Meet the founder

Dr. Angela Searcy

I understand the challenges you face as an educator. From my early beginnings as a naptime teacher in 1990 to working as a child development specialist for the Department of Children and Family Services to working as a mental health consultant, I've dealt with some incredibly tough behaviors and complex family dynamics. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of this responsibility and underappreciated, but I want you to know there is a better way. 

As Featured On

Early Childhood Specialist

Dr. Angela Searcy holds a B.A. degree in English and secondary education, a M.S. degree in early childhood development from Erikson Institute, with a specialization in Infant Studies and a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Response to Intervention and Assessment. Her research centers around brain-based learning assessed by the CLASS assessment and its’ correlation to aggressive behaviors in preschool classrooms and the efficacy of Push Past It! tools that focus on mindfulness and empathic responses when intense challenging behaviors occur.  Angela is a certified teacher, credentialed early intervention provider and is  certified in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from Erikson Institute.
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Seasoned Educator

An educator since 1990, Angela is the owner and founder of Simple Solutions Educational Services and has over 30 years of experience as a therapist and teacher at all levels of education. Angela is currently an adjunct instructor at Erikson Institute, a professional development provider for The Discovery Source, The Bureau of Education and Research, a Master Carde trainer for the Pyramid Model, a CLASS Pre-K Affiliate Trainer for Teachstone and the author of 2 books: Push Past It! A Positive Approach to Challenging Classroom Behaviors and Elevating Equity: Advice for Navigating Challenging Conversations in Early Childhood Education.

Acclaimed Speaker & Leader in Neurodevelopment 

A former neuro-developmental specialist, Angela has specialized training in neuroscience and is an internationally recognized speaker. She has been featured on Chicago’s WGN Channel 9 Moring News, WGN Channel 9 Midday Fix, WGN’s People to People, WTTW’s Chicago Matters, Chicago Public Radio’s Chicago Matters, Chicago Parent and Chicago Baby Magazines. 
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Angela’s Full Biography

Dr. Angela Searcy (she/her) holds a B.A. degree in English and secondary education, a M.S. degree in early childhood development from Erikson Institute, with a specialization in Infant Studies and a Doctorate in  Education with a specialization in assessment and response to intervention. Her research revolves around brain-based learning as assessed by CLASS and it's correlation to aggressive behaviors in preschool children and the efficacy of the Push Past It framework. Angela has teacher certification for grades 6-12,  a developmental therapy credential through the early intervention system of Illinois and an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate from Erikson Institute. Angela is a current candidate in the Master Of Jurisprudence in Child Law and Policy at Loyola University Chicago

An educator since 1990, Angela is the owner and founder of Simple Solutions Educational Services and has experience at all levels of education. Angela is currently an adjunct faculty at Erikson Institute and Olivet Nazarene University, a Master Cadre Pyramid Model Trainer,  professional development provider for Discovery Source, a CLASS Pre-K Affiliate Trainer for Teachstone, an Ambassador for Moonin Language School Based in Finland and author with Gryphon House Publishing. Angela is the author of  Push Past It! A Positive Approach to Challenging Classroom Behaviors and Elevating Equity: Advice for Navigating Challenging Conversations in Early Childhood Education

A former PDN for Teaching Strategies LLC. and neuro-developmental specialist, Angela has specialized training in neuroscience and adult behavior change. Angela is a internationally recognized speaker, wife and mother of four adult children. She has been featured on Chicago's WGN Channel 9  Moring News, WGN Channel 9 Midday Fix, WTTW's Chicago Matters, Chicago Public Radio's Chicago Matters, Chicago Parent and Chicago Baby Magazines.

Our team

Malefia Emiru-Charo 
Started her career in New York City as a preschool teacher and developed a strong passion for working with children and their families. Her most recent work was with Erikson Institute as a Calm Classroom Facilitator for the Mindfulness project. Malefia earned a degree in Education Psychology from Addis Ababa University, in Ethiopia and holds a Master of Science degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute.
Vincent Rodriguez
Began his career as a teacher and is currently a Diverse Learners Coordinator. He has a BA in Early Childhood Education/Early Learning from DePaul University. He works with teachers and parents on educating diverse leaners and children with challenging behaviors from birth to 5 years old. He has his Credentials from Gateway in ECE level 5 and Infant Toddler level 4. Besides working in the field of early education he also is a classical trained musician
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Transform Conflict Into Clarity & Cooperation

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