Partnerships

Author: Brittany Echols, Health Education Curriculum Manager at Cairn Guidance As I reflect on my journey over the past few years, I feel immense gratitude for the incredible opportunities and people who have shaped my work. Working at Cairn Guidance has been an enriching experience—one filled with deep learning, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to equity-driven health education. From supporting state and district initiatives to building capacity for comprehensive Read ▸ about New Chapter, Same Mission: Supporting Student Health & Wellness

Author: Jess Lawrence, Director at Cairn Guidance At the age of 15, my friend Nini Mohamed took an incredible journey— a difficult, life-changing trek to America by way of Somalia and a Kenyan refugee camp. His book, “The African in America” details the real-life struggle immigrants face while adapting to American culture, from unexpected racial divisions among Black Americans and African-born American Immigrants, to the need for acceptance within a community.  Motivated by Read ▸ about Body Confidence Athletes!

Author: Shamelle Ingram Yemofio, Dove Self-Esteem Project Cadre Member from Maryland $2.5 billion. That’s the current value of the African American hair industry, and it’s projected to hit $4.5 billion by 2034. Why? One reason is that Black women spend 9 times more on ethnic hair products than non-Black consumers. Guilty! My bathroom closet? Basically a mini beauty supply store with shampoos, hair steamers, hair dryers, moisturizing products, protective styling essentials—you name Read ▸ about Hair Love: Confidence, Culture, and Power of Representation

2024 was a year of success for our small, but mighty team. We worked with 68 clients from around the United States (WOW!), with 26 of those as retained clients from previous years. I asked each of our staff to sum up this past year in 1-2 words and this is what our team came up with: Gaige: Synergic Opportunities Samantha: Monumental Teamwork Brittany: Sustainable progress Sterling: Growth Mentality Jess: Exceeded Goals In 2025, we hope to continue to do more of the Read ▸ about Happy Holidays & Happy New Year from the Cairn Team!

The Cairn Guidance team is proud to introduce the annual School Health Leadership Award. This prestigious award honors education leaders across the nation, including Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, Directors of Instruction, State and School Board Members, and Principals, who prioritize the health and well-being of students to help them reach their full potential. These visionary leaders recognize the vital connection between health and education. They are the change-makers who Read ▸ about Announcing Cairn Guidance’s Inaugural School Health Leadership Award!

By: Sterling Ta'Bon, Healthy Schools Manager & National DSEP Cadre Coordinator  Robert E. Howard Middle School is named after Orangeburg South Carolina’s acclaimed educator, coach, and community leader, Robert E. Howard. Howard was a long-time advocate in a town known for cultivating renowned leaders and efforts in civil rights. He supported youth and athletics for decades till his passing in 2009.  But still, standing In the hallways of the school named after him, advocacy is carried Read ▸ about Howard Dove Girls: They wear the shirt, and do the work!

By: Jess Lawrence, Director of Cairn Guidance Edited by: Amanda McMullen of Polished Pear Creative Editing Nini Mohamed and I met at WorldFest in Louisville in July 2023 during a soccer clinic hosted by the LouCity & Racing Foundation, where I’m privileged to serve on the Board of Directors. I cycled to the event. Nini noticed my orange bicycle covered in stickers and a bead zip-tied to the head tube.  “Did you bike here?” he asked.I nodded. “This is my touring bike Read ▸ about The Impact of Partnerships

By: Richelle Calderon (NY) Have you ever had a professional encounter that completely changed your trajectory? For me, that moment came in 2019 as a college junior at the NYS AHPERD Conference. I wandered by The Dove Self-Esteem Project (DSEP) booth, curious about an activity that focused on appreciating things we love about ourselves beyond physical appearance - I cherished my Dominican culture - and just like that I received a tote bag and a bookmark that gave me access to all the DESP Read ▸ about My Journey with the Dove Self-Esteem Project: Views from a DSEP Cadre Trainer