Stand up comedy
for talent discovery.
An SEL program where neurodivergent students learn to identify their strenghts through joke writing.
Most innovative SEL program
Emma’s Dream standup comedy workshop helps neurodivergent and creative students discover their strengths through laughter, play, and self-expression.
Our program supports schools with:
SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) – Build confidence, emotional awareness, and resilience.
Communication Skills – Encourage students to express themselves and connect with others.
After-School & Enrichment Programs – Fun, engaging activities that make learning memorable.
IEP-Aligned Support – Tailored to meet each student’s goals and growth objectives.
Stand Up comedy
for Talent Discovery
A 7-week curriculum to help neurodivergent kids to recognize their strengths through comedy, storytelling, and self-expression.
Bring SEL to your development
When kids discover their strengths, parents gain awareness of their projections, and communities grow stronger and more connected.
Inner Child Workshop
That Works
Led by award-winning creative Ana Karina Da Silva, this Inner Child Workshop helps employees reconnect with creativity, release stress, and build empathy within teams.
NYC stand-up comedian Ana Karina Da Silva helps students uncover their natural talents through a unique blend of humor, creativity, and self-expression.
Emma’s Dream Stand Up workshops support emotional regulation, confidence, and communication skills, giving students a safe, playful space to explore who they are.
At the end of the program, students perform a comedy show where parents can see their growth, celebrate their voice, and better support their future success and career exploration.
95% of participating children reported increased confidence and self-awareness.
80% of students were able to identify at least one personal talent by week 3
70% of parents reported increased awareness of their inner-child projections onto their kids.
Why it works?
We use humor to help kids open up, feel safe, and express who they really are. While they play, laugh, and create mini jokes or stories, we watch their natural strengths come forward: creativity, logic, imagination, leadership, empathy, curiosity, and more. Emma’s Dream then helps them name and understand their unique talents. No pressure to perform.
Trusted by McDonald’s Corporate, Moms, Educators, and Kids Who Don’t Like Lectures
“This was a fun and interactive session. I loved seeing how some people channeled their inner child during one activity. And doing a version of "Simon Says" to get us moving and interacting differently. I appreciated the rapid questions to remind me of my younger self and preferences, and then a mediation trip to meet and interact with the younger me.”
— McDonald's Headquarters Employee
“The workshop with Ana Karina was truly impactful for our students. It combined talent discovery with emotional tools in a way that was both engaging and meaningful. The children were fully involved, showing increased confidence and curiosity about their own strengths. We appreciated how caregivers were encouraged to participate, helping to reinforce the lessons at home. The story about Emma made it a memorable experience that the kids are still talking about!”
— Lissa M. Primary Teacher, Chicago
“I connected with my inner child in two hours like I wasn't able to in two years of therapy.”
— Patricia Herrera, Influencer Mom
“They loved the story of Emma’s Dream and her journey to realizing her dream. They learned that going after what you want takes courage, and discipline!”
— Alana Perez Teacher, Mexico City
“Ana conducted a virtual Embrace Your Inner Child session with a large group of my colleagues. She got on camera and put her whole being into the session, pulling us out from our computer monitor comfort zones and loosening us up for silliness and intimacy. Then, she delivered a beautiful, guided meditation that I’ll be returning to regularly. Highly recommended!”
— Jim Slade. SVP, Shared Services, The Lockwood Groupe
“Ana was a very warm and engaging speaker.”
— McDonald's Headquarters Employee
Seven countries, over a thousand kids—and counting
It all started with a book
A bilingual story that inspires kids follow their dreams.
“My daughter loves the story so much! She loves Emma and her dream to become a singer! I really appreciate that the author is inspiring children to not only follow their dreams, but to achieve them! This is so important in today's society! Both the illustrations and the story are engaging. 100% recommended”.
Kizzy Petit
Talents are waiting to come out.
Either a 7-week Talent Discovery program for your school or a wellness workshop for your employees, ask all the questions you need.
About the Founder
Ana Karina Da Silva is a Cannes award-winning advertising creative, comedian, and creative force dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their authentic selves. Through engaging storytelling, humor, and interactive workshops, she guides both children and adults to live an emotionally smarter life. Ana Karina collaborated with two accredited psychologists to develop a dynamic program after engaging with hundreds of children worldwide through her book “Emma’s Dream”. She discovered that children need a supportive space to recognize their strengths before external expectations start to influence them.
Watch her comedy here
