Dania King previously worked as a counselor in a public elementary school, leading weekly book readings for preschool and pre-K students to introduce and reinforce social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts. These sessions emphasized skills such as identifying emotions, effective communication, and making empathetic, prosocial choices. Each session concluded with an interactive puppet review, enabling students to practice and apply these concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

Through this work, Dania observed the positive impact of integrating storytelling and puppetry on young children’s understanding and use of SEL skills. In private practice, Dania continues to use books and puppetry with early childhood clients. Dania also employs playful, hands-on interventions such as “feeling jars,” cuddle buddies, and “friendship soup,” often facilitated by puppets, to support emotional regulation, expression, connection, and skill development.