Marc Brackett, PhD

Founding Director & Professor

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence · Yale School of Medicine

Marc is a professor at Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, lead developer of RULER, and author of the best-selling books Permission to Feel and Dealing with Feeling. As an award-winning researcher, Marc is shaping the global conversation about the role of emotional intelligence in learning, decision-making, creativity, relationships, physical and mental health, and workplace performance.

Jessica Hoffmann, PhD

Director of Research & Assistant Professor

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence · Yale School of Medicine

Jessica specializes in developing school-based approaches, including RULER and inspirED, to enhance creativity, promote positive school climates, and support mental health. Her research focuses on the efficacy of emotion skills instruction on school climate, creative problem solving, and emotion regulation in secondary schools.

Nikki Elbertson, MEd

Director of Training and Implementation

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

In various research and training roles at the Center since 2002, Nikki has contributed to the development, implementation, and evaluation of RULER from early childhood through high school. She has co-authored many of the Center’s research studies and curricula, including scholarly articles, papers, and book chapters.

Tangular Irby, MAT

Program Manager of Implementation

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

For over 25 years, Tangular has worked as an educator in Connecticut, serving students of all ages (preK to adults) as a building administrator, curriculum supervisor, and classroom teacher. She is also an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University’s Farrington College of Education and a published author of two children’s books, two coloring books, and two journals.