Reignite belonging.
Transform schools.
We help schools, organizations, and individuals move from compliance-driven systems to connection-driven cultures. We help schools and districts reduce punitive discipline and rebuild belonging — because systems don't change outcomes, relationships do.
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
- 25+ Years in Schools
- On-Site & Virtual
Jennifer Awesome
Founder & Educational Consultant
Our belief
Systems don't change outcomes — relationships do.
People grow best when they feel seen, valued, and connected. That single belief shapes every training, coaching session, and keynote we deliver.
Connection over compliance
Students are far more likely to meet expectations when they feel valued, heard, and connected — not simply managed.
Experiences over information
Lasting change happens through meaningful experiences, not another slideshow. We help people practice, not just listen.
Belonging is the foundation
Belonging isn't a program. It's the ground learning, leadership, and success are built on — so we start there.
A rooted approach that actually takes hold.
Every ACES engagement grows the same way — from strengths, through relationship and experience, toward change you can measure. Not a one-day wonder that fades by Friday.
- 01
Start with strengths
Every engagement begins with Appreciative Inquiry — we build from what's already working in your people and your building, not from a list of deficits.
- 02
Center the relationship
Systems don't change outcomes — relationships do. We design supports so students and staff feel seen, valued, and connected, because that's what changes behavior.
- 03
Learn by experience
Lasting change happens through meaningful experiences, not just presentations. Staff practice, reflect, and apply — so new practices actually take root.
- 04
Measure what matters
We use climate, attendance, and discipline data to aim the work and show progress — so belonging becomes something you can see, not just hope for.
Practical programs that reignite belonging.
Relationship-Centered Discipline Multi-Day Training & Coaching
Relationship-Centered Discipline
Transform discipline practices from punishment to accountability, growth, and restoration — so consequences build the relationship instead of breaking it.
- Day 1 + Day 2 sequence
- Whole-staff or leadership
- Coaching follow-up
Proactive Behavior Support Behavioral Intervention Strategy (P2BIS)
Positive & Proactive Tier 1 Systems
Build schoolwide systems that create belonging, recognition, and a positive culture — proactive supports that reduce behavior challenges before they escalate.
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Appreciative Inquiry & Leadership Leadership Development
Appreciative Inquiry & Strength-Based Leadership
Leadership development that builds from strengths, not deficits — listening as leadership, cultivating connection, and growing the capacity already in your building.
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Experiential Learning Instructional Practice Training
Project- & Experience-Based Learning
Lasting change happens through meaningful experiences, not just presentations. We help teachers design learning students carry with them long after the lesson ends.
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Experiential Learning Growth & Resilience Workshop
Fail Forward
Help students and staff embrace growth, resilience, and learning through mistakes — turning failure into the path forward instead of a reason to shut down.
Learn more Restorative Practices Whole-School Implementation
Restorative Practices Implementation
Implement restorative circles and practices that repair harm, rebuild trust, and give students and staff a way back into the community after conflict.
Learn more25+
Years in schools & education
501(c)(3)
Registered nonprofit
K–12
Districts, tribal & alt. programs
WA + US
On-site & virtual
When students belong, they engage — and communities thrive.
Partner schools tell us the same thing: connection changes what compliance never could.
- Stronger relationships
- Increased student engagement
- Improved school climate
- Reduced discipline concerns
- Greater staff collaboration
- Renewed hope & purpose
Built for the schools that shape communities
Influential Women
Verified honoree
25+ years in the work — led by Jennifer Awesome.
Jennifer brings over two decades in education, leadership, and community-based work — classroom teaching, school leadership, district initiatives, and tribal community collaboration. That range is why ACES designs training that meets real schools where they are, not where a binder says they should be.
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
- 25+ Years in Schools & Education
- WAESOL Presenter
- Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) Speaker — 2020 & 2026
Choose the format that fits your school's moment.
Single-Day Trainings
A focused in-service day that gives your whole staff one shared language and a concrete first step.
Half or full dayMulti-Day Workshops
A sequenced series — like Relationship-Centered Discipline Day 1 & 2 — with time to practice between sessions.
Series + coachingKeynotes & Conferences
A Reigniting Belonging keynote that opens your event or staff kickoff and moves the room to act.
Events & kickoffsVirtual & On-Site
On-site anywhere in Washington and virtual anywhere in the country — with online courses on the way.
In-person or remoteChange worth talking about — in their own words.
Educators and leaders on what shifts when belonging comes first.
Solutions-focused leadership with follow-through
Jennifer is a strategic, collaborative leader who strengthens a school's vision through thoughtful ideas, solutions-focused leadership, and meaningful follow-through. Her expertise in restorative practices helps schools build stronger relationships, resolve conflict, promote accountability, and create equitable learning environments where students and staff can thrive.
A trusted partner in improving school systems
Jennifer brings a rare combination of integrity, systems thinking, and instructional leadership to her work. Her strengths in documentation, follow-through, communication, and cross-team coordination make her a trusted partner in improving school systems and supporting effective practice — an asset to any team seeking stronger leadership, alignment, and meaningful impact.
Meaningful, sustainable change
Jennifer is a thoughtful, innovative, and highly collaborative educational leader who creates meaningful, sustainable change. She has a remarkable ability to recognize the strengths within a school system, bring staff together around a shared vision, and develop culturally responsive practices that improve student outcomes.
Preserving dignity through restorative approaches
Jennifer is an efficient, enthusiastic, and compassionate educational leader who builds strong cultures of teamwork, respect, and shared responsibility. She is especially skilled at building positive relationships with students, families, and staff while honoring student voice and preserving dignity through restorative approaches to behavior.
Leadership grounded in action
Jennifer's commitment to experiential learning, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement is evident in everything she does. Her leadership is grounded in action — she does not simply promote innovative ideas; she ensures they are thoughtfully planned, collaboratively developed, and successfully carried through.
Students feel supported and engaged
Jennifer has a natural ability to build positive relationships, adapt quickly, and create learning environments where students feel supported and engaged. She connects especially well with students who may struggle behaviorally or academically, approaching challenges with patience, composure, and a clear understanding of student needs.
Rooted in Poulsbo — growing across the country.
On-site with schools, districts, and tribal communities across Washington, and virtually with educators nationwide.
Washington State
Based in Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula — we partner on-site with schools, districts, and tribal communities across Puget Sound and all of Washington.
Nationwide — Virtual & On-Site
We bring keynotes, trainings, and coaching to schools and conferences across the country — on-site or fully virtual, wherever educators are ready to reignite belonging.
Don't see your district? We travel and we go virtual — tell us where you are or call (360) 271-7012.
Let's reignite belonging together.
Tell us about your school or district and what you're hoping to shift. We'll help you find the right training, keynote, or coaching — or point you somewhere better if we're not the fit.
Serving Poulsbo & Washington schools · on-site & virtual nationwide