About Sherry MacKay

Sherry MacKay is the Founder of Transformational Learning Communities, an English Language Specialist for the U.S. Department of State, and a co-facilitator of Transformative Circles. Based in Southern California, Sherry empowers educators to deepen their self-awareness and develop self-regulation strategies they can use personally and with their students.

With over 30 years of experience as an educator and trainer, Sherry specializes in teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL) to adults from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. She also trains educators to support this population effectively, integrating trauma-informed approaches and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices into her work.

Sherry has delivered plenary talks and workshops on trauma-informed SEL at national English conferences in Russia (NATE), Ukraine (TESOL-Ukraine), California, and TESOL International. She currently leads bi-monthly trauma-informed workshops for a nonprofit supporting English teachers in Afghanistan and teaches beginner-level English classes to Afghan newcomers.

Deeply passionate about the power of human connection, Sherry is committed to enhancing emotional well-being through mindfulness and transformative practices.

TLC offers virtual and in-person trauma-informed SEL training for educators. Programs range from two- to five-hour workshops or webinars to comprehensive curricula delivered over several weeks. Each session will equip educators with practical tools to support emotional well-being and foster meaningful classroom connections.

Co-facilitated with Tarana Patel, Transformative Circles provides monthly virtual gatherings for educators to explore their identities through SEL, self-care, reflection, and actionable strategies for change and well-being.

Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the profound effects of trauma on learning and well-being and the challenges educators face, such as burnout and compassion fatigue. These experiences have driven my commitment to providing tailored training that empowers trauma-impacted individuals to thrive while supporting educators in sustaining their roles healthily and effectively. As an educational consultant and trainer, I design programs to address trauma-sensitive strategies and am available to teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses on these critical topics. 

I look forward to collaborating with you to explore how TLC can meet your needs.