Nicole O'Connell Gonzalez is an educator, facilitator, and founder of Kindfulness Collective, where she partners with educators, families, and communities to cultivate compassionate, courageous, and equitable learning environments. With nearly two decades of experience in education, Nicole believes that when adults are supported, children thrive. Her work bridges mindfulness, social-emotional learning, educator wellness, family engagement, and culturally responsive practices to strengthen the relationships that shape children's lives.

Since beginning her career in 2006, Nicole has served in a variety of educational roles, including elementary classroom teacher, instructional supervisor, professional development coach, and educational consultant. She currently teaches second grade, serves as Advanced Clinical Faculty at Montclair State University, and facilitates professional learning experiences that empower educators to build resilient classrooms and inclusive school communities.

Kindfulness Collective grew from Nicole's original initiative, Kindfulness Kids, which she founded in 2018 after becoming a certified children's yoga and mindfulness teacher. What began as classroom yoga and mindfulness programming has evolved into a broader mission: supporting the entire ecosystem surrounding children. Today, Nicole designs and facilitates workshops, coaching, book studies, curriculum, and community learning experiences for educators, families, schools, and organizations.

Nicole's work is inspired by Ajahn Brahm's philosophy of Kindfulness, Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the Beloved Community, and the belief that love, kindness, and compassion are never passive—they become meaningful through awareness, courageous reflection, and action.

Nicole holds degrees in Family and Child Studies, Literacy Education, and Educational Leadership. She is certified in the Mindful Schools curriculum, a Little Flower Children's Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher, and holds certification in Social Emotional and Character Development through Rutgers University. She continues to support the preparation of future educators through Montclair State University's Clinical Faculty Program while advocating for schools where every child and every adult experiences belonging, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.