Regents nominee Miss Yang highlights community after‑school model, urges listening tours and fairness

Miss Yang, an applicant for an at‑large seat on the Board of Regents, told members of the Assembly and Senate education committees she would prioritize direct engagement with school leaders and equitable allocation of limited state resources.

In a five‑minute opening, Yang described her background as a PTA president, psychotherapist and founder of Super Happy Healthy Kids, an after‑school program operating in District 1 and Chinatown. She said the program provides yoga, meditation, sports and organic snacks, partners with principals and the Department of Youth and Community Development, and has provided free or low‑cost services to families; she added that the organization has donated “over 1,000,000 dollars” since 2014.

Yang told committee members she would consider serving on education or health and wellness committees and said licensing issues — such as proposals around yoga instruction — require more research and stakeholder dialogue before the regents should act. “We still need to do a lot more research and a lot more talk,” she said, arguing certification pathways could help veterans and survivors obtain careers in wellness.

On curriculum and assessment, Yang described classroom practices used by her program — mindfulness, one‑on‑one support and peer tutoring — and said high‑pressure testing can be counterproductive. “Let kids be kids,” she said, while emphasizing individualized supports to help students succeed.

Committee members thanked Yang for her testimony; at the close of her appearance officials said applicants would be notified in the near future about next steps.