2 Inspire Peace Inc. Partners with DeSoto ISD to Empower Healing, Learning, and Wellness Through Zen Dens and the Heal Play Learn Initiative

DESOTO, TX 2 Inspire Peace Inc. is proud to announce its ongoing collaboration with DeSoto Independent School District as part of a powerful movement to prioritize emotional wellness, healing-centered learning, and community care. As a vendor for the Texas Center for Student Supports, 2 Inspire Peace is equipping all 11 DeSoto ISD campuses with Zen Dens innovative wellness spaces that foster emotional regulation, reflection, and resilience for both students and staff.

This initiative aligns with the organization’s broader mission: to empower individuals, families, and communities through arts-based healing, mentorship, and personal development. By encouraging self-advocacy, emotional intelligence, and human connection, 2 Inspire Peace provides the tools needed to build stronger, more adaptive communities.

The Zen Dens are not simply quiet spaces—they are immersive, restorative environments designed to promote calm, safety, and belonging. Curated with earthy tones and soothing aesthetics, these spaces offer students and staff the opportunity to regulate emotions, practice mindfulness, and return to their learning environments with greater clarity and focus.

“Social-emotional safety is a key predictor of student achievement,” said Dr. Gene Morrow, Executive Director of Student Support Services for DeSoto ISD. “Zen Dens are a tangible way to reinforce that safety and foster trust, reflection, and healing within our schools.”

The partnership also includes 2 Inspire Peace’s participation in Heal Play Learn, an initiative launched by Educate Texas in response to the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this hands-on enrichment program, students across three Southern Dallas school districts including DeSoto are engaged in vibrant, healing-centered experiences such as dance, music, science experiments, cooking demonstrations, and more. These activities promote creativity, social-emotional development, physical movement, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Each day in the program, students begin with a welcoming, joyful activity and end with a restorative circle, where they learn how to communicate emotions, listen actively, and co-create safe, trusting environments. By integrating art, mindfulness, and movement, 2 Inspire Peace helps young people and the adults who serve them—embrace change, build resilience, and cultivate compassion.

Metric Manning, of DeSoto ISD Student Support Services, emphasized the Zen Dens’ role in a broader support system:

“Zen Dens are part of a districtwide strategy to support students socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. These spaces give students a healthy outlet for emotions and a moment to reset helping them return to the classroom focused and ready to learn.”

DeSoto ISD has also implemented multiple complementary frameworks to support this vision, including:

Restorative Discipline Practices (RDP): Building healthy relationships and repairing harm through inclusive dialogue

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): Data-driven academic, emotional, and behavioral interventions

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): School-wide systems promoting positive behavior and improved climate

Student Support Teams: Collaborative strategies tailored to individual student needs

“These integrated systems are transforming our district culture,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, Superintendent of Schools. “By centering wellness and emotional safety, we’re building strong foundations for lifelong learning and personal success.”

As DeSoto ISD continues to evolve into a leader in whole-child education, the Zen Dens stand as powerful symbols of a deeper commitment: creating healing spaces that honor each student’s humanity, promote self-awareness, and prepare youth to thrive in school and beyond.

To learn more about 2 Inspire Peace Inc. and its programs, visit www.2inspirepeace.org