Peace & Focus Collective began as The School Mindfulness Project (SMP), an idea first sparked by founder Gail Silver while standing in a Philadelphia public school classroom. At the time, Gail was balancing three roles—as a child advocate attorney, children’s yoga teacher, and award-winning children’s book author. Recognizing the limited resources available to underserved schools seeking sustainable, school-wide mindfulness practices, she envisioned an integrative approach that supported the wellbeing of both students and educators. Formally launched in 2017, SMP spent its first three years building a strong foundation: assembling a diverse board of leaders in education, law, finance, and wellness; training a team of educators; cultivating community partnerships; and developing and testing its curriculum.

​

In 2025, the organization entered a new chapter as Peace & Focus Collective, reflecting its continued commitment to bringing accessible, meaningful wellness practices to school communities. Building on the foundation established by Gail Silver, the Collective provides students and school staff with practical tools, techniques, and resources to navigate life's challenges with greater awareness, resilience, and balance. Through mindfulness and other wellness practices, we aim to help individuals strengthen self-awareness, express emotions constructively, improve focus and self-regulation, and develop the skills to resolve conflict peacefully.

​

Now in our 10th year, we continue to empower young people and the adults who support them to cultivate wellbeing, resilience, connection, and peace—within themselves, with one another, and in the world around them. By making wellness practices an integral part of school communities, Peace & Focus Collective strives to foster healthier learning environments where students and staff can thrive, relationships can flourish, and peace can take root.