Christine Keller, M.A., M.S.Ed.

Christine founded Sangha Education Center in 2019 and The Children’s Sangha in 2003. She holds an M.S.Ed., dual certification in Childhood Education and Special Education from LIU (Autism Case Program), an M.A. in Religious Studies from NYU (concentration in Eastern and Western Mysticism), and a B.A. in English Literature from PACE University (with a minor in Film Studies and additional focus in Women’s Studies). She has completed Advanced Level I & II Training with Dr. Ross W. Greene, originator of the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach for working with ALL children and young adults with particular emphasis on those who exhibit challenging behavior. Our Community Support Group is based on the CPS approach. Additionally, Christine has been trained as a Certified Presenter for NAMI programs including Ending The Silence for Schools, mental health education in-service programs for school personnel and students respectively, to help establish a better understanding of the social-emotional challenges which many students face.

By way of The Children’s Sangha, Christine has developed and implemented a variety of programs and consulting services for children, young adults, families and schools and continues her role as an Educational Consultant through The Children’s Sangha’s current program and service offering. Christine’s involvement in education has included work as a SEIT (Special Ed Itinerant Teacher) for preschool children with special needs as well as developing/teaching a series of multi-sensory character education and skills development workshops with interrelated themes for preschool and elementary school children. All programs, past and present, develop and accommodate different abilities and learning styles and provide opportunities for outdoor, experiential learning on the premises of organic farms and within schools and community settings. Christine serves as a guest lecturer and conference presenter for Long Island colleges, schools and organizations while advocating on behalf of our youth.

As an adjunct professor at SUNY College at Old Westbury since 2001, Christine teaches courses in World Religions within the History & Philosophy Department and has taught Foundations of Special Education in Exceptional Education & Learning. She is a First Year Experience Faculty Participant teaching First Year seminar courses: Ethics of Engagement and Community Learning while serving as a First Year Student Adviser and Community Partner with the CALL Program – Community Action, Learning & Leadership. Christine’s First Year seminar and linked courses guide freshman during this critical time in their college career, providing mentoring, academic and social-emotional support. Through student advising, she assists with course selection and life direction. Christine works with academic departments and support services on campus to help students access resources and build skills. As a CALL Partner, she connects college students with volunteer and internship opportunities with The Children’s Sangha and/or our community partners enabling focus in areas related to students’ field of study, existing talent or to explore potential interests while giving back to the community through our Project Stewardship program.