Charisse Beach
About Charisse Beach, M.Ed.
Charisse Beach, M.Ed., is a passionate educator, author, and founder dedicated to bridging the gap between academic achievement and emotional wellness. An alumna of Bradley University and Governors State University, Charisse brings decades of leadership experience to the forefront of educational transformation.
Her professional journey began with a pivotal role as principal of Premier Academy in Joliet, IL—a Regional Safe School serving middle and high school students expelled from their home districts. During her tenure, she led a turnaround initiative where 83% of students successfully transitioned back to their home schools with grade-level or above credits. This achievement ignited her commitment to developing programs that support students who are often underserved or misunderstood within traditional school setting.
Building on this foundation, Charisse founded Youth Transformation Services (YTS) in 2013, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that integrates Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Game-Based Learning (GBL) into school environments. Through YTS, she has launched a series of innovative initiatives that combine mental wellness strategies with educational technology.
Key Achievements
To further this mission, Charisse authored At-Risk Students: Transforming Student Behavior, a practical guide for educators and mental health professionals seeking to identify and address early warning signs of emotional and behavioral struggles. The book serves as a foundational tool in her broader strategy to equip schools and communities with effective, evidence-based support systems.
Charisse’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop with students. She has also developed a Game Development Internship Program for aspiring designers and hosted a GBL Podcast Episode to elevate conversations around equity, youth voice, and the future of learning through technology.
Looking Ahead
As the visionary behind YTS, Charisse remains committed to equipping youth with emotional wellness tools and interactive learning experiences. Among her most impactful projects is the upcoming release of Jump Anywhere in the World (JAW)—a culturally enriched educational video game designed for grades 3–5 that immerses students in SEL through interactive, location-based adventures.
Complementing JAW is JAW Zen, a mindfulness-based companion experience that promotes self-regulation, calming techniques, and emotional balance during and after gameplay. youthts.org/jaw-zen
To support educators, Charisse also created the JAW Zen Educator Hub—an interactive resource center offering downloadable, standards-aligned SEL lessons designed to enhance classroom engagement and emotional resilience. These tools are rooted in the belief that when educators are empowered with meaningful resources, students thrive academically and socially.
Today, Charisse continues to lead with vision and purpose—developing bold, compassionate solutions that uplift the whole child while supporting educators, families, and communities along the way. With a passion for mental wellness, education, and technology-driven learning, Charisse continues developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between academic success and emotional well-being.
