Rooted To Soar
Early BYRD’s founder is an educator who saw and felt what many students carried into school each day. Emotional stress. Limited support. Adults doing their best with too few tools. The gap was not a lack of care. It was a lack of preparation and space to address emotional well-being in consistent and meaningful ways.
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To quote Frederick Douglass: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Early BYRD is rooted in the idea that emotional growth deserves attention early and intentionally.
Mission: Early BYRD instills skills in young people that enable them to navigate daily challenges and life-changing experiences, through socially conscious and practical guidance rooted in healthy, supportive learning communities.
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Vision: We envision a world where people grow with a balance of mind, body, and spirit within healthy, supportive learning communities. Through educational experiences that embed mindfulness into daily practice, individuals and communities deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and experience holistic well-being.
The Landscape We Are Navigating
Children and educators are navigating increasing emotional demands, while schools often lack the resources to respond fully. SEL is widely recognized as essential, yet access and quality vary significantly.
Across the country and in our local communities, gaps in training, staffing, and support limit what schools are able to provide. Early BYRD works within these realities by focusing on building capacity rather than adding burden.
Early BYRD Ecosystem and Approach
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Build Strong Wings: Support the development of resilience, emotional awareness, and coping skills.
Young Minds in Flight: Deliver programming that is relevant, responsive, and grounded in supportive relationships.
Rooted in Research: Use research to inform social-emotional learning practices to guide our work across preparation and practice.
Deepen Community Connections: Strengthen partnerships between schools, higher education institutions, families, and communities.
Our Flock
Lejae Woolcock
Founder and Executive Director
Lejae founded Early BYRD in 2023, drawing from experience as an educator and background in psychology. While working in classrooms and school communities, she observed the emotional needs many students carried and the limited structures available to support them.
Her work is informed by trauma awareness, reflective practice, and a belief that emotional well-being is a lifelong process. As Executive Director, Lejae leads Early BYRD with care and intention, focused on building systems that support both young people and the adults who serve them.
Ajaycia Jackson
Board Secretary
Ajaycia is a mental health counselor whose work centers on culturally responsive approaches to care. Growing up in urban communities shaped her understanding of mental health disparities and the importance of accessible, affirming support.
As Board Secretary, Ajaycia supports organizational governance and clear communication, helping ensure Early BYRD’s work remains ethical, accountable, and community-centered.
Andy Moxey
Board Treasurer
Andy brings a background in social work and program management, with experience overseeing public initiatives and funding structures. His work reflects a belief that care and structure are needed for systems to function well.
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As Board Treasurer, Andy provides financial stewardship that supports sustainability, transparency, and long-term impact.