Werklund Institute
for Social and Emotional Intelligence
The Werklund Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing mental health, well-being, social and emotional learning (SEL), emotional intelligence (EI), and human flourishing across schools, workplaces, and communities.
Grounded in research and driven by real-world impact, we partner with educators, leaders, organizations, and communities to strengthen human skills, build emotionally intelligent leadership, and create environments where people and systems can thrive in today’s digital world. Through professional learning, coaching, research, and implementation support, we help turn evidence into meaningful, sustainable change.
Advancing mental health and well-being through professional learning, coaching, research, and implementation that works.
Our ServicesAt the Werklund Institute, we help leaders, educators, students, and school systems foster resilience, strengthen well-being, and build thriving cultures through evidence-based research and resources, professional learning, and practical implementation support that is grounded in implementation science.
Leadership & Workplace Well-being
Building emotionally intelligent leadership and thriving workplace cultures.
We work with executives, leaders, and educators to build cultures where people feel connected, valued, supported, and empowered, creating the conditions where people and performance thrive together. As AI and emerging technologies reshape how we live, work, and learn, organizations that thrive will be those that pair technological capability with strong learning cultures and uniquely human capacities including emotional intelligence, resilience, adaptability, collaboration, creativity, and ethical leadership.
Schools and Systems
Strengthening the capacity of schools and systems to promote mental health, well-being, and learning.
We partner with educators, school leaders, and systems to design, implement, evaluate, and sustain evidence-informed approaches to mental health promotion, social and emotional learning (SEL), prevention, and whole-school well-being. Through professional learning, coaching, implementation support, and communities of practice, we help build the knowledge, skills, and structures that enable thriving learning environments for all students and staff.
Parents, Families & Communities
Empowering families and communities to nurture well-being and resilience.
We provide learning opportunities, resources, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen the capacity of parents, caregivers, community organizations, and caring adults to support the mental health, social and emotional development, and resilience of children and youth. By fostering strong partnerships between families, schools, and communities, we help create connected systems of support that promote belonging and well-being across the lifespan.
Why our Work Matters
45%
of the disease burden among youth is linked to mental health challenges (World Health Organization, 2021).
50%
of mental health conditions begin by age 14 (Kessler et al., 2005).
1 in 5
Canadians experience a mental illness each year (Canadian Mental Health Association, n.d.).
Up to 75%
of Canadian youth who need mental health care do not receive the support they require (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2017).
Did you know?
More than half of people
report experiencing at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).
Brains are built through relationships
Safe, responsive, and nurturing connections shape how the brain develops (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2004).
Early support changes trajectories
Intervening early reduces the lifelong impacts of adversity and strengthens developmental pathways (Shonkoff et al., 2012).
Emotionally intelligent workplaces
experience stronger leadership, healthier cultures, and higher engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction.
Skills for life
Social and emotional learning strengthens resilience, relationships, and achievement (CASEL, 2020).
$11 return for every $1 invested
in evidence-based social and emotional learning programs (CASEL, 2020).
Our Collaborators
Let’s begin the conversation.
Whether you are seeking executive leadership development, support for school or workplace well-being, professional learning, program implementation guidance, research partnerships, or practical resources, we will work with you to identify the approach that best fits your unique context. Connect with our team to explore how we can help you build the conditions where people and organizations thrive.
Book a conversation with us to discover how we can support your goals and create lasting impact.