In a world that’s becoming increasingly uncertain, it’s vital we give our young people the essential skills they need — not only to survive — but to thrive. Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara believes the best way to accomplish this goal is through MINDFULNESS.
Since launching MINDFUL KIDS in 2019, our instructors have taught more than 1,500 youngsters and their teachers the skills they need to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and increase focus and resilience. Each course runs for 4 weeks and includes one 30-minute session per week. Every week has a new focus like gratitude, learning about the brain, confidence, etc. Students learn a brief meditation to help center them in their surroundings and every session is ended with a therapy dog visit where kids can ask questions and get to know the Therapy Dog Team.
These courses are free of charge to most schools.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
CAT SMITH is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist and has recently retired from a successful twenty-five year private practice. Cat is also a Certified Yoga Instructor. Cat has attended the five day workshop and received a Certificate of Completion from The Mindful Education Summit. Cat has also received Certificates for successfully completing Mindfulness Fundamentals and Mindful Educator Essentials through Mindful Schools. Cat is the Co-Creator of Mindful Kids and has taught Mindfulness to K- 6th graders for the last four years.
KAREN LEE STEVENS is a Certified Humane Education Specialist through The Humane Society of the United States. Karen has completed a 200-hour Meditation Teacher Training from the Veda Center, she is is a trained Mindfulness Instructor through Mindful Schools and she has received Certificates of Achievement from MindUP for Schools for Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-8. Karen is also a Veriditas trained Labyrinth Facilitator. Karen is the Co-Creator of Mindful Kids and has taught Mindfulness to K-8th graders for the last four years.
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