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 effectively support this population, 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. She also teaches a beginner-level English class 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 one- to four-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, as well as 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.
Expert on trauma-sensitive teaching strategies and trauma-informed learning communities.
Presenter, Panelist, and/or Facilitator for local and international ESL, ESOL, and TI-SEL-related conferences and organizations.
30+ years’ experience educating students with refugee and immigrant backgrounds.
30+ years’ experience equipping educators with trauma-informed
well-being and resilience strategies
for learning communities.
Kudos
Highlighted Subject of an Oral History Interview Novel Riverside Women Creating Change, 2024.
Professor of the Year, 2014
Westcliff University
Irvine, California
Volunteer Work
Board Secretary
Institute for English Literacy, Davis, California
2024 – present
Co-Coordinator
Refugee Concerns Interest Group, CATESOL
2022 - present
Credentials
Masters of Education in TESOL
California State University
San Bernardino, California
2010 - 2012
Adult Education Credentials
University Of California, Riverside Extension Center
Riverside, California
2005 - 2006
Bachelor of Education in TESOL
Brock University
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
1993 – 1994
Nelson Mandela