Hello there, friends! It's Uncle Aaron, and I'm excited to invite you into a story that’s close to my heart. I want to take you on a journey behind the scenes of The Uncle Aaron Advantage—a system born from my life’s twists and turns, fueled by the belief that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the key to helping students, families, and communities not just survive, but truly thrive. The Uncle Aaron Advantage—a system that grew out of my own life experiences and a belief that SEL is essential to creating thriving students, families, and communities.

My path to SEL wasn’t a straight line—it was shaped by my unique life journey. I’m a Marine Corps veteran, financial consultant, and entrepreneur with 30 years of experience building businesses and mentoring teams. But perhaps the most important title I hold is “dad.” Being a father of three has profoundly shaped how I understand resilience, emotional growth, and the importance of community.

At 45, I had to completely refocus my career. Injuries from my time in the military left me stuck on the couch, grappling with both physical limitations and the emotional toll that comes with feeling powerless. It wasn’t long before the mental struggles came rushing in. I spent years in therapy and read countless self-help and PTSD-related materials to regain control over my life. I didn’t just read these books—I absorbed them, looking for patterns and actionable tools I could apply in my daily life.

During that time, I began to notice something universal: the emotional recovery frameworks in those resources didn’t just apply to veterans or trauma survivors—they applied to anyone navigating life’s challenges. The more I learned, the more I saw that emotional intelligence and self-awareness were the foundation of resilience.

As a service-connected veteran, I was afforded the opportunity to attend Manhattanville University, where I studied Business Economics, Finance, and Behavioral Sciences. While my degree is in Business, I’ve always been fascinated by how the mind works. My years hosting radio programs had already taught me how to be an active listener—not just to words but to tone, pacing, and body language. I had to gauge a guest’s comfort and authenticity and adjust the conversation to keep things engaging. These skills gave me a deeper appreciation for emotional intelligence long before I ever knew it was called that.

When I entered college as an adult learner, I carried that curiosity and experience with me. Sitting in classrooms with students half my age, writing 15,000-word essays alongside them, I felt both humbled and energized. I saw firsthand how understanding human behavior and communication could foster deeper connection and growth.

At first, I wrote financial literacy guides aimed at helping young people understand budgeting, saving, and entrepreneurship. My entrepreneurial background gave me plenty of real-life lessons to share. But as I listened to my children and their friends—really listened—I realized the gaps weren’t just financial. They were emotional.

Conversations around our dinner table often revolved around managing anxiety, navigating friendships, and trying to stay motivated. These moments reminded me of my own youth—the bonds with friends, the carefree laughter—but also the blind spots. Back then, I didn’t know how to grocery shop for more than one meal. I didn’t know how to co-manage a household or build a budget that aligned with my future goals.

Those realizations led me to expand my work beyond financial literacy into a 10-book self-help series focused on emotional growth—six of which are published—and a collection of seven teen thrillers that weave relatable life lessons into captivating stories. But I knew even that wasn’t enough.

The pandemic didn’t just disrupt academics—it disrupted connections. The CDC reports that over 37% of students experienced increased mental health struggles during the pandemic. When classrooms reopened, teachers faced not only academic gaps but emotional voids. Students weren’t just behind in math—they were behind in emotional regulation, confidence, and self-awareness.

The challenge with existing SEL programs is that they often consist of disconnected lessons that don’t build on each other. A child might read a story about managing emotions in elementary school, but by middle school, they’re handed something entirely different with no continuity. This fragmentation makes it harder for students to carry lessons forward and apply them consistently.

That’s why I created The Uncle Aaron Advantage: a cohesive, relatable system that adapts to each stage of a student’s life and builds emotional intelligence year after year.

The series addresses all 15 core SEL competencies—from self-management and empathy to responsible decision-making—across five age-specific editions:

1. Elementary Edition: Interactive stories and fun activities that introduce emotional regulation and social skills.
2. Middle School Edition: Practical tools to navigate peer dynamics, emotional shifts, and academic pressures.
3. High School Edition: Lessons on leadership, personal goals, and self-discipline.
4. College Edition: Real-world strategies for resilience, independence, and life transitions.
5. Adult Edition: Guidance for lifelong emotional wellness and personal growth.

One thing I knew from the start: SEL content must be personal and relatable. Uncle Aaron isn’t just a narrator—he’s a consistent mentor who evolves alongside the learner:

• Elementary students: I’m the animated storyteller who sits cross-legged on the floor, making lessons fun and approachable.
• Teens: I become the coach who listens and helps them navigate friendships, self-doubt, and their first big decisions.
• College students and adults: I’m the guide offering real-world advice on managing independence, relationships, and professional challenges.

This continuity fosters trust, making it easier for students to absorb lessons and apply them in their daily lives.

• SEL programs lead to an 11% increase in academic performance (Source: CASEL Meta-Analysis).
• Schools with structured SEL frameworks report 25% fewer behavioral incidents and stronger student-teacher relationships (Source: EdWeek).
• Students with higher emotional intelligence demonstrate improved problem-solving and resilience—skills essential in today’s world.

Imagine a student facing peer pressure in the lunchroom or trying to resolve a disagreement with a sibling. The Uncle Aaron Advantage equips them to:

• Pause and breathe before reacting.
• Express their feelings clearly and respectfully.
• Listen actively and empathize with others.

These aren’t just classroom lessons—they’re lifelong skills.

For Teachers:

• Ready-to-use lesson plans, discussion prompts, and assessments that streamline SEL integration.
• Activities designed to save preparation time and foster classroom engagement.

For Students:

• A consistent, relatable mentor who builds confidence and communication skills.

For Parents:

• Practical tips to reinforce lessons at home and foster meaningful conversations.

My journey back to college at 54 taught me that learning never stops. Writing those lengthy academic essays reminded me that growth takes structure, resilience, and humility. That experience shaped how I approached this SEL system—I wanted it to be thorough but accessible, informed by both life experience and educator feedback.

With 30% of the series complete—15 books covering five SEL topics—we’re building something transformative. Our goals include expanding the content to cover all 15 SEL areas, translating materials for wider accessibility, and creating digital formats for flexible learning.

The pandemic underscored what many of us already knew: emotional intelligence is just as important as academic knowledge. SEL programs like The Uncle Aaron Advantage create a future where students aren’t just excelling—they’re thriving.

• SEL programs can reduce behavioral issues by up to 25% and boost academic performance by 11%.
• Emotional intelligence is linked to improved resilience, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Schools that prioritize SEL report stronger student-teacher relationships and more positive school climates.

With 30% of the series complete—15 books covering five SEL topics—we’re building something transformative. Our goals include expanding the content to cover all 15 SEL areas, translating materials for wider accessibility, and creating digital formats for flexible learning.

Let’s build a future where emotional growth and academic success go hand in hand.

Thanks for reading—and let’s grow together!