Why I Created SETT

I created SETT™ (Setting Early Transitional Tactics) because students need a clear roadmap for life beyond graduation. I understand this deeply because after high school, it took me multiple colleges and various jobs, from working retail to tutoring, to find direction, purpose, and stability. That experience shaped my belief that students deserve structured guidance, not guesswork, as they prepare for adulthood.

SETT was developed from the conviction that every student deserves intentional support as they prepare for life after graduation. My work centers on helping students understand who they are, recognize their strengths, and build the skills necessary to navigate real-world expectations with confidence and independence.

My commitment to this work is shaped by both lived experience and professional training. I was raised in New Jersey and later served students across New York City, experiences that grounded me in the realities many young people face each day.

I bring more than 15 years of experience in education and hold two master’s degrees, one in Bilingual Special Education and another in School and District Leadership. This foundation has strengthened my understanding of how students learn, how educational systems function, and why transition planning must be inclusive, equitable, and student-centered.

Through the SETT™ Curriculum, students engage in a structured and reflective process that supports self-awareness, life skills development, college and career readiness, and future planning. I believe transition planning should be practical, accessible, and ongoing. It should not happen at the last minute, but instead grow with students over time and center their voice.

I am deeply committed to working alongside schools, families, and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for students. SETT is more than a curriculum. It is a commitment to ensuring that young people move toward adulthood with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Ms. Carmen