CREATING A WISER WORLD
ONE MIND AT A TIME
TMTC: Teaching Mindfulness to Children
January 20th 2024 - June 16th 2024
Program consists of:
6 weekends
*Live Online via Zoom*
*Payment plans & partial scholarships available*
Deadline to apply: January 1st, 2024
Learn to cultivate an environment where children can build resilience and reduce stress, while promoting stronger relationships through better communication, patience, self-compassion and kindness!
This six-month intensive training provides educators, therapists, counselors and other youth professionals including parents, with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to effectively teach mindfulness and compassion techniques to children aged 3-19. The Teaching Mindfulness to Children (TMTC) Program was created by former IDP Board Member and child psychologist Heidi Marben, PsyD.
Program Dates: TMTC Schedule
View full schedule by clicking this link
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Training Weekend 1, January 20-21, 2024: Establishing Your Foundation
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Training Weekend 2, February 17-18, 2024: Cultivating Self-Compassion
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Training Weekend 3, March 16-17,2024: Teaching Mindfulness to Children
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Training Weekend 4, April 20-21,2024: Teaching Kids to be Kind
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Training Weekend 5, May 18-19,2024: Working with Adolescents and More
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Training Weekend 6, June 8-9: Dealing with Difficulties & Final Presentation
Participants begin by establishing their own personal practice, creating a foundation from which they can confidently offer children mindfulness techniques.
This program includes:
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Rigorous personal mindfulness instruction and practice, including an exploration of texts and techniques from different traditions and teachers
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An understanding of self-compassion and equanimity to prevent teacher burnout and discouragement
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Experiential learning and practice of age-appropriate mindfulness techniques
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Ways to create a mindful classroom and home environment
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Discussion of research on mindfulness and compassion and child development
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Detailed instruction and assistance in designing a curriculum relevant to your needs and the needs of your program/situation
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A copy of Dr. Marben’s Mindfulness Curriculum for Lower School, which contains teaching guidelines and detailed lesson plans for children
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55 hours of class time over six months
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Peer group support
Applicant recommendations:
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Experience working with children is recommended.
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A commitment to establishing a daily mindfulness meditation practice. The foundation for creating a mindful environment for children is your own personal practice.
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Weekly participation with a study group.
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Attendance at all weekends and study group meetings is strongly recommended. If you have concerns about your ability to participate, please email us to discuss.
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Students must attend at least five weekends to receive a certificate.
Meet the teachers!
Gala Narezo (she/her)
Gala is a mother, artist, educator, activist and meditation instructor. She has meditated for more than thirty years and which has been the one thing that has consistently helped her feel healthy and productive throughout her life. Gala has studied meditation and breathwork from the perspective of Taosim, Buddhism, QiGong, Chinese martial arts (Xing Yi & Pa Kua), Yoga, Pranayama and more. She is continually looking for ways to incorporate breathwork, meditation and reflective practices into everyday life. Gala recently finished her masters degree in art education where her focus was on using mindfulness to expand educational frameworks and offerings. She is also writing a book of meditation, art and reflective practices for families and educators. Much of her teaching is based in Tibetan Buddhist traditions as well as Mexican indigenous practices and circle practices. "I have learned from many teachers who I am deeply grateful to and for," says Gala. Visit galanarezo.net to learn more.
Nandini Naik (she/her)
Executive Director
Nandini was born and raised Hindu in India. Her formal practice of mindfulness started over two decades ago with Zen meditation when she was 16 and a High School student at UWC. She had the good fortune of taking classes from His Holiness the Dalai Lama while living for months in a monastery in Dharamsala teaching Tibetan monks and refugees English
Evy Fung (she/her)
Evy has been fascinated with spirituality and wellness since she was a teenager. After a difficult time in her life, she began meditating in 2010 and in 2018 received certification as a meditation teacher. Having mixed Caribbean ancestry, she is dedicated to inspiring more representation of BIPOC and LGBTQIA folks in the wellness field. She is the co-founder of a startup called Uniformed Meditation, a convenient meditation experience for Frontline workers and First Responders. In her spare time, she enjoys the arts and being a mom and partner.
Khary "KJ" Green (he/him)
Loves sharing his passion for the arts with others. He started his training in the arts at the age of 13 years old. He has performed in Paris, London, Egypt, Euro-Disney, and Norwegian Cruise Line to name a few. Recently, Khary graduated from Lesley University, studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Dance/Movement Therapy. As well as a 2022 graduate of IDP-TMTC. His experiences include working as an EMT, a residential counselor who worked with kids who had brain injuries. As well as teaching dance classes, workshops, and choreographing musicals. Khary had the pleasure of interning at Camp Erin Boston, HeartPlay, Academy of Physical and Social Development and at the Jeremiah E. Burke Highschool in Dorchester, MA. Where he learned how to support people through the grieving process. His favorite mindfulness activities include honoring the pause and mindful emotion themes. Khary firmly believes we all can be heroes without the capes!
Tuition & Payments
This program is offered on a sliding fee scale. Please select the appropriate rate to enable IDP to offer this training to as many participants as possible. Scroll below for scholarship opportunities. Space is limited. Please register early to save your seat.
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Full $3,000: suggested for those who can pay the full cost of this program, and are able to help support others to participate and share these practices with the world
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Patron $2,000: this is the basic cost of the program, which IDP offers at the lowest cost available so we can offer this program to as many people as possible
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Supported $1,000: this is a discounted rate offered for students, public school teachers, and others who have financial need and are unable to pay full tuition
Payment and Refund Policies
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Upon acceptance, participants must submit a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the program tuition. The remaining 50% of the program tuition must be received by April 1st, 2024.
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Because we can accept only a limited number of applications, we cannot offer refunds.
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Payment plans can be arranged for the Full or Patron Tuition rates only. Contact us if you’re interested in arranging a payment plan.
