Noelle Flynn’s journey as an educator is as unique as the path that led her to her current role at Macomb Middle School. A Macomb native, Noelle’s roots run deep in this community, where she grew up, attended school, and eventually returned to inspire the next generation. Her story, like her teaching methods, is filled with passion, dedication, and a touch of serendipity.

Noelle’s latest venture, “Breathe for Change,” is an initiative that marries mindfulness, breathing techniques, trauma-informed yoga, and social-emotional learning (SEL) into a powerful tool for student well-being and academic success. It all started when an ad for “Breathe for Change” caught her eye on her daughter’s Instagram. Intrigued and with a bit of curiosity, she decided to delve deeper, leading her to a 200-hour intensive training program that would change not only her life but also the lives of her students.

“I wasn’t even teaching that summer,” Noelle recalls. “But when I saw the ad, something clicked. It was teacher appreciation week, and they offered a significant discount on tuition. I spoke to Margie Rhodes, who helps with the curriculum in our district, and she was supportive. Before I knew it, I was enrolled.”

The training was rigorous, with sixhour sessions twice a week throughout the summer. But for Noelle, it was worth every minute. “Breathe for Change is a community. It’s transformed my life,” she shares. “It’s about connecting with your body and breath, bringing mindfulness into the classroom, and ultimately transforming yourself so you can positively impact others.”

Noelle’s dedication to SEL isn’t just about helping students manage stress; it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive. She incorporates breathing exercises into her daily routine with students, and the impact has been profound. “Sometimes I forget, and the kids will remind me, ‘We haven’t done our collective breathing yet!’” she says with a smile. “It grounds them. It helps them focus.”

What sets Noelle apart is her approach to the more challenging aspects of SEL. Middle schoolers can be a tough crowd, especially when introducing concepts like mindfulness and yoga. But Noelle navigates these challenges with grace. “I knew there would be some laughs, maybe even some pushback,” she admits. “So, we talk about zones of comfort—your comfort zone, your stretch zone where learning happens, and your panic zone. I tell them our goal is to stay in that stretch zone, to challenge ourselves just enough.”

Her consistent invitation for students to engage, never forcing, but always encouraging, has slowly but surely won them over. “I’ve noticed more and more participation as we go along,” she says. “And it’s not just the students; the staff is coming on board too.”

The impact of her work extends beyond the classroom. Parents have reached out to Noelle, sharing how their children are bringing SEL practices home. “One parent told me they now do positive affirmations in the car because their child learned it from our sessions,” she says, clearly touched by the ripple effect of her efforts.

Noelle’s work is more than just a job; it’s a mission. She’s committed to helping her students develop the skills they need to navigate a complex world, and she’s willing to go the extra mile to make that happen. In fact, she’s already signed up for an additional 300-hour training to deepen her practice and expand her certifications.

Supported by her principal, Kibbie Lewis, Noelle feels empowered to continue this important work. “Kibbie has been a breath of fresh air,” Noelle says. “Her support has uplifted me, especially in moments of doubt.”

For Noelle Flynn, Macomb isn’t just a place on the map; it’s home. Her deep connection to the community fuels her passion for teaching. “I grew up here. My family’s roots are here,” she reflects. “This community has given me so much, and now I get to give back in a meaningful way.”

With “Breathe for Change,” Noelle is not just teaching; she’s transforming lives. Her story is a testament to the power of education, the importance of mental wellbeing, and the impact one dedicated teacher can have on an entire community.