My Mission
I have seen and witnessed the power of change in my own life in and other's lives through mindfulness and self-compassion. I do believe that by practicing mindfulness and self-compassion we will be more at peace with ourselves and in turn, this will make the world a better place. The new class called Mindful Self Compassion for Teens is a powerful class. It helps teens learn how to take care of their minds and their hearts. My mission is to teach and offer these classes to schools, groups, or individuals. Through these teachings, I hope to help reduce stress and anxiety in teens, and to give them better coping skills when things do not go their way! I offer a variety of formats: 8-week classes, 6-week classes, 4-week classes, 3-day mini sessions, and 1/2 day workshops, I can customize the program based on our needs. |
Training Student's Attention Through MindfulnessRecently I was interviewed by Peter Grostic from Communications by Design. We discussed mindfulness in the world today and it ends with a short guided meditation!
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What is Mindfulness and Why Don't We Teach It in Our Schools?
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About the instructor:
I have been a public school teacher for over 30 years, and have now turned my attention towards helping youth and families cope in their busy, stressful lives. I began my training with Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness signature courses: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Self Compassion for adults. I am certified by .b an organization which certifies teachers to teach mindfulness to teens. I have logged many hours of training since then: Mindful Schools curriculum for youth, Mindful Schools Mindful Communication, Koru for the college aged students, and Mindful Self Compassion for Teens. Most recently I have taught Mindful Parenting through a partnership with Renew Mama. I value the tremendous benefits that mindfulness has to offer and maintain a daily meditation practice.
I have been a public school teacher for over 30 years, and have now turned my attention towards helping youth and families cope in their busy, stressful lives. I began my training with Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness signature courses: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Self Compassion for adults. I am certified by .b an organization which certifies teachers to teach mindfulness to teens. I have logged many hours of training since then: Mindful Schools curriculum for youth, Mindful Schools Mindful Communication, Koru for the college aged students, and Mindful Self Compassion for Teens. Most recently I have taught Mindful Parenting through a partnership with Renew Mama. I value the tremendous benefits that mindfulness has to offer and maintain a daily meditation practice.
Training:
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Mindful Self Compassion Mindful Communication Mindfulness in Schools (.b) certified teacher Mindful Schools curriculum Koru for college aged people Self Compassion for Youth: Making Friends with Yourself |
Teaching Experiences: Forest Hills Schools and Community Enrichment Evening Classes at Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness Speaker and workshop leader at a variety of local organizations GVSU KORU workshops for students Mindful Parenting in Cedar Springs, Renew Mama Northview Elementary: Mindful Schools Eight Curriculum Weeks K-4th grades Community of Practice: Mindfulness training for teachers and counselors National Charity League presentation for Moms Workshops for teachers, parents, and administrators Speaker at West Michigan Counseling Association Individual tutoring YMCA- Professional Development Van Andel Institute- presenter at summer institute for teachers. Renew Mama- Mindful Parenting Workshops Grand Rapids Public Library: Introduction to Mindfulness, Mindfulness for young mothers NC Resa- Mindful Self Compassion |
Sponsors and Associates
Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness
April Hadley and Carol Hendershot offer Adult Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction classes, Mindful Self Compassion, and Mindful Eating classes and are major presences in Michigan as well as a developing national presence in the mindfulness world. April and Carol are the founding owners of this highly respected and well known West Michigan business. Their contributions are many: they are highly sought after speakers in West Michigan, and they are gaining a reputation as a mindfulness presence in the United States as they bring in and sponsor nationally known speakers such as Dan Siegel, Christopher Germer, and Kristen Neff, and Judson Brewer.
Patti Ward: Mindful Schools certified Instructor; Mindful Moments in Education
Patti has taken West Michigan by storm as she teaches and spreads the network of mindfulness across Michigan. She has a multitude of talents including public speaking, development and training mindfulness for educators, teaching students and teaching staff in area schools, and developer of Mindful Family Days. She is a major presence in Michigan and has strong national ties as well through Mindful Schools.
Jen Rapanos: Well-Bean Jen Rapanos has developed a distinct approach to working with children and adolescents as a psychotherapist. Drawing from almost two decades of experience working as a school social worker and outpatient therapist, she blends her comprehensive background in mental health with training in mindfulness and yoga to offer an integrated and holistic approach to treatment. Well-Bean is dedicated to providing services & programs that foster the emotional & mental well-being of youth.
Jen offers child & adolescent psychotherapy, yoga & mindfulness classes for youth and families, wellness workshops and training for parents and educators.
Well-Bean is located at 1324 Lake Drive SE, Suite 4. Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness
April Hadley and Carol Hendershot offer Adult Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction classes, Mindful Self Compassion, and Mindful Eating classes and are major presences in Michigan as well as a developing national presence in the mindfulness world. April and Carol are the founding owners of this highly respected and well known West Michigan business. Their contributions are many: they are highly sought after speakers in West Michigan, and they are gaining a reputation as a mindfulness presence in the United States as they bring in and sponsor nationally known speakers such as Dan Siegel, Christopher Germer, and Kristen Neff, and Judson Brewer.
Patti Ward: Mindful Schools certified Instructor; Mindful Moments in Education
Patti has taken West Michigan by storm as she teaches and spreads the network of mindfulness across Michigan. She has a multitude of talents including public speaking, development and training mindfulness for educators, teaching students and teaching staff in area schools, and developer of Mindful Family Days. She is a major presence in Michigan and has strong national ties as well through Mindful Schools.
Jen Rapanos: Well-Bean Jen Rapanos has developed a distinct approach to working with children and adolescents as a psychotherapist. Drawing from almost two decades of experience working as a school social worker and outpatient therapist, she blends her comprehensive background in mental health with training in mindfulness and yoga to offer an integrated and holistic approach to treatment. Well-Bean is dedicated to providing services & programs that foster the emotional & mental well-being of youth.
Jen offers child & adolescent psychotherapy, yoga & mindfulness classes for youth and families, wellness workshops and training for parents and educators.
Well-Bean is located at 1324 Lake Drive SE, Suite 4. Grand Rapids, Michigan.