Philosophy: Mindfulness intersects with education in a multitude of ways. I believe that simply, "paying attention, on purpose in the present moment non-judgmentally" (Jon Kabat-Zinn)is a necessary and complimentary part of being an effective tutor and teacher. Teaching the student to be mindfully aware, and paying attention in the present moment is essential to developing memory, developing clear and concise writing skills, and removing many learning obstacles. The success I have had with thousands of students over the years is rooted in my understanding of the intellectual and emotional processes of learning. Teaching is not a depository of information from teacher to student, it is an intricate process that starts with questioning and nurturing curiosity in a stress-free, nonjudgmental environment. This is built into the foundation of each session with each student. History: I began my love for learning as a 4-year old in a preschool Montessori program. Mrs. Bach was stern when necessary yet grandmotherly, always patient, and very attune to the emotional and educational development of the children in her care. She was my primary role-model during the process of becoming an educator more than 30 years ago, and she continues to be today. My love for learning brought me to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Literature, two Masters' Degrees in Writing, a third Master's Degree in Teaching Secondary Education, an MFA in Writing, and a two year degree from UMASS Medical School in the Practice and Science of Mindfulness. (now operating at Brown University). I have accomplished 70 hours of study and continue with yearly seminars with an organization Learning and the Brain,committed to the scientific study of the neural pathways of learning, connecting educators to the latest research in the science of learning and its application to education. As you see, my adult life has been dedicated to not only teaching, but also understanding the processes of learning. Understanding how we learn is essential to understanding how we teach.
Qualifications Currently: Professor Sacred Heart University: World Literature, Academic Writing, Screenwriting, Media Communications and Literacy, Critical Thinking, Writing Tutor, Mindfulness Coach Facilitator Barefoot Living Arts, 8 week Mindfulness Workshops and Individual/Family Meditation classes
6 years - Professor Hofstra University: Academic Writing, Early American Literature, Writing Center Tutor 2 years - Professor Sarah Lawrence College: Screenwriting, Storytelling, Writing Tutor 4 years - Secondary Education Teacher at Darien High School: Long-term Substitute English Teacher, Writing Tutor, Student Newspaper
Being Mindful
While Yoga began as a casual physical exercise program, it became a 35 year practice. My pursuit of the history and lineage of Hatha Yoga, brought me to several one month silent-retreats around the world. In these retreats, I learned the practice and the great value of Zen Meditation. I was introduced to and studied Mindfulness, the Bhagavad Gita, Vedantic Philosophy, taught yoga, took courses in Ayurvedic diet and cooking, and learned countless other wonderful things about myself, other cultures, and history. This decade of study would unbeknownst to me, become the foundation of my two year intensive study at UMASS Medical Center for Mindfulness and became for me a more conscious way of thinking, breathing and behaving. As Paulo Coelho says in the Alchemist, "There is only one way to learn... it is through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey." What may feel incidental and maybe random, can be, and often is a building block for something yet to come. This is elemental, not only to my personal philosophy, but also to my work as a professor and a tutor. Being able to perceive the story arc of our lives, so that we better understand the purpose of these seemingly unrelated and sometimes painful events of our lives, is a valuable informant to understanding our journey. Paying purposeful attention, and being in the present moment makes awareness more possible. This is imperative inside the learning process overall, but especially practical when I work with students that are writing their college essay. Students inevitably find over time, that practicing these skills are effective in reducing stress and anxieties when they feel overwhelmed: academically, socially, and emotionally. These practices are well known to be effective and used in all DBT and most CBT therapies for stress and anxiety reduction. Qualifications: UMASS Medical School (MBSR): Jon Kabat-Zinn UMASS Medical School Certified Trauma Based Mindfulness: David Treleaven UMASS Medical School Certified Sivananda Yoga: 500-Hour Certified Dharma Mittra: 200 hour Certified Kid-A-Round Yoga 200 hour Certified Transcendental Meditation Teacher