My name is Shana. 

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I use she/her pronouns and pronounce my name like this: SHAY-na de-vLEE-ger. 

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My work is rooted in the belief that: 1) we are all connected, 2) learning and human development are lifelong endeavors, and 3) everyone deserves the rights and resources they need for growth. As a researcher, I use humanizing approaches to listen, learn with, and share diverse perspectives in order to develop responsive and equitable solutions.

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Just over a decade ago, I began my career as a public elementary school teacher in California and Hawai'i. I left the classroom to pursue graduate studies in urban education and applied developmental psychology, with the aim of improving support for teachers and their work with children facing adversity. As a master's student at USC, I developed a strong foundation in learning theories and culturally responsive pedagogy; as a master's student at Harvard, I learned how to critically consume and conduct rigorous research, and leverage it to inform interventions. Applying this to practice, I then worked with school administrators and teachers to redesign and evaluate culturally responsive, trauma-responsive practices and policies. Curious about possibilities in teacher education, I began my PhD in 2019. 

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My PhD research has employed critical qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to surface new insights about how adults learn and develop new perspectives, particularly when engaging with challenging topics (e.g., racism).  I also teach observation and reflection-based seminars for future teachers, and continue to consult with schools around teacher wellness and development. 

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Outside of schools, you can find me outdoors, traveling with loved ones, sending snail mail, and trying new recipes. 

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I'm always happy to connect with new thought partners. Please don't hesitate to reach out.