Meet Our Team

Driven by her nine years experience as a middle school teacher in diverse, resilient communities, Seewan is a lifelong learner and educator with a deep commitment to leading for equity in educational nonprofits, start-up charters, and urban public schools.

As the Executive Director, Seewan has been leading an internal organizational transformation so that Mindful Schools can better meet the unprecedented need for social and emotional well-being, mental health, and equity in schools. Seewan initially joined as Interim Executive Director in January 2020 with the charge of restructuring operations, refreshing organizational strategy, and cultivating a thriving, inclusive culture.

Prior to joining Mindful Schools, Seewan served as VP of Digital Transformation at the New Teacher Center where she created tech-enabled, people-centered solutions to accelerate educator growth as well as districtwide systems change. At WestEd, she led fast-paced research and online product development to scale the implementation of promising teaching practices and reduce the predictability of educational outcomes. She spent nine years in the classroom, most recently as a middle school teacher at San Francisco Community, a teacher-run school in SFUSD with a focus on project-based learning. She began her career working at Providence Summerbridge, now Breakthrough Collaborative, where she learned that teaching is a fundamentally creative, joyful, and collaborative process.

Seewan is passionate about empowering educators and building cultures and systems that sustain resilience, compassion, equity, and justice in schools. She believes that mindfulness was a missing piece for her as a teacher, and that a practice would have empowered her to foster a braver and more loving classroom community. She received a B.A. in American History/Educational Studies from Brown University, an Ed.M from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and National Board Certification.

The firstborn daughter of two Chinese immigrants, Seewan was raised in the New England area of the United States and currently resides in Berkeley, California, with her husband and young daughter. She enjoys hiking, snowboarding (which she learned as an adult), and deepening her lifelong ballet practice, which gives her many opportunities to be curious and kind with each passing decade.

Recent interviews, news, and writing include:

Be Curious, Be Kind, Be Brave, School 180 Podcast

Nurturing Change from Within, Mindful Schools

For speaker inquiries please contact Beck Engwerda at beck@mindfulschools.org 

Mia has been a kindergarten and middle school teacher, teacher coach, and assistant principal. As Head of Program for Mindful Schools, Mia oversees our Product Innovation engine and leads our Program Faculty. Since joining Mindful Schools in 2020, her work includes ensuring our programs align with our Theory of Change–creating equitable, trauma-sensitive, and culturally sustaining school systems in which every member of the community is supported to thrive.

As an educator and nonprofit leader, Mia has centered the needs of historically marginalized and resilient communities focusing on health education, social and emotional wellbeing, and mindfulness. She has formally practiced mindfulness for over 10 years, with training in transcendental meditation practices. Mia has a passion for developing healing-centered, culturally responsive learning experiences and curricula.

Mia is a proud Uchinanchu (Okinawan) and seeks to embody the Mindful Schools Core Value “We Grow Love” by listening to the wisdom of the Okinawan proverb “choo kukuru ru dee ichi” / “the heart is the most essential quality” in her daily life. Mia received her Bachelors Degree in Political Science and East Asian Studies from Yale, and her M.A. in School Leadership from Columbia Teachers College Summer Principals Academy.

Martha is a heart-centered and pragmatic leader with more than 20 years of experience in operations, communications, and human resources management.

As the Senior Director of People and Operations, Martha oversees Mindful Schools’ technology, project management, school enrollment, and customer care efforts, in addition to leading the organization’s human resources and internal learning initiatives.

Martha has been with Mindful Schools since 2013, and has been a key contributor to the organization’s continued growth and success as it evolved from offering its first online course during her first year to serving more than 60,000 educators and schools by 2020.

Under her leadership, Mindful Schools has grown to include a diverse team of 34 staff members and teaching faculty, developed a competitive benefits package that encourages work/life balance, cultivated a values-driven culture with a commitment to educational equity, and reorganized internally to better serve the growing needs of schools. 

Prior to joining Mindful Schools, Martha had an eclectic career spanning hospitality and tourism; TV and film production; PR and media communications; and performing arts education. She also spent several years running after school programs for the City of Oakland, working as a substitute teacher for OUSD, and serving as a one-on-one aide for autistic children.

Martha received her BA in Communications and Ethnic Studies from U.C. Berkeley. She holds a credential in copy-editing and a Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential.

Martha continues to be inspired by working with a diverse team of passionate, powerful change-makers. She is a Bay Area native and currently resides in Richmond with her husband and young son. Martha enjoys singing, traveling, camping, and cooking.

Ray brings more than 15 years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher, coordinator, and coach. He is dedicated to supporting students and teachers that have been historically underrepresented and often ignored by the dominant culture. Ray is passionate about meaningful systemic change and leveraging energy as a powerful tool to motivate, inspire, and heal. As a former athlete, coach, and teacher, Ray understands the importance of using his presence to lead and create an environment of connection and inclusivity.

John serves as Accounting Associate for Mindful Schools. He’s a Bay Area local and UC Berkeley graduate who brings over 30 years experience in accounting and finance. John’s first introduction to mindfulness was through a high school meditation class.

Beck brings more than 15 years of experience working in educational non-profits and charter schools to the Mindful Schools team. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, Beck engages multiple stakeholders in the mission of Mindful Schools, helping to increase access to our programs and deepen our impact in the community. Beck joined Mindful Schools in 2018 and is passionate about creating positive change in the world through programs that develop self-awareness, connection, and relational skills. Her previous work includes managing communications strategy for nonprofits, including the GO Project and DREAM in New York City, and Inner-City Arts in Los Angeles. Beck also worked as a fundraiser for the Studio Theatre in Washington, DC, and for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Charlotte, NC.

Beck’s connection to mindfulness began in college when she attended a local ashram and explored Hindu philosophies such as Kashmir Shaivism and learned helpful self-inquiry practices. Since that time, she has continued her learning through the Art of Living Foundation, led by humanitarian and an ambassador of peace Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Beck loves to incorporate the Mindful Schools value, connection, into her daily life, by practicing compassion for others and by sharing the work of Mindful Schools. She is originally from Australia, where she earned her B.A. in Arts/Professional Writing and Editing, and now resides in Oakland with her husband and two young boys.

Darius Ingram is an IT professional with more than 15 years of experience in systems administration and database management. He has worked almost exclusively in education-based nonprofit organizations, choosing to devote his energies to the support of his community. His relationship with Mindful Schools began as the business analyst. As the head of technology, he brings strategy, logic, and empathy to his work. When not overseeing tech, you’ll find him mixing his own music or volunteering his tech-spertise to other nonprofits.

Alison is a Bay Area native and passionate about sharing the Mindful Schools story with the global community of educators. She brings more than 15 years of marketing experience–from product marketing and sales roles in Bay Area tech and at Warner Bros. in Southern California. When she returned to Oakland to raise her children near family, she immediately engaged in the community. Prior to joining Mindful Schools, Alison managed Development and Communications for one of the largest nonprofit parent organizations in the Bay, and also co-founded a children’s apparel brand. Alison received her B.A. in International Economics from UCLA. She is excited about progressive and bilingual education and is trying her best to raise her two daughters with resilience, joy, and kindness.

Sarah Rudell Beach has 17 years of experience as a high school social studies teacher. She served in the Wayzata Public Schools from 1998 to 2015, and was honored as an Esteemed Teacher seven times by the district. As Curriculum & Research Manager, Sarah oversees and produces content for Mindful Schools’ courses. Sarah holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota, and is a licensed teacher in the state of Minnesota. Sarah has had a personal mindfulness practice for many years, and describes mindfulness as life-changing. She firmly believes that teaching compassionate attention and self-care to students, teachers, parents, and families can change the world.

Laura has experience teaching mindfulness, SEL, and social justice in K-12 schools. As Schoolwide Implementation Manager, Laura guides our partner schools to implement mindfulness into their community to foster equity and holistic well-being. Laura’s background includes sharing mindfulness with young people in the Bay Area, London, and Palestine, and has conducted research on how mindfulness can support social justice pedagogy in schools. After years of working with refugee communities in the Middle East and witnessing the impacts of conflict and trauma on the body, mind, and spirit, Laura came to understand mindfulness as a path to healing, re-connection, and liberation. Laura received her MA in Social Justice and Education from University College London and a bachelor’s degree in Peace and Justice Studies and Arabic from Tufts University. Laura is also a certified yoga teacher and enjoys hiking, surfing, and backpacking

Molly spent the majority of the past decade working in the wellness space. From a meditation retreat center in the Rocky Mountains to meditation studios in New York City, she has witnessed the transformative power of mindfulness/awareness practices. With bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Raza Studies from San Francisco State University and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from University of Colorado – Boulder, Molly’s eclectic career led her to her dream job with Mindful Schools. She believes educational equity is foundational in the creation of a more just world. She lives in Oakland with her partner and a street cat who adopted them. She feels happiest outside and most at home near the sea.

Beth has spent her career in nonprofits administration and public accounting. As a parent and volunteer PTA board member, she’s worked closely with teachers, parents, and children to support public schools. She is now excited to combine her finance and nonprofit experiences to support the Mindful Schools mission – giving children the positive tools they need to handle their complex emotions and supporting educators with professional development opportunities.

Fontashia is a lifelong learner and founder of a North Carolina nonprofit organization that is committed to serving underserved communities focusing on financial literacy, mindfulness programs, and workplace readiness skills. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Regent University and is a licensed teacher in the state of North Carolina. Fontashia has been practicing mindfulness for many years and believes that it has changed her perspective on life–not only does it allow her to be fully present for her four boys, it has also transformed her mindset to welcome abundance, practice self-love, and be grateful for all that life has to offer. As a graduate of the Mindful Schools Teacher Certification Program, she is excited to work for Mindful Schools because she gets to share her experiences, while empowering others in the present moment.

Dia has served as a K-12 as a curriculum developer, teacher trainer, arts specialist, mindfulness coach, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professional, and program administrator. In all her roles she finds the themes that connect teams and organizations to one another and to a greater whole. Dia is committed to whole people, to the development of skills and resources that allow each of us to show up as our authentic selves and to support one another. With a Master in Interdisciplinary Studies from Columbia College, Dia leads international yoga and social justice workshops though Love Light Yoga out of Vancouver BC. She also coaches individuals in somatic awareness for social transformation. With 20 years of experience in integration, systems change, and a lifetime committed to mindfulness, Dia is very excited to be serving as a Program Facilitator. Dia lives in Oakland, CA, with her kiddo, wife and 16-year-old Labrador Retriever. She likes to garden, make pottery, and sew, and makes lots of opportunities to share these practices in her community.

Solissa has been a 7th grade classroom teacher, a college academic advisor, and more recently, a program manager for a Kansas City area non-profit youth college access program. As a champion for education, Solissa spent the last decade supporting and investing in the growth of adolescents and young professionals. Solissa enjoys connecting people to meaningful experiences that will help empower and nurture their innate leadership skills. Her education includes a Bachelors of Arts in Middle School education and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, both from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and is also a recent graduate of the 2021 Mindful Schools Teacher Certification Program. Solissa believes that we all have a place in mindfulness practice and our youth can benefit from having more mindful tools in their “life box”. Through mindful education, Solissa likes to focus on shining a light on communities who often don’t see themselves in the mindfulness movement or dominate culture, and is looking forward to learning, growing, and thriving with the Mindful Schools community.

April has served as a middle school teacher at an under-served school in the South Bronx. She considers herself a lifelong learner of mindfulness and yoga as a tool for self-empowerment and social justice in diverse, resilient communities. In 2010, she completed her 200-hr teacher certification through Dharma Yoga certification and has since held space for yoga in under-performing schools, trauma centers, and addiction centers to cultivate inner healing. She believes, regardless of background, we are all in our breath and body, so might as well tap back into our inner wisdom to navigate life’s challenges.

April was part of the first year cohort at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia University where she combined education, social activism, entrepreneurship and mindfulness. April has also been certified in laughter yoga, yoga for 12 step recovery, off the mat and into the world, and various trauma-informed and mindfulness in-schools programs.

She earner her bachelor’s degree with a focus on Anti-Racist education from Mount Holyoke College and her  master’s degree from Columbia’s Spirituality Mind Institute Masters in Education.

Kelli currently teaches at Girls Prep Bronx Elementary, where yoga and mindfulness are embraced as a school wide content area. Kelli brings 15 years experience to the field of contemplative education since receiving her degree in Early Childhood Education from Naropa University in 2001, where mindfulness was integrated into the higher education experience. She develops mindfulness curriculum with a focus on self-awareness and emotion regulation. She is a former classroom teacher and believes all children have a right to experience the empowering life skills that yoga and mindfulness offer. Kelli is a national speaker at related conferences, is partnering with Columbia University and NYU to contribute to the research in mindfulness education, and consults organizations on implementation and curriculum development related to yoga and mindfulness in K-8 schools.

Anthony “T” Maes has been a teacher at Spirit Rock, East Bay Meditation Center, and Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, where he guides retreats for people of all ages, with a focus on young people of the global majority (BIPOC). T has a BS in Psychology from UC Berkeley, and after graduating was a research psychology technician for UCSF, studying the effects of meditation on school teachers and their classrooms (Cultivating Emotional Balance Project). T has dedicated his life to practicing mindfulness since learning the practice as a teenager in 2000. He has completed over 200 days of silent mindfulness retreat practice, and over the past few years, has been teaching school teachers how to develop their own practice and how to implement mindfulness in their classrooms.

For over 20 years, Lucy has taught children and youth in a variety of classroom and therapeutic settings from instructing teens at North Outward Bound School to educating young people in preschool. She currently teaches Kindergarten.

As co-founder of Design to Connect, LLC, Lucy facilitates professional communities of practice focused on cultivating restorative school communities and increasing capacities of mindful well-being in students, educators, and families.

Lucy received her Masters In Education, Mindfulness for Educators, from Antioch University New England and her Early Childhood Montessori Credential form the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.

Before joining Mindful Schools Nathalie worked for 15 years for not-for-profits providing continuing education and Arts for All programs for low income and immigrant families. She also managed wide community service events with corporate foundations in New York.

Nathalie is French with a Caribbean and Parisian background. She practiced dance for 7 years before taking her first yoga in 2003 just after her daughter’s birth. Yoga and meditation has been a long and interesting journey ever since. A journey where learning was not only about the body, but the self. Tapping into her former study of philosophy, she loves to make mindfulness a simple and practical tool for our everyday life.

She led “Education & Art For All” programs in France for many years before coming to New York. Combining her passion for movement and philosophy, she teaches yoga and mindfulness on a regular basis to young students, teachers and parents in NYC public schools with The School Yoga Project.