Dr. Clayton Barksdale

Dr. Clayton Barksdale is a nationally recognized educator, researcher, and mental health advocate with over 20 years of experience in behavioral coaching and school leadership. As the founder and executive director of the West Mississippi Education Consortium, Dr. Barksdale has dedicated his career to addressing the emotional and academic challenges faced by children—particularly those affected by fatherlessness and trauma.

A passionate champion for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Dr. Barksdale is the creator of the groundbreaking Stones to Statues Curriculum, a research-based intervention designed to improve emotional well-being, academic performance, and classroom behavior through structured SEL lessons. His curriculum is aligned with CASEL competencies and has been implemented in school districts across the nation, resulting in measurable reductions in disciplinary infractions and increased student engagement.

Dr. Barksdale’s work is informed by his own research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), parental abandonment, and the long-term effects of emotional neglect. He has written multiple books and developed educational tools—including the interactive SEL game Stack & Chat and the stage production Mom, Where’s Daddy—to help educators, mental health professionals, and families foster resilience and emotional growth in children.

A highly sought-after speaker and consultant, Dr. Barksdale presents nationally on topics related to trauma-informed education, emotional intelligence, and culturally relevant SEL practices. His mission is to ensure that every child—regardless of background—has access to a supportive, emotionally safe learning environment that nurtures both the heart and mind.