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Author Biography

Belle Liang, Ph.D., is a professor of counseling psychology at Boston College. She co-directs the Purpose Lab and serves as Ascione Faculty Fellow in Formative Education, working closely with colleagues in Missions and Ministry, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs. She also co-leads the Center for Reflective Intelligence, an initiative focused on strengthening purpose, belonging, and leadership in schools and higher education. Her work bridges research and practice through partnerships with educators, school leaders, and campus professionals.

Abstract

The Examina is a peer-led reflection model that helps educators strengthen purpose and belonging in their daily work. It offers brief, structured opportunities for colleagues to pause and reconnect with why their work matters. More than 400 educators across three public school districts participated in the four-session peer reflection program, with 147 completing baseline surveys that informed this practitioner inquiry. Peer facilitators adapted four Examina practices (i.e., Future Crafting, Intention Setting, Insight Gathering, and Story Crafting) to fit their school cultures. Nearly eight in ten participants reported deeper purpose reflection and three in four reported greater belonging in their professional community. Educators also described how peer-led reflection created opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, clarify what mattered in their work, and translate values into everyday practice.

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