Shawn Mountcastle

(she/her)

Finance Director | Ambassador of Random Magical Things

Shawn is a burnt-out poet and painter-turned-entrepreneur who has worked in the publishing, healthcare, insurance and tech industries. She has interfaced with startups, early stage ventures and nonprofit organizations throughout her career. She has a particular interest in organizational development, focusing on business growth and change strategy as a means to create equitable and just work environments.

Seemingly random events of life and career led her to Soul Shoppe at the end of 2016. “It has been personally transformative to be part of this community of changemakers and to play a part in bringing these fundamental skills to children.” She wishes that Soul Shoppe had been part of her elementary school experience.

Shawn holds a master’s degree in Social and Clinical Psychology and is a certified facilitator for both Appreciative Inquiry and The Human Element organizational development systems.

On the side, she’s obsessed with bringing a vegan food product to market.

Arek Bryant

(he/him)

Curriculum Production Manager

Arek began teaching elementary school math while earning his BS in Music Engineering. After returning home to Oakland, he joined a coalition of African-American male educators that formed an alternative school for boys who were not performing well in traditional brick and mortars. Arek’s “off-the-cuff” style of teaching engaged and encouraged his students and proved to be successful, as the majority of his 12th grade students went on to pass their state exams and many went on to college. He believes, “The best learning happens when you’re having fun.”

As program director for the McCullum Youth Court, Arek worked to reduce the recidivism of youth crimes in Oakland and Berkeley. Realizing the problem was not the youth but their circumstances, he began to have one-on-one relationships with each young person he worked with to influence change in their circumstances. Arek has continued to focus on uplifting and educating youth through teaching, musical mentorships and ministry.

Along with the joy of homeschooling his children, Arek has enjoyed an amazing musical journey. From George Clinton to Teddy Riley to Janet Jackson, Arek has been blessed to work with many truly amazing artists. He currently runs Chamberz Studio (Winner of the Oakland Soul Indie Award) and is an on-air personality for KCBZ Global and KPFA Berkeley.

Joseph Savage

(he/him)

Co-Founder

Co-Founder of Soul Shoppe, Joseph has created and presented award-winning curricula for hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and parents. As a presenter, Joseph is known for his mastery in facilitating safe and fun learning environments where students gain self-esteem, accelerate their learning processes and where a culture of empathy becomes the norm. He co-authored “Cool Tools For Schools,” an interactive character-education curriculum for teachers and is currently writing and illustrating a series of children’s books on building character.

Prior to founding Soul Shoppe, Joseph was an elementary school teacher in San Francisco where he perceived the need to teach elementary school students empathy and peace-making skills. Joseph has received numerous accolades including awards from the ACLU, the San Francisco Board of supervisors and the City of Dublin for his innovative work. In addition to his educational experience, he has written, performed and directed acclaimed theater productions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

vicki abadesco!

(she/her)

Co-Founder & Director of Infinite Possibilities

vicki abadesco! is an internationally-recognized leader in the field of social-emotional learning, anti-bullying and creating a more empathy-based world. She brings over 30 years of experience teaching life skills and conflict resolution tools to young people and adults. As an educator, speaker and facilitator, vicki! is known for creating fun, safe and transformative environments.

She’s the author of Free to Be: Untold Stories of Going Beyond Bullying, co-author of Cool Tools for Schools and The Empty Balloon as well as two activity card decks: Mentor Magic and Leadership: Truth or Dare.

vicki! is a fellow for the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT. She co-founded Soul Shoppe in 2000.

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During this 1-hour event, you will:

• Learn powerful lessons from student Peacemakers
• Listen to how student Peacemakers are creating safety on campus
• Be inspired by the power of empathy, compassion and resilience
• Celebrate the good work done on a daily basis on school campuses
• Have the opportunity to support, contribute financially and be a part of creating more peace and understanding in our world!