Tranquil Studio

12/19/2025

When I created Transformative Mindset Instructional Design (TMID), I never started by asking what doesn’t work.

I asked a different question.
What actually works when people are learning, struggling, or trying something new.

What works is presence.
What works is warm handoffs.
What works is people being kind, attentive, and willing to walk alongside others instead of doing things for them from a distance.
What works is attitude, communication, and creating environments where people feel supported enough to learn.

TMID is the system within which instructional design happens. It centers connection so learning can occur, rather than reducing people to steps, queues, or outcomes alone.

If you would like to read more about the TMID framework and the research behind it, you can read my full dissertation here:

The purpose of this case study is to discover the effectiveness of the instructional design of an organization's current programs. The central research question was to determine how instructional design impacts the effectiveness of a nontraditional court-ordered parental instructional program. The t...

12/04/2025

Tranquil Studio finally caught up with the times. I have been running this nonprofit for years, mostly behind the scenes, quietly creating books, tools, trainings, and community projects. But things are changing, and it is time for this space to reflect the work in a clearer and more intentional way.

So the page has a new layout, a new profile photo from a recent book signing, and a pinned post that explains what Tranquil Studio actually does.

Creative solutions. Better learning. Real transformation.
A nonprofit led by Dr Sonja Howell.

And yes, the AI generated header logo is still having a small identity crisis. It will learn me eventually. For now, I am letting it be part of the glow up.

Thank you for being here. I am no longer staying behind the scenes.
More updates and new projects are coming.

10/27/2025

Much appreciation to Bryan and the WLEN team for the interview. It was an honor to share how Feel It grew from our local study and the real experiences of families right here in Lenawee County.

I have created a handful of books and courses for families on parenting, trauma, abuse, neglect, and divorce. Many have been used in the courts and were designed specifically to meet those needs. It is inspiring to see our community continuing to create meaningful materials of its own. We are building resources that reflect who we are today. Feel It was created for this moment and for us.

Take a few minutes to watch the video to learn more.

ADRIAN — This week in Lenawee, local educator and author Dr. Sonja L. Howell joined us to talk about her new book Feel It: Wake Up From the Lull and the science behind emotional numbness. Howell explained

03/11/2025

FREE DOWNLOAD TODAY ONLY in honor of the National League for Innovation Conference!

I’m excited to share Designing Transformative Learning Experiences: A Guide to TMID with you, absolutely free just for today!

This book breaks down the Transformative Mindset Instructional Design (TMID) approach I developed to help educators, trainers, and instructional designers create more engaging, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences. This is evidence based stuff which evolved right in Lenawee County!

Inside, I walk you through activities on:
✅ How to design learner-centered courses that actually connect
✅ Strategies to boost engagement and retention
✅ Practical steps to implement TMID in any learning environment

🔗 Grab your free digital copy today! This is a one-day offer, so don’t miss out! Designing Transformative Learning Experiences: A Guide to TMID

"Designing Transformative Learning Experiences: A Guide to TMID" offers a comprehensive framework for crafting impactful educational programs founded on empirical evidence. Drawing on the Transformative Mindset Instructional Design (TMID), this workbook provides practical strategies and tools for...

03/05/2025

Parents are you looking for materials to help you now? Look here:

Best parenting books by authors and professionals with decades of combined experience. Shop now for the best parenting resources!

02/06/2025

🎥 Exciting News! 🎥 Check out our newest video, created by the talented team at Advantage Visuals—huge thanks to Drake for bringing this vision to life! 🌟
The video is now live on our website and YouTube podcast channel: . Head over to watch and learn more about what we’re all about. Your support means the world! 💙
👉 Watch it here: https://youtu.be/9iN_jUgKrNQ?si=ZfpsgABDBvxsR-gk

Hi, I’m Dr. Sonja L. Howell, founder of Tranquil Parenting, a division of Tranquil Studio, Inc. As a parenting coach, author of 12 parenting books, and advoc...

02/06/2025

🎥 Exciting News! 🎥 Check out our newest video, created by the talented team at Advantage Visuals—huge thanks to Drake for bringing this vision to life! 🌟

The video is now live on our website and YouTube podcast channel: . Head over to watch and learn more about what we’re all about. Your support means the world! 💙

👉 Watch it here: https://youtu.be/9iN_jUgKrNQ?si=ZfpsgABDBvxsR-gk

💬 Message me by clicking on the image below.

Hi, I’m Dr. Sonja L. Howell, founder of Tranquil Parenting, a division of Tranquil Studio, Inc. As a parenting coach, author of 12 parenting books, and advoc...

01/29/2025

Another great parenting resource in Lenawee...

01/20/2025

After thoughtful discussions with our amazing board members, we’re excited to share a meaningful update: our slogan has evolved!

✨ From: “Creative Solutions”
✨ To: “Creative Solutions for Community Impact”

This change reflects a broader focus, incorporating everything we’ve built with Tranquil Parenting while expanding to serve all community organizations—not just parenting-related ones. It’s about embracing the full scope of our work: designing and implementing impactful training and programs that support families, organizations, and communities alike.

Nothing is being cut or left behind—this evolution captures the heart of what we’ve always done while highlighting our greater purpose: creating meaningful change and meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re making a real impact! 💡💙 We will keep everyone posted on further decisions that were made this past week as changes happen. More to come!!!

01/02/2025

🎉 Congratulations, Grace Lambert! 🎉 We are thrilled to share that our Fall 2023 Tranquil Parenting intern, Grace Lambert, has been accepted into the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Michigan! 💙💛

Grace made incredible strides during her time with us, driving meaningful progress within Lenawee County. Her passion and dedication to supporting families and communities have left a lasting impact.

Washtenaw is lucky to have her next, and we know she will continue to do amazing things!

Congratulations, Grace—your future is bright, and we’re so proud of you! 🌟

12/30/2024

Check out my latest article, part of my yearly research on how AI can transform education. It features action items from José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson's Teaching with AI! Purchase at: https://amzn.to/3BNnvbE

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/book-review-teaching-ai-jos%C3%A9-antonio-bowen-c-edward-sonja-qcatc/?trackingId=rWB5T1O4TfWM69xw8Kpqmw%3D%3D

In Teaching with AI, José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson provide specific actions educators can take to integrate AI into their teaching.

12/30/2024

Check out my latest article, part of my yearly research on how AI can transform education. It features action items from Salman Khan's "Brave New Words"!

Purchase at: https://amzn.to/3Pj1yEy

Read Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/book-review-brave-new-words-salman-khan-sonja-l-howell-ph-d--40bdc/

In Brave New Words, Salman Khan offers advice on how we can use artificial intelligence (AI) to change the way we learn and teach. This book is full of actionable ideas for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about improving education.