This presentation will focus on strategically building and sustaining effective school-based wellness programs prioritizing mental health, racial equity, and youth empowerment. By bringing together best practices from school-based clinicians and administrators, we will explore innovative strategies that schools can use to address both the emotional and social needs of their students, especially in marginalized communities affected by trauma. Attendees will also learn how to actively engage youth voices and tackle the mental health stigma among students of color while leveraging new methods to expand services that address the social determinants of health. Presenting bold, innovative strategies will inspire schools to re-imagine how they support the mental well-being of all students, creating more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.
Participants will learn the background of Dynamic Mindfulness (DMind), a research-validated, trauma-informed, movement-based mindfulness practice.
Participants will have the option to join in an experiential practice of Dynamic Mindfulness, which includes moving the body, breathing intentionally and centering the mind.
Participants will learn how DMind builds stress resilience and enhances emotion regulation in themselves and their students.
Participants will learn strategies for how to integrate Dynamic Mindfulness into their workplace, school and classroom settings.
Participants will walk away with a new set of tools to reduce stress in their personal and professional lives.
Dynamic Mindfulness Specialist & Program Coordinator, Niroga Institute
Daniel Duarte is a Dynamic Mindfulness Specialist for Niroga Institute, teaching full time at Visitacion Valley Middle School in San Francisco. He brings over 10 years of experience in education and mindfulness, serving in various capacities including as a behavior interventionist... Read More →
My journey with Mindfulness started when I was in high school and dealing with some severe emotional and behavioral problems. Not only did the practice change my life, it saved it. Thankfully for me, I had a network of support around to seek out therapies and practices that could... Read More →
Friday March 7, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST
Sutter Home
Participants will: - Walk through the four steps to guide the implementation or improvement of staff relaxation zones at schools or across districts. (1)Set a goal, (2)make a plan, (3)take action, and (4)sustain and evaluate. - Learn best practices and see examples to inform their plans. - Receive tips to support equitable access to established relaxation zones.
Core Concept: Staff Relaxation Zone – a space like a staff lounge or break room that is boundaried and intentionally set up for all staff to relax, decompress and attend to their wellbeing.
Project Manager, Northern California, Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Kristy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and a Master of Science in Child, Youth, and Family Studies. Kristy is an advocate for whole child health, committed to enhancing community well-being through relationship building and advocacy for young people and their families... Read More →
Friday March 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Sutter Home
