“Living in Alignment”

Young Adult Social Emotional Learning

At the Design and Align Legacy Group, we believe each of us has a unique, authentic journey in life. Our “Living in Alignment” program is a comprehensive system to help young adults navigate social and emotional challenges as they move into adulthood.

This program is designed to give them the skills and strategies they need to navigate these challenges successfully and allow them to opportunity to live the life they want to create. We call this finding "Your True North".

Our Mission

To create impactful change for today’s youth through experiential learning by encouraging them to take ownership of their thoughts and experiences so they can make a positive contribution to their communities.

Design and Align Legacy Group, Founders

Dr. Jodi Tafarella-Kunz, Psychologist, Psy.D.

Keith Senzer, Certified Youth Empowerment and Leadership Coach

Our Program: “Living in Alignment”

  • We have developed a Social Emotional Learning Program that teaches today's youth healthier, more effective coping strategies and helps build character. In addition, the program aims to provide youth with tools to develop their Social Emotional Intelligence and learn valuable Life Skills.

  • There have been many Social Emotional Learning Programs over the last several years, yet mental health remains one of the largest areas of concern for today’s children and young adults.

    Many of the SEL programs have focused on identifying negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, and fear, and while they have offered many good techniques to address and “fix” these unpleasant emotions, findings suggest that they fall short of reaching their objectives. Research has shown that the children who participated in the programs tended to focus more on their negative emotions and “diagnosis” than on changing their unpleasant feelings.

    Design and Align’s approach is different from that of other programs. It has created a comprehensive program focusing on the whole child/adolescent, not just the negative emotions. The program takes the user on a journey that explores emotions and examines the messages we tell ourselves and our experiences that impact our emotions. Furthermore, it provides techniques that foster personal growth, development, and leadership skills.

  • Many programs work on changing the language within the school system without looking to make a more systemic impact. The responsibility of change lies with the teachers - who are already overwhelmed with the core curriculum. There needs to be more follow-through once the students leave the classroom. Our program looks to create a shared culture not just within the school but within the home and community as well. The program encourages the school, the families, the community, and students to work together. The students are encouraged to share what they learn with their caregivers weekly and for everyone to use the new techniques. Their Legacy project encourages students to go into the community and make a difference. Research has shown that when teens feel empowered to change their environment, they do better in school, socially, and emotionally.

Workbook: Finding Your True North

Our workbook aims to provide a blueprint to navigate the social and emotional challenges many teens face as they move into adulthood - we call this finding “Your True North.”

A Comprehensive Toolkit

A program for educators, mental health facilitators, and coaches. Complete with a user-friendly workbook, weekly reflection journal, facilitator guide, and guide and care connect cards.

It will change how mental health is taught and discussed in school and at home. It provides a common language that, when used, allows adults and youth to talk about real issues and develop healthy coping strategies.

  • The core of our “Living in Alignment” program. The workbook is a blueprint to navigate the social and emotional challenges many teens face and teach vital life skills they need as they move into adulthood. We call this finding YOUR TRUE NORTH.

  • A tool for students to reflect on and personalize their work. This is an important part of helping them align themselves with THEIR TRUE NORTH.

  • A resource for facilitators to understand how to deliver the work impactfully and collaboratively. We believe it’s critical to create a safe and engaging space to share experiences.

  • A tool that students use to bridge school and home environments that fosters communication and creates a common language. It allows for social-emotional growth as a family unit.

The Design and Align Legacy Group

  • Dr. Jodi is a licensed school clinical psychologist and school neuropsychologist providing individual, family, couples, and group therapy in Long Island, New York. She works with individuals of all ages, ranging from young children to adults. She specializes in working with children and adults with developmental delays, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, as well as those struggling with major life changes, divorce, and loss.

    Utilizing an eclectic approach tailored to each person’s needs, she serves as a resource for parents in learning to aid their child’s development and improve family communication and relationships. She also works with adults on parenting, relationships, and personal growth issues. Through a collaborative approach, she takes the time to understand her client’s needs and partner with them (and their parents) to overcome current challenges while building the skills necessary to live more meaningful and balanced lives - to find their “True North.”

    It is her passion to teach others to create a more loving and accepting way of living.

    She received her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology/School Psychology from the Ferkauf School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, and is certified in Neuro Psych Testing. She served as supervising psychologist for a group practice and has a private practice serving the greater Nassau area.

  • Keith Senzer is a Youth Empowerment and Leadership Coach. He has been coaching since 2014 and has his coaching certification from The Coach Training Alliance.

    Keith is an adult with ADHD and has raised a child with ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. He has been an active Parent Member in his local school district, supporting other parents through the CPSE/CSE Process. He currently sits on the board as President and Vice President of 2 Non for Profits, both focused on Youth Mental Health and supporting youth to be the best version of themselves.

    He is an expert in teaching, delivering, and training students on Executive Functioning Strategies as well as Empowerment, Leadership Skills, and Social Emotional Learning.

    Keith has a Podcast called “TeenSpeak” that interviews teens who have struggled and allows them to share their stories and strategies to inspire and support other teens through their own challenges.

    His passion and purpose are to help teens find their “True North” and follow it through their words and actions, to create a more loving, accepting, responsible, and committed adult who has the power to ensure their future success and heal our world.