About the Director

Dear Milford Community,

My name is Lisa Kingkade and I am the Director of Social Emotional Learning for the District. Just a little information about where I have been and what lead me to my new role today.

I am a graduate from Regis College with a B.A. in Psychology. Upon graduating from Regis, I entered a Masters Program at Boston College in the Lynch School of Education and graduated with a Masters degree in Counseling.  Licensed as a mental health counselor, I spent 4 years working with Wayside Community Counseling Center and the Milford Police Department as a domestic violence advocate/ bilingual counselor. I started working in the Milford Public Schools system in September 2003 as an adjustment counselor at Milford High School. I was an Assistant Principal of Stacy Middle School for 4 years and Assistant Principal of Woodland for 7 years. I completed a second Masters in Organizational School Management at Endicott College and I will be completing a Social Emotional Learning certificate program through Rutgers University in December 2018. I am licensed as a Mental Health Counselor, a School Adjustment Counselor, as well as Assistant Principal/ Principal grades K-12.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)? Today's employers are looking for someone who not only has book knowledge, but can work cooperatively with others, think quickly on their feet and problem solve. Now more than ever, as educators, we need to look at educating the “whole child,” providing them with the skills to understand emotions, be empathic towards others, make ethical decisions and build intrinsic motivation to be the best person that they are capable of becoming. There are many ways to achieve the goal of educating “the whole child” and teaching students in conjunction with the basics of “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic”. Social Emotional Learning is critical in assisting students in the Milford Public Schools develop into positive adult members of society. SEL is not a “lesson” taught once a week, it extends deeper into the culture and community of a district and a school. Research shows that schools that have embedded SEL into the culture have seen an increase in school attendance, academic performance, a decrease in discipline referrals and an increase in empathy and respect.

I look forward to working with our staff and families to support students excel academically, socially and emotionally in order to become the best citizens they can be. If I can help you in any way, please feel free to contact me.

Lisa A. Kingkade, LMHC, M.ED
31 West Fountain Street | Milford, Massachusetts 01757
Phone: 508.482-0700 ext. 1118 | Email:lkingkade@milfordma.com