Empowering emotional well-being through education and advocacy
We are a nonprofit based in New York City dedicated to making emotional wellness accessible and actionable for children, families, and schools. Through culturally responsive, research-backed programming in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), we help communities build resilience, self-awareness, and strong relationships — at every stage of life.
Our Mission
To empower every child to become the best version of themselves — and a positive, influential member of society — through internal discovery, growth, and action.
Our Vision
To foster a world where all individuals are equipped with the tools, support, and emotional skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, empathy, and purpose.
Our Founders
Founders Gladys Henriquez and John Calve understand the critical importance of wellness and mental health and are passionate about educating communities in these areas.
Both Gladys and John are extremely passionate about helping others, and their work is a direct representation of their drive to make the world a more equitable and loving place.
Gladys is certified in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and is a registered Circle of Security Parenting facilitator. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the prestigious New York University. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Gladys is trilingual (English, Spanish, and French) and deeply committed to culturally responsive, social justice–oriented mental health education. Her work focuses on equipping educators, parents, and students with essential skills — including emotional regulation, secure attachment, and resilience — that are often missing in traditional education settings.
John is a former National Director for Robert Half, supporting the Apprenticeship & Workforce Innovation program to help employers address critical skills gaps and provide upskilling and career opportunities to people in underrepresented communities. A former member of the CEO Action for Racial Equity Fellowship. He comes from a background in consulting and project management and has a degree in Economics from Washington and Lee University. John is also a singer and songwriter for a socially conscious rock band, The Way Forward.
Our Board
Our board is made up of dedicated professionals who bring diverse expertise and shared commitment to emotional wellness, equity, and community impact. Their guidance helps shape Discover and Grow’s vision and ensures our work remains rooted in compassion, integrity, and purpose.
Our Partners
Discover and Grow is proud to collaborate with schools and organizations that share our commitment to emotional wellness, equity, and education. Together, we’re working to create safe, inclusive environments where students and families can grow and thrive.
Pathways to Graduations
"At Pathways to Graduation Staten Island, we highly recommend Discover and Grow as a valued community partner. We greatly appreciate their innovative and engaging approach to teaching, their ability to connect with students in English, Spanish, and French, and the meaningful enrichment opportunities they provide. Their programs have added tremendous value to our students’ learning and personal development, and we truly enjoy working with their team.
PS/MS 57
"Discover and Grow is an outstanding community partner. Their student social-emotional learning workshops are engaging, interactive, and thoughtfully designed to help our students build self-awareness, healthy relationships, and emotional regulation skills. In addition, their parent workshops have provided families with practical strategies to strengthen communication, better support their children's emotional development, and foster positive relationships at home. Their professionalism, creativity, and culturally responsive approach have made a meaningful impact on our school community, and we value the strong partnership we have built together.
Project Hospitality
"Gladys and John have helped us provide a much-needed service to some of the children and families in our community. Their SEL program has been very informative, engaging, and fun... We love that they run their groups in both English and Spanish. We are excited to continue to work with them and grow our SEL program.
Donate
Your contribution will help empower children in underserved communities by equipping them with the right skills and mindset to succeed in life.
DonateOur programs combine a safe and collaborative environment with enriching and engaging activities that provide the skills, knowledge, and mindset to help kids succeed in life while also learning to be positive members of society.
© 2025 DISCOVER AND GROW, INC - We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in New York City EIN# 87-1397816
© 2025 DISCOVER AND GROW, INC
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in New York City EIN# 87-1397816
