public school’s foundation in her town. Maureen now works in the Department of Education at Framingham State University in Massachusetts, where she is the Field Placement Coordinator and supervises student teachers and serves as adjunct faculty as needed.
Over the years as a K-8 school counselor and administrator, and in her work at FSU, Maureen has cultivated a philosophy of education that is based on a growth mindset and a commitment to providing a caring and safe community for students to grow academically, socially and emotionally. She believes children thrive with a high level of academic instruction along with supports that address barriers to learning. She is deeply committed to the success of all children in the classroom and beyond, and she looks forward to contributing to International Kindness Reset to help this program achieve great things.
Maureen Barnowski, M.A., CAGS
United States of America
Maureen is an educator, counselor, parent, and passionate believer in kindness.
Maureen earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She worked for a partnership that coordinated student support services for elementary and middle school students in the Boston Public School and as a guidance counselor in a middle school in Massachusetts. Maureen then earned her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education Policy, Planning and Administration and worked as an elementary school assistant principal for seven years. While taking a career break to parent her young children, Maureen dedicated much of her time to volunteering for organizations that built community and connection in her town. She was a youth sports coach, Girl Scout troop leader, child and parent organization board member, and president of the public school’s foundation in her town. Maureen now works in the Department of Education at Framingham State University in Massachusetts, where she is the Field Placement Coordinator and supervises student teachers and serves as adjunct faculty as needed.
Over the years as a K-8 school counselor and administrator, and in her work at FSU, Maureen has cultivated a philosophy of education that is based on a growth mindset and a commitment to providing a caring and safe community for students to grow academically, socially and emotionally. She believes children thrive with a high level of academic instruction along with supports that address barriers to learning. She is deeply committed to the success of all children in the classroom and beyond, and she looks forward to contributing to International Kindness Reset to help this program achieve great things.
Marielle Benanti, M.A.
United States of America
Following the birth of Marielle’s first child, she shifted into an independent practice to provide young people and families with the education and practical tools they need to promote positive individual growth and healthy family dynamics. With a specialization in school-aged child development and effective parentingsupport, Marielle’s passion has always been to support others in reaching their goals, through identification of personal strengths and breaking through potential roadblocks for the purpose of optimum living. It is with great excitement that Marielle joins the International Kindness Reset Senior Advisory Council!
Adrienne Lee Dinh, M.Ed.
United States of America
Adrienne Lee Dinh, M.Ed.
United States of America
Suz Hahn, M.Ed.
United States of America
With her Masters in Teaching: K-8, she implemented empathy and non-verbal communication programs. Suz developed leadership and onboarding programs that impacted ROI through positive behavior change. She invites different perspectives, achieving intentional and inclusive learning experiences. She specializes in reframing feedback. Known as a servant leader, Suz develops highly engaged and productive people and teams. Suz served on the Pacific Foundation for Blind Children board from 2008 to 2015. She is honored to join the International Kindness Reset Senior Advisory Council.
Hyemin Han, PhD
United States of America
Dr. Han also coordinates the Educational Psychology graduate program. With interdisciplinary research interests in the improvement of education, Dr. Han conducts research projects in Social, Emotional, and Educational (SEED) Neuroscience. His research interests include neuroscience of morality, socio-moral development, growth mindset, educational intervention, computational simulation, and professional ethics education. Regarding topics in moral and character education, he is particularly interested in using diverse exemplars to promote students’ cognitive, affective, and motivational development in moral domains. Before joining the University of Alabama, he worked as a moral education teacher in secondary schools in South Korea. He received bachelor’s degrees in ethics education (BA) and astronomy (BS) from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in Science, Technology, and Society (MS) from Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and a PhD degree in Developmental and Psychological Sciences from Stanford University.
Hyemin Han, PhD
United States of America
Dr. Han also coordinates the Educational Psychology graduate program. With interdisciplinary research interests in the improvement of education, Dr. Han conducts research projects in Social, Emotional, and Educational (SEED) Neuroscience. His research interests include neuroscience of morality, socio-moral development, growth mindset, educational intervention, computational simulation, and professional ethics education. Regarding topics in moral and character education, he is particularly interested in using diverse exemplars to promote students’ cognitive, affective, and motivational development in moral domains. Before joining the University of Alabama, he worked as a moral education teacher in secondary schools in South Korea. He received bachelor’s degrees in ethics education (BA) and astronomy (BS) from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in Science, Technology, and Society (MS) from Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and a PhD degree in Developmental and Psychological Sciences from Stanford University.
Velma R.C. Johnson, EdD
United States of America
As an Adjunct Professor at both Lewis &
Clark College and at Marylhurst University, she taught Teacher Education Courses
and provided professional development opportunities in Culturally Responsive
Teaching. She conducted a MAT Field Study Program at Marylhurst University based
on her Doctoral Dissertation: Development and Evaluation of a Culturally Responsive
Teaching Professional Development Program: A Neighborhood Treasure Hunt. She
has published articles in education journals and magazines.
Dr. Johnson served thirty-two years in the Portland Public School (PPS) District, as a
high school math teacher, a high school and middle school principal, and member of
the Superintendent’s Strategic Planning Team. Throughout her tenure dedicated to
the children, families, and staff of PPS, she focused on education equity, academic
excellence, and closing the achievement gap through professional development that
examined teacher-student relationships, culture, caring, kindness, and belonging.
She retired from PPS in 2003.
The Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators (ORABSE) is the current focus of Dr.
Johnson’s volunteer work. She marked the successful conclusion of her three-year
term as Chair of the ORABSE Retiree Committee. The major accomplishment during
her term, was to lead her committee and the ORABSE and PPS Boards to complete a
goal to re-name the District Headquarter Building in honor of Oregon’s first Black
Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Prophet. Goal Accomplished!
Dr. Johnson earned a BS and MST in mathematics from the University of Oregon and
Portland State University, respectively. She was recruited into and completed the
Inaugural Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Lewis & Clark College,
earning a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Hal Sanders Gwin, Jr., JD
United States of America
Mr. Gwin recently retired from a career in patent law, where he worked as a partner at two Minnesota law firms, as an in-house counsel for 3M, and as an adjunct professor at Mitchell-Hamline College of Law. Mr. Gwin served as a law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC, and regularly taught classes for young lawyers offered by the American Intellectual Property Law Association.
Hal Sanders Gwin, Jr., JD
United States of America
Mr. Gwin recently retired from a career in patent law, where he worked as a partner at two Minnesota law firms, as an in-house counsel for 3M, and as an adjunct professor at Mitchell-Hamline College of Law. Mr. Gwin served as a law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC, and regularly taught classes for young lawyers offered by the American Intellectual Property Law Association.
Ginger MacDonald, PhD
United States of America
She spent most of her academic career creating and building programs at the UW Tacoma campus, focusing on access to university for underserved students. She designed and was the inaugural director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership (Ed.D). Her teaching, research, and writing have a developmental focus and are centered upon leadership. Dr. MacDonald’s co-authored book (with Dr. Lawrence Brammer), The Helping Relationship: Process and Skills, is in the eighth edition. Her personal mission statement reads: “A Facilitator of Growth: To help individuals and institutions grow and change in the way that is best for them, always striving for positive social benefit”.
Valentina Habunek Mrazović, M.A.
Croatia
She completed many continuing education classes in CAP (Child Assault Prevention), #Deletecyberbullying – program for the prevention of electronic violence among children, 3P mentoring in the Healthy Living program (first aid for anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm). She is registered in the Register of Conciliators of the Ministry of Justice and Administration as a mediator, and at school she conducts mediation as a method of conciliation. She published articles on a freelance basis for the portal obitelj.hr and has been a contributor to the book “Croatian folk sayings and proverbs for children”. She is the leader of activities in work with gifted students and an external associate of the Association for gifted children. She actively implements eTwinning and Erasmus projects and is the winner of four National Quality Labels and two European Quality Labels for work on eTwinning projects. She also mentored students in the creation of materials on the topic of mental hygiene for the non-governmental, non-profit organization “Hrabri telefon” and they won the first prize – the award “Clean five for mental hygiene”. In 2022, she participated in the International Expressions of Kindness: Multimedia Showcase and in the implementation of the Connect with Kindness Curriculum in her school. In October 2023, she participated in the 49th AME conference “Positive Youth Development and Moral Education: Building Bridges” by presenting good practice examples from her school.
Valentina Habunek Mrazović, M.A.
Croatia
She completed many continuing education classes in CAP (Child Assault Prevention), #Deletecyberbullying – program for the prevention of electronic violence among children, 3P mentoring in the Healthy Living program (first aid for anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm). She is registered in the Register of Conciliators of the Ministry of Justice and Administration as a mediator, and at school she conducts mediation as a method of conciliation. She published articles on a freelance basis for the portal obitelj.hr and has been a contributor to the book “Croatian folk sayings and proverbs for children”. She is the leader of activities in work with gifted students and an external associate of the Association for gifted children. She actively implements eTwinning and Erasmus projects and is the winner of four National Quality Labels and two European Quality Labels for work on eTwinning projects. She also mentored students in the creation of materials on the topic of mental hygiene for the non-governmental, non-profit organization “Hrabri telefon” and they won the first prize – the award “Clean five for mental hygiene”. In 2022, she participated in the International Expressions of Kindness: Multimedia Showcase and in the implementation of the Connect with Kindness Curriculum in her school. In October 2023, she participated in the 49th AME conference “Positive Youth Development and Moral Education: Building Bridges” by presenting good practice examples from her school.
Toti Jean Marc Yale, B.A.
Cote d’Ivoire
He created a school library equipped with English books thanks to the US donations. Due to the International Expressions of Kindness: Multimedia Showcase, his students took part in the global Kindness Project in 2022. Toti holds a B.A. from the Faculty of Letters at Felix Houphouet Boigny University. He is an Alumni of the Young African Leadership Initiative and Yali Tech Camp at Ashesi University, both in Ghana. He is an Alumni of the Summer Residency in the U.S at Institute for Humane Education.
Christopher A. Sink, PhD
United States of America
I also had long-standing appointments as a Visiting Professor at York St John University, School of Psychological and Social Sciences, York England, as well as a Research Fellow at the Ronald H. Fredrickson Center for School Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (University of Massachusetts, Amherst). Earlier, I served for 21 years as a professor of counselor education at Seattle Pacific University and five years at Northwest Missouri State University (Department of Psychology), respectively. Prior to counselor education, I had the privilege to serve as a secondary school and community college counselor and instructor. During my time in public education, I specialized in supporting students with special needs.I have published and presented extensively on various topics related to strengths-based (positive psychology) and systems approaches to school counseling, social-emotional learning/development, healthy spirituality, as well as psychometrics, program evaluation, and research methods. I consult with school systems and organizations (e.g., SEL skill development, program evaluation, and school counseling restructuring). Finally, I have had the privilege of serving on editorial boards of counseling and education publications.
Christopher A. Sink, PhD
United States of America
I also had long-standing appointments as a Visiting Professor at York St John University, School of Psychological and Social Sciences, York England, as well as a Research Fellow at the Ronald H. Fredrickson Center for School Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (University of Massachusetts, Amherst). Earlier, I served for 21 years as a professor of counselor education at Seattle Pacific University and five years at Northwest Missouri State University (Department of Psychology), respectively. Prior to counselor education, I had the privilege to serve as a secondary school and community college counselor and instructor. During my time in public education, I specialized in supporting students with special needs.I have published and presented extensively on various topics related to strengths-based (positive psychology) and systems approaches to school counseling, social-emotional learning/development, healthy spirituality, as well as psychometrics, program evaluation, and research methods. I consult with school systems and organizations (e.g., SEL skill development, program evaluation, and school counseling restructuring). Finally, I have had the privilege of serving on editorial boards of counseling and education publications.
Kevin Smith, B.A.
United States of America
Shaped by the values of his upbringing, Kevin Smith’s guiding principle is his conviction that “the meaning of life is to live it in a way to make a meaningful difference.” Upon graduating Phi Beta Kappa and Class Salutatorian from Gettysburg College, Kevin joined a Fortune 500 company where he quickly rose the corporate ranks to become Director of its largest business unit. Soon after this promotion, he walked away and left a promising 12 year-corporate career behind.
Instead, he found greater meaning and purpose by founding what is now Smith Wealth Advisory Group and built a team of advisors dedicated to helping clients translate their monetary resources into meaningful life experiences. He has been recognized by Barron’s, Forbes, and the Financial Times as one of the top wealth advisors in the USA, and his attainment of 14 professional designations distinguishes him as the most credentialed wealth advisor in the world.
On Good Friday morning 2023, fate and circumstances intervened when a lost wallet was returned to him by a Good Samaritan within moments after he discovered it was missing. Kevin’s desire to identify and thank the young woman in a more meaningful way soon became an unexpected adventure of a lifetime causing a moment to become a movement to change the world through kindness. This fascinating journey inspired the formation of the global nonprofit Kindness Worldwide.
Launched November 9, 2023, Kindness Worldwide’s vision “to create a culture of kindness in communities throughout the world”, and the story that inspired it, has attracted global attention. In October, 2024 Kevin delivered the keynote address at the World Kindness Movement’s 11th General Assembly in Palermo, Italy. There, he called on leaders at all levels in all communities including every country in the United Nations to elevate Kindness to the global shared value that represents all of humanity.
Kevin’s commitment for this call to action to be heeded and passion for the vision of Kindness Worldwide to be achieved has rejuvenated his purpose and brought new life to his belief that “the meaning of life is to live it in a way to make a meaningful difference.” Changing the world through kindness is by far his most meaningful pursuit yet – a story beautifully captured in the feature length film “For Such a Time as This” that recently premiered to multiple standing ovations and rave reviews.
Kevin and his wife Anne of 31+ years live in York, PA and are the proud “pet parents” of their 12-year old Bichon Frise “Bella,” an adorable lapful of charm in puffy white clouds of cotton ball hair.