Nicole Benquechea, MA

Social Media Specialist

Nicole Benquechea is a research assistant and social media specialist at the Center for Educational Improvement, deeply committed to advancing education through evidence-based practices and compassionate leadership. Holding a master’s degree in psychology, Nicole brings expertise in research, critical analysis, and communication to her work. She conducts comprehensive literature reviews on topics ranging from school climate to trauma-responsive learning, develops competitive grant proposals, and manages social media content to amplify CEI’s mission and reach.

Nicole’s passion for building positive school environments shines through her collaboration on the Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA), a transformative initiative developed in partnership with Yale University’s Department of Psychiatry’s Program for Recovery and Community Health. This experience reinforced her strong belief in cultivating school cultures where students and staff flourish, fostering outcomes that support mental health and lifelong well-being.

In addition to her work with CSLA, Nicole contributes content for CEI’s monthly HeartMind e-News—an influential resource that shares research, stories, and strategies for trauma-informed, mindful, and inclusive school communities. She also supports CEI’s “Cultivating Happiness in Schools” project, which focuses on resilience, mindfulness, and holistic approaches in educational settings. With every project, Nicole strives to center the voices and needs of educators, students, and families, believing that sustainable change begins with a focus on belonging and hope.

Nicole’s ongoing work embodies CEI’s values and vision: to create learning environments that empower every individual to thrive. Her commitment to research and advocacy continues to help school communities put innovative ideas into practice and build brighter futures for all.