Our Story
Love is where every child's story begins.
Love is the foundation of confidence, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being. Yet while children are taught to read, write, and solve math problems, few are taught how to understand themselves, navigate their emotions, or build the skills to live happy, meaningful lives.
WiseOcean was created to change that.
Through music, movement, storytelling, and meaningful connection, we help children develop emotional intelligence and learn to know themselves, love themselves, and love others. Because when children learn to be happy, they don't just change their own lives. They strengthen their families, schools, communities, and the future we all share.
It Began at Home
I wanted my sons to have a different emotional journey than I did. I wanted them to grow up knowing how to love themselves, understand their emotions, and build the confidence to navigate life from the very beginning. I believed they could learn how to be happy just like they learn their ABCs.
WiseOcean began at home, with original songs, stories, and moments of connection I was led to create for my own children. Today, it is growing into a movement helping children and families build emotional intelligence through the lifelong power of love.
The WiseOcean Approach
Love is something we can learn.
Through the WiseOcean Approach, children learn the emotional skills that grow from love. They learn to understand and regulate their emotions, build confidence, practice kindness, strengthen relationships, and navigate their Ocean of Emotions with wisdom and compassion.
Every WiseOcean experience is intentionally designed around original music, movement, storytelling, and joyful Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Together, these experiences transform life's everyday moments into opportunities for children and families to grow, connect, and flourish.
Love is the foundation. Emotional intelligence is the skill. Happiness is the outcome.
Our Vision
To cultivate generations of emotionally intelligent children who grow into compassionate leaders, build strong families, and create thriving communities.
Our Mission
To teach children the emotional skills that grow from love through the WiseOcean Approach to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), helping them build emotional intelligence and lifelong well-being.
Leadership
Ashley
Reid
Founder & Executive Director
Ashley Reid is the Founder and Executive Director of WiseOcean and creator of the WiseOcean Approach to Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, comes from a family of legendary musicians, and combines her background in the arts, education, and child development to create engaging experiences that help children build lifelong emotional skills.
As a Certified Life is Good Playmaker, Ashley is passionate about equipping children and families with practical tools that foster confidence, connection, and well-being.
Lindsay Harper
President
Lindsay Harper is Deputy Director of The People's Justice Council and a leader in nonprofit, environmental, and community-based initiatives. She founded GreenGoingForward, served as the first African American Executive Director of Georgia WAND, and holds dual MBA degrees from Georgia State University and Paris-Sorbonne University..
Andrea Powe
Board Treasurer
Andrea Powe is an accomplished executive with leadership experience in production, accounting, and business operations. She is recognized for her strategic leadership, financial stewardship, and commitment to organizational excellence. As Treasurer of WiseOcean Inc, Andrea provides financial oversight and governance, helping advance the organization's mission through sound fiscal management.
Dawn Lovelace
Development of Strategic Partnerships
Dawn Kasey Lovelace is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with 15+ years of experience. She has coached Fortune 1000 executives, public sector and civic leaders, as well as world-renowned musicians and creative artists.
Jamie Singletary
Licensed Professional Counselor
With 15+ years of experience in mental and behavioral health, Jaime is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia with a master's degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology. She brings extensive expertise in counseling and psychological care.
Shyla Bostick
Vice President & General Counsel
Shyla Bostick, Esq. is an attorney and strategic legal advisor with expertise in civil litigation and organizational governance. A graduate of Howard University and Florida Coastal School of Law, she brings legal excellence and a commitment to justice to her work. As Acting Vice President and General Counsel of WiseOcean Inc, Shyla provides legal guidance that strengthens the organization's governance and long-term growth.
Becky Rafter
Acting Secretary
Becky Rafter is a nonprofit executive, policy researcher, and environmental justice leader with expertise in public policy, organizational leadership, and community engagement. A Ph.D. student at the Georgia Institute of Technology and former Executive Director of Georgia WAND, she brings a strong background in research, advocacy, and strategic leadership. As Acting Secretary of WiseOcean Inc, Becky supports the organization's governance and long-term vision.
Jada Golden
"Educator at Large"
Jada is a licensed PreK–2 educator, certified LIG© Playmaker, and member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She specializes in autism, special education, gifted education, dyslexia, diversity and inclusion, and curriculum development.