Thrive First Initiative
ABOUT THIRVE FIRST INITIATIVE
Thrive First Initiative (TFI) is a 501(c)(3) education-based non-profit organization that emerged from more than two decades of work in education, counseling, and community-based support, alongside a growing recognition of the emotional toll placed on educators and school leaders.
Founded by an educator and licensed clinical social worker, TFI was shaped by years of working closely with teachers, dorm faculty, counselors, and students—particularly in independent and boarding school environments where care, connection, and responsibility run deep, yet support for adult well-being is often limited.
Over time, it became clear that many professional development models focused heavily on student outcomes without adequately addressing the nervous systems of the adults who serve them. Burnout, compassion fatigue, and chronic stress were not failures of commitment, but signals of systems asking too much without sufficient regulation, reflection, or restoration.
Through facilitating educator wellness circles, advisory programs, and school-based workshops centered on emotional regulation, belonging, and trauma-informed practice, a consistent need emerged: educators were seeking practical, accessible tools that honored both neuroscience and humanity.
Thrive First Initiative was created to meet that need—supporting those who care for others by making emotional regulation, safety, and compassion foundational leadership skills in schools and communities.
OUR MISSION
The Thrive First Initiative supports schools and educational communities through programs and services that center emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, cultural awareness, and compassionate leadership as the foundation for safe, inclusive, and thriving environments.
Through storytelling, open-access tools, and educator-centered resources—including education-focused podcasts, downloadable reflection guides, nervous system regulation practices, and culturally responsive and culturally grounded leadership frameworks—we equip educators, student leaders, and school teams to feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead with compassion.
Our work is rooted in respect for culture, language, and lived experience, and is designed to be adaptable across diverse communities. While our current programming serves schools and communities in Hawaiʻi, Thrive First is committed to collaboration and partnership at national and international levels, supporting culturally responsive approaches to social-emotional learning and leadership worldwide.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Aimée D. Donoho, MSW – President & Founder
Aimée Donoho is an educator and therapist with more than 20 years of experience supporting educators, students, and school communities. Her work integrates emotional regulation, trauma-informed practice, storytelling, and culturally responsive leadership to create sustainable, human-centered approaches to education.
Michael L. Donoho – Vice President
Michael Donoho brings operational and strategic support to Thrive First, contributing leadership in organizational development, logistics, and program sustainability during the organization’s growth phase.
Cindy Montgomery – Board Member
Cindy Montgomery serves as a board member supporting governance, oversight, and mission alignment as Thrive First develops partnerships and expands community reach.
THRIVE FIRST: REGULATION, CULTURAL STORYTELLING, & COMMUNITY ACCESS INITIATIVE
Thrive First’s primary program strengthens emotional well-being, leadership capacity, and cultural belonging in schools and communities through an integrated, prevention-focused approach.
Program Components
1. Emotional Regulation Education
Workshops and trainings for educators and student leaders focused on nervous system awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and trauma-responsive leadership.
2. Cultural Storytelling & Language Restoration
Translation and publication of culturally rooted SEL children’s books—beginning with ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi—supported by cultural practitioners and language experts to ensure integrity and respect.
3. Community Access to SEL Resources
Donation of SEL children’s books to public libraries, school libraries, and community learning centers serving under-resourced populations.
Delivery Model
Programs are delivered through on-site school and community workshops, virtual trainings, digital resources, and partnerships with libraries and cultural organizations across Hawaiʻi, with the ability to expand reach nationally.
CONTACT: