ABOUT AND EXPERIENCE
Helping people reshape the stories that shape their lives.
Dr. Natalya Rakevich is an educator, researcher, author, international speaker, and founder of VELA Well-being. Her work brings together education, trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, and the transformative power of personal narrative.
25+
Years working with learners of all ages
| 6,000+ Ukrainian educators and psychologists served |
500,000+ children reached through well-being initiatives | Ph.D Educational Leadership, Lesley University |
HER STORY
A life in education, resilience, and human possibility.
For more than 25 years, Natalya has helped people cultivate resilience, purpose, and emotional well-being through education, mindfulness, and personal growth.
Her work has crossed classrooms, community organizations, nonprofit leadership, and international collaboration. She founded two children’s organizations in Massachusetts and led Youth Talent School for more than eight years, creating enrichment programs and community partnerships across the arts, academics, and movement.
Later, as a Success Coach and Outreach Coordinator, she helped at-risk high school students overcome academic and personal barriers while contributing to a 95% graduation rate. She also founded and led a preschool Learning Pod, developing curriculum, supporting staff, and building strong relationships with families.
Today, Natalya’s research and practice meet in Narrative Awareness – a framework born from listening closely to how people preserve meaning, identity, and hope through prolonged adversity.
EXPERIENCE
One path, many ways of serving.
FOUNDATION
Educator and program leader
Learning experiences for toddlers through adults, including eight years leading Youth Talent School.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Success coach and advocate
Five years helping at-risk high school students overcome academic and personal barriers.
GLOBAL SERVICE
Founder of VELA Well-being
International programs supporting educators, psychologists, children, and helping professionals affected by trauma.
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
Creator of Narrative Awareness Framework and System.
An evidence-informed framework for recognizing and intentionally reshaping the narratives that influence well-being.
EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
Lesley University
Completed 2025
| Professional roles | Educator · Researcher · Creator of Narrative Awareness Framework and System · Consultant · Author · International Speaker · Well-being Coach |
| Practice | Certified yoga, mindfulness, and meditation instructor |
| Research focus | Educator well-being, trauma-informed education, mindfulness, storytelling, and resilience |
| Leadership | President and Founder, VELA Well-being |