Navigating Challenging Times: An Education Uplift Series
January, February, March
In times of uncertainty and transformation, spiritual leaders are called to rise, communicate with compassion, and guide with resilience. The Navigating Challenging Times series offers vital insights and practical tools for spiritual leaders facing today’s complexities. Through three focused sessions—Embracing Challenging Conversations, Educating in Challenging Times, and Leading in Challenging Times—you’ll deepen your ability to address difficult topics, adapt in evolving educational landscapes, and inspire others with grounded, conscious leadership.
January 8
(2nd Wednesday of the month)
Embracing Challenging Conversations
In a world where conversations can feel more divided than united, spiritual leaders have a unique role to foster understanding and connection. Embracing Challenging Conversations is a transformative session designed to equip you with the skills to approach tough dialogues with empathy, clarity, and spiritual grounding. Learn practical techniques for navigating difficult topics while maintaining compassion and integrity, empowering you to be a source of peace and insight in any conversation. Step into this opportunity to deepen your impact as a spiritual leader and inspire authentic connections, even in challenging times.
February 5
Educating in Challenging Times
In times of rapid change and uncertainty, spiritual educators are called to be adaptive, resilient, and inspiring. Educating in Challenging Times is a series crafted to support spiritual teachers and leaders in navigating these complexities with confidence. Discover strategies to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences that resonate deeply, even in the face of adversity. Through this series, you’ll gain insights into meeting students’ evolving needs, fostering growth, and guiding them toward spiritual clarity and strength.
March 5
Leading in Challenging Times
When times are uncertain, true spiritual leadership shines. Leading in Challenging Times is a powerful session designed to strengthen your ability to guide with wisdom, empathy, and compassion. This session offers insights and tools to help you remain grounded, inspire hope, and make impactful decisions amid challenges. Learn how to lead from a place of authenticity and courage, empowering your community to navigate difficult times with faith and unity
Your Presenter for March
Reverend Doctor Soni Cantrell-Smith is the founding Minister of Ahava Center for Spiritual Living, Lexington, Kentucky. She graduated from Holmes Institute in 2006 and was ordained in 2011. Rev. Soni is steeped in the principles of Science of Mind and is a lifelong student of the Science of Mind philosophy.
Rev. Dr. Soni began her studies in 1992 at Huntington Beach Church of Religious Science, in Huntington Beach, California. For ten years she was the Music Director at Namaste CSL in Long Beach, California. She has co-written a successful musical titled, “Last Call” which has been performed in numerous venues throughout the country.
Rev. Dr. Soni has been active in twelve step work for over thirty years. She teaches spirituality classes at the Hope Center Rehabilitation for Women and is a co-founder of Bluegrass Rainbow Faith Communities, dedicated to supporting faith communities in becoming open and affirming to all.
Rev. Dr. Soni has also been active for several years in Black Pride as well as ongoing participation in Kentucky Fairness, whose primary goal is comprehensive civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and to dismantle systemic racism.
She has served the CSL minister council for six years, two of those as Co-Chair. She has previously served on the Nominating Council as well as the CSL Task Force. She has been serving the CSL interim minister’s team for several years. She received the Ministers Meritorious award in 2023 and was elected as the Centers for Spiritual Living Spiritual Leader in February of 2023.
Rev. Dr. Soni believes we are all spiritual leaders. We, as leaders, must be able to articulate our vision and keep it alive through our faith in it, and we must create a sense of belonging and hope that this vison can transform our world.
In addition to her contributions to CSL, Soni has actively engaged in interfaith and social justice work, fostering dialogue and collaboration across diverse communities. Her commitment to creating a world that works for everyone is evident in her advocacy for equity, inclusion, and the transformational power of love and compassion.
Your Presenter for February
Your Presenter for January
About Rev. Ryan Alexander
Rev. Ryan Alexander (they/them) is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Soul Evolution Collaborative, a Centers for Spiritual Living Teaching Center. Holding an undergraduate degree in Religion and Philosophy with a minor in Ethics, as well as a Master’s degree and clinical license in Social Work, Rev. Ryan brings both a spiritual and psychological understanding to ministry and program development. Their clinical work has encompassed grief therapy, end of life and trauma related care in both the individual and group setting. Ryan has authored multiple articles for the Science of Mind Magazine and developed the Grief Circles Curriculum and Facilitator training for Centers for Spiritual Living. They are also the Education Curriculum Coordinator for Centers for Spiritual Living where they are responsible for curriculum review and development. Their passion for the Science of Mind teaching informs their ministry and social activism, with the intention of individual transformation and communal evolution.
Coming April, May, June
Join CSL EDU for “A Classroom that Works for Everyone,” an enlightening mini series dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments for adult students. This three-part series will raise awareness and provide practical tools to help teachers create classrooms (whether in-person or virtual) that honor and accommodate diverse needs. From accessibility to diversity to sensory integration, each session will empower you to embrace and celebrate the unique experiences of every learner, ensuring your educational offerings truly work for everyone.
April 2
A Classroom that
Works for Everyone
Accessibility
In this foundational session, explore the principles of accessibility and learn how to design learning experiences that are inclusive of all abilities. Discover practical strategies for removing barriers and creating environments where every student feels empowered to participate fully. Whether addressing physical, technological, or cognitive accessibility, this session will equip you with tools to ensure your classroom is welcoming and supportive for all.
May 7
A Classroom that
Works for Everyone
Diversity
Diversity enriches the learning experience, yet it also calls for awareness and intentionality. This session will delve into recognizing and valuing the diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds of adult learners. Learn how to foster a classroom culture that celebrates difference, promotes equity, and ensures that all voices are heard. Discover tools and practices to help you engage meaningfully with the rich tapestry of experiences your students bring.
June 4
A Classroom that
Works for Everyone
Sensory Integration
Sensory needs can significantly impact learning, but they’re often overlooked in traditional adult education settings. Each person’s body receives and interprets information differently, influencing how they engage with and absorb learning. This session will explore the diverse ways students process sensory input and how these differences impact their classroom experiences. Gain insights into creating learning environments that honor these variations, from offering flexible participation options to designing spaces that support diverse sensory needs. By understanding and embracing these differences, you’ll be equipped to foster a classroom that truly works for everyone.
Education Uplift workshops run on the first Wednesdays of the month, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. MT. It is a free set of classes offered by the Spiritual Development Education Department to assist teachers of Science of Mind certificated education. Each program is developed to highlight new education features, to improve the enrollment and re-enrollment of students in your community, or to address useful topics for providers of certificated education. To access recordings, log into Our Community, click on the Education Uplift tile, then recordings.