About Dignified

Founded in 2024 by a group of passionate educators, Dignified was created with a clear mission: to restore dignity and respect to the heart of learning. The founders believe that every staff member deserves to feel valued and supported in their role, and every learner should experience an environment where they can truly thrive. At Dignified, we are dedicated to equipping businesses and school districts.  We provide the tools, training, and mentorship needed to foster engaging, dynamic learning that inspires growth and success. Our goal is to create professional development where both leaders and learners flourish, with dignity as the foundation of all we do.

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Nicole Skeene
CEO, Founder

Nicole Skeene has worked with education and nonprofit organizations throughout the world.  With over 25 years of experience leading, mentoring, and training, she brings a wealth of experience to her professional development offerings.  She understands the unique needs of leading in the 21st century and provides creative, passionate, and practical help to businesses and educational institutions alike.  She values the teaching profession and its heartfelt heroes and believes in collaborative efforts to create dignifying environments for all learners.  Nicole lived overseas for 10 years and currently lives in Florida. In her free time, she travels, reads lots of books, and spends time with her 3 children.

Sarah Semon, PhD
Executive Director

Sarah Semon, PhD, has a rich background in special education, curriculum, and instruction. With over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, and leadership, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She specializes in developing and delivering effective educational programs, providing technical assistance, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Sarah understands the unique needs of 21st-century education and offers creative, passionate, and practical solutions to universities, school districts, and educational organizations. She values evidence-based practices, collaborative partnerships, and creating equitable learning opportunities for all. Sarah is also a restorative yoga instructor, and understands the importance of mental and physical health. Sarah has contributed significantly to the field through her research, publications, and presentations. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem, exploring new destinations, and spending time with her family.

Jennifer Ihland
Consultant

With over 20 years of experience supporting learners and the adults who teach them, Jennifer is an educator and activist. Her career spans preschool through middle school. Jennifer spent the first nine years of her public-school career as a 6th grade math teacher in a rural Title I middle school, where she worked closely with some of the district’s most vulnerable students. During this time, she earned her Gifted Endorsement and developed a strong belief that all students—regardless of background or label—can achieve at high levels when given the right support.  As the Math Subject Area Leader and Instructional Coach, she now partners with educators to strengthen instructional practices, create safe and collaborative learning spaces, and build teacher capacity through meaningful, relationship-centered coaching. Jennifer is passionate about empowering teachers, elevating student outcomes, and helping schools cultivate environments where both adults and students can thrive.

Testimonials

“Through personalized professional development, strategic planning, and collaborative coaching, Nicole empowers educators to excel in meeting the needs of all students, including those with exceptionalities.”

Joe Crain Chiang Mai, Thailand

“Nicole’s dynamic storytelling and hands-on professional development sessions have stayed with me for many years. She takes complex topics and make them completely relatable and applicable to the classroom and life!”

Amanda Russell Lakeland, FL

“Beyond her expertise in the classroom, Nicole is a valuable asset to the whole community. She is a strong advocate for positive change.”

Claire Brodie Moray, Scotland

“Nicole is the ultimate educator who cares about how to support teachers so that students are supported in turn.”

Kenzie Harris Polk City, FL
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