Proven Results
Measurable Impact
A Journey of Purpose
Dedicated to transforming education and empowering communities through authentic engagement
For more than two decades, Verna Felder has been a trusted voice for students and families in the Service Learning School District, serving as a Teacher, Mentor, Media Specialist, and Communications Director. She holds a Master of Science in Strategic Communication Leadership, a degree in Organizational Management, and an Administrative Certification. Her work in literacy and community engagement earned her an Education2.0 award and the Spirit of Detroit Award.
What sets Verna apart is not just her roles, but her results. Through twenty years of hands-on experience with inner-city families, she developed culturally responsive, real-world strategies that help schools communicate better, engage families more effectively, and build trust where it is often hardest to reach. Her expertise in Public Relations, Community Outreach, and Cultural Competence has made her a sought-after voice in urban education landscapes.
During the 2020 pandemic shutdown, Verna transformed decades of field experience into a practical communications toolkit filled with templates, strategies, and best practices now used by educators and organizations committed to serving urban communities with intention and respect.
She is the Co-Creator of Can You Survive Poverty? The Game, a powerful educator sensitivity experience designed to shift mindsets and deepen understanding of the daily decisions that impact families in survival mode.
Verna has a HarvardX Family Engagement Certificate, and is widely recognized as a leading expert in urban family engagement, helping schools strengthen relationships, improve culture, and create systems that truly support the communities they serve.
Global Education 2.0 Recognition
Recognized as an award recipient by Education 2.0 Conference for outstanding contributions to innovation and excellence in education.
Spirit of Detroit
Honored with the Spirit of Detroit Award for exceptional community service and impact.
HarvardX Certificate
Completed Family Engagement Certificate from HarvardX, advancing expertise in urban education.
Trust is not a soft skill — it’s the foundation of academic achievement.
– Verna Felder
True Masterpiece
My BOOK
Working in an urban school community requires more than policy manuals and good intentions — it requires courage, cultural competence, and real-world strategy.
What do you do when a parent arrives to chaperone a field trip smelling of marijuana?
How do you de-escalate an enraged parent shouting in your main office?
How do you respond when a student walks into class with a bed bug crawling on their shirt?
In Did You Bring a Bed Bug to School Today? How to Cultivate an Emotionally Safe Environment for Students in Urban Communities, a 20-year Detroit public school veteran offers honest stories, practical tools, and proven strategies drawn directly from lived experience inside urban schools. Blending heartfelt storytelling with actionable templates and best practices, this book equips educators, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates to build emotionally safe, academically focused environments where students and families feel seen, supported, and respected.
Both engaging and deeply practical, this guide serves as a professional development resource for anyone committed to strengthening school culture, integrating social-emotional supports, and leading with empathy in high-need communities.
If you are ready to transform your school or organization into a culture where academic excellence and holistic student support go hand in hand, this book is your blueprint.
