JG Larochette
Founder & Director
JG@mindfullifeproject.org
JG is a graduate of Saint Mary's College in Moraga, where he received his B.S. in Psychology and was a 4-year scholarship player on the baseball team. After graduating from SMC, he felt a deep desire to work with children. At Age 22, he was hired to work as a Site Coordinator for Sports4Kids (now Playworks) at Laurel Elementary in Oakland and then Coronado Elementary in Richmond. In these early years, he built a strong connection eith the communities he served, and was focused on equity and creating a safe, fun, and engaging playground. After seeing immediate results on the playground and in seeing the affect it had on the school climate, he enrolled in the WCCUSD intern-credential program through Cal State University East Bay.
He received his Bilingual Teaching credential, and was highly motivated to bring the fun back into learning. His work in and out of the classroom was driven by the need to have high expectations for his students, and guide them into being leaders around the community. He built an invaluable relationship with the students, families and community. During this time he started to implement culturally relevant pedagogy, with an emphasis on the social-emotional aspect of the students.
In the last 10 years, he has led Mindful Life Project into being the biggest direct service mindfulness non-profit in the country. Mindful Life Project is highly regarded for its innovative direct service programs that specifically have been created to support students who have been exposed to high levels of adverse childhood experiences. He received his Mindfulness Certification by Mindful Schools in 2013.
JG brings a passion for providing youth deeply impactful services and programs that support student and educators mental and emotional well-being so that students can thrive socially and academically both at school and beyond. He is driven to work from a strong equity, social justice, and holistic lens in all the work he does. He is honored to have opportunities to work with schools, students and families. In creating Mindful Life Project he had the vision to provide programs in the lowest income and under-served schools, so that all students feel valued, empowered and given equitable educational opportunities. He is joined by an amazing and dynamic team that serves over 20,000 students in 9 Cities across the Bay Area and leads trainings and supports for schools across the nation.
Theresa Cabral
Director of Talent & Culture
Theresa@MindfulLifeProject.org
Theresa Cabral comes to MLP after working in schools within Richmond, CA for over 7 years. She believes in the impacts of mindfulness, having had MLP programming at her school site prior to coming to MLP. She advocated for mindfulness for staff personal wellness at her school which ultimately sparked a new offering of providing teacher and staff mindfulness once she joined MLP. She has a background in Psychology and supports MLP staff with coaching and development as well as personal wellness. She is also responsible for building a culture of mutual respect and active listening within the administrative team as well as the whole MLP team.
"I found mindfulness, and rediscovered my meditation practice, after the birth of my son 8 years ago. Mindfulness absolutely provides the tools I need to navigate all of life's ups & downs. Having worked in education for many years and seeing first hand how impactful mindfulness can be for our youth makes me proud to be a part of MLP and support our staff in bringing this gift to our school partners."
JG Larochette
Founder & Director
JG@mindfullifeproject.org
JG is a graduate of Saint Mary's College in Moraga, where he received his B.S. in Psychology and was a 4-year scholarship player on the baseball team. After graduating from SMC, he felt a deep desire to work with children. At Age 22, he was hired to work as a Site Coordinator for Sports4Kids (now Playworks) at Laurel Elementary in Oakland and then Coronado Elementary in Richmond. In these early years, he built a strong connection with the communities he served, and was focused on equity and creating a safe, fun, and engaging playground. After seeing immediate results on the playground and in seeing the affect it had on the school climate, he enrolled in the WCCUSD intern-credential program through Cal State University East Bay.
He received his Bilingual Teaching credential, and was highly motivated to bring the fun back into learning. His work in and out of the classroom was driven by the need to have high expectations for his students, and guide them into being leaders around the community. He built an invaluable relationship with the students, families and community. During this time he started to implement culturally relevant pedagogy, with an emphasis on the social-emotional aspect of the students.
In the last 10 years, he has led Mindful Life Project into being the biggest direct service mindfulness non-profit in the country. Mindful Life Project is highly regarded for its innovative direct service programs that specifically have been created to support students who have been exposed to high levels of adverse childhood experiences. He received his Mindfulness Certification by Mindful Schools in 2013.
JG brings a passion for providing youth deeply impactful services and programs that support student and educators mental and emotional well-being so that students can thrive socially and academically both at school and beyond. He is driven to work from a strong equity, social justice, and holistic lens in all the work he does. He is honored to have opportunities to work with schools, students and families. In creating Mindful Life Project he had the vision to provide programs in the lowest income and under-served schools, so that all students feel valued, empowered and given equitable educational opportunities. He is joined by an amazing and dynamic team that serves over 20,000 students in 9 Cities across the Bay Area and leads trainings and supports for schools across the nation.
Theresa Cabral
Director of Talent & Culture
Theresa@MindfulLifeProject.org
Theresa Cabral comes to MLP after working in schools within Richmond, CA for over 7 years. She believes in the impacts of mindfulness, having had MLP programming at her school site prior to coming to MLP. She advocated for mindfulness for staff personal wellness at her school which ultimately sparked a new offering of providing teacher and staff mindfulness once she joined MLP. She has a background in Psychology and supports MLP staff with coaching and development as well as personal wellness. She is also responsible for building a culture of mutual respect and active listening within the administrative team as well as the whole MLP team.
"I found mindfulness, and rediscovered my meditation practice, after the birth of my son 8 years ago. Mindfulness absolutely provides the tools I need to navigate all of life's ups & downs. Having worked in education for many years and seeing first hand how impactful mindfulness can be for our youth makes me proud to be a part of MLP and support our staff in bringing this gift to our school partners."
JG Larochette
Founder & Director
JG@mindfullifeproject.org
JG is a graduate of Saint Mary's College in Moraga, where he received his B.S. in Psychology and was a 4-year scholarship player on the baseball team. After graduating from SMC, he felt a deep desire to work with children. At Age 22, he was hired to work as a Site Coordinator for Sports4Kids (now Playworks) at Laurel Elementary in Oakland and then Coronado Elementary in Richmond. In these early years, he built a strong connection eith the communities he served, and was focused on equity and creating a safe, fun, and engaging playground. After seeing immediate results on the playground and in seeing the affect it had on the school climate, he enrolled in the WCCUSD intern-credential program through Cal State University East Bay.
He received his Bilingual Teaching credential, and was highly motivated to bring the fun back into learning. His work in and out of the classroom was driven by the need to have high expectations for his students, and guide them into being leaders around the community. He built an invaluable relationship with the students, families and community. During this time he started to implement culturally relevant pedagogy, with an emphasis on the social-emotional aspect of the students.
In the last 10 years, he has led Mindful Life Project into being the biggest direct service mindfulness non-profit in the country. Mindful Life Project is highly regarded for its innovative direct service programs that specifically have been created to support students who have been exposed to high levels of adverse childhood experiences. He received his Mindfulness Certification by Mindful Schools in 2013.
JG brings a passion for providing youth deeply impactful services and programs that support student and educators mental and emotional well-being so that students can thrive socially and academically both at school and beyond. He is driven to work from a strong equity, social justice, and holistic lens in all the work he does. He is honored to have opportunities to work with schools, students and families. In creating Mindful Life Project he had the vision to provide programs in the lowest income and under-served schools, so that all students feel valued, empowered and given equitable educational opportunities. He is joined by an amazing and dynamic team that serves over 20,000 students in 9 Cities across the Bay Area and leads trainings and supports for schools across the nation.
Theresa Cabral
Director of Talent & Culture
Theresa@MindfulLifeProject.org
Theresa Cabral comes to MLP after working in schools within Richmond, CA for over 7 years. She believes in the impacts of mindfulness, having had MLP programming at her school site prior to coming to MLP. She advocated for mindfulness for staff personal wellness at her school which ultimately sparked a new offering of providing teacher and staff mindfulness once she joined MLP. She has a background in Psychology and supports MLP staff with coaching and development as well as personal wellness. She is also responsible for building a culture of mutual respect and active listening within the administrative team as well as the whole MLP team.
"I found mindfulness, and rediscovered my meditation practice, after the birth of my son 8 years ago. Mindfulness absolutely provides the tools I need to navigate all of life's ups & downs. Having worked in education for many years and seeing first hand how impactful mindfulness can be for our youth makes me proud to be a part of MLP and support our staff in bringing this gift to our school partners."
Carolina Valverde
Director of Development & Marketing
Carolina@MindfulLifeProject.org
Carolina has a B.S. in Psychology and 13 years of experience working with youth. She began her career in non profit education working in afterschool programs providing programs for young people in Kinder-8th grades. Eventually going on to also provide youth sports programming, summer programs, gang prevention groups, family camping programs, and career and college readiness programs for teens. She came to MLP as a Program Manager and became the Sr. Program Manager the following year overseeing a team of 22 Mindfulness Coaches and 2 Program Managers. In June 2020 she transitioned to the role of Director of Development and Marketing, bringing with her her passion for youth programming and mental health access for all. Carolina is responsible for building awareness of MLP’s programs through storytelling, bringing impacts stories and data to life. Development is responsible for maintaining MLP’s philanthropy streams, bringing in $3,000,000 in 2022-2023. Carolina oversees the marketing of the organization, managing social media, app development, and MLP’s website.
Mallory Servais
Director of Programs
Mallory@MindfulLifeProject.org
Mallory has worked for over a decade in non-profit educational programming, which proudly began in a role of service through AmeriCorps in two Oakland elementary schools. Since then, she has worked for several mission-driven nonprofits focused on youth development, youth-centered global leadership and activism, action civics education, school-based restorative justice work, and more. Her passion for youth as the leaders of present and belief in mindfulness as a personal practice of peace, brought her to Mindful Life Project where the cultivation of personal peace through mindfulness offers room for the collective movement towards presence, awareness, and community for youth throughout the Bay Area.
"Mindfulness has helped me learn to live in the present moment, instead of worrying about the future or past. It allows me to be more intentional and present in my relationships, be more connected to my truest self, and to experience deeper and fuller joy. I'm inspired to share this practice with youth, who I honor & value as the great leaders & change-makers of our time and who deserve to feel the benefits of a mindfulness practice. In my mind I can envision a future where grounded, centered, and self-actualized practitioners of mindfulness throughout the Bay Area are living out the change they want to see in the world - for themselves but also for all of us as a community of shared practice."
Haydn Griffith
Director of Finance
Haydn@MindfulLifeProject.org
Haydn has served as Mindful Life Project’s Director of Finance since March 2022. He has a professional background in finance, having earned a B.Sc. in Finance & International Business and an M.B.A. in Corporate Finance, both from Penn State University, as well as a professional certification in Financial Planning & Analysis (FPAC). Haydn has worked in corporate finance and accounting roles across a range of industries, from small to multinational organizations, since 2009. He has also served on nonprofit committees and boards since 2011, particularly lending his finance & management experience in support of these growing, community-based organizations. Haydn also currently serves as Board Treasurer for both The East Oakland Collective and Oakland Soccer Club.
"My role as the Director of Finance and Data at Mindful Life Project gives me the opportunity to use my finance background to support providing youth with critical skills for their lifelong development. Having seen the benefits of mindfulness in my own life in recent years, I often think about how much it would have helped to have these skills when I was growing up. Mindful Life Project drew me in as I get to work with a great team of folks who are excited to share these critical life skills with students from an early age."
Dr. Adiagha Mbonisi
Director of Operations
Adiagha@MindfulLifeProject.org
Dr. Adiagha Mbonisi has a Masters of Education and a Doctorate in Human Resources Management and Services. Her professional career has included business development support for new organizations, spearheading programs for youth on probation, leading college readiness programs for high school students, and teaching middle school math. Dr. Mbonisi has served as an Assistant Principal and the Regional Director of Operations for a charter school district and also serves as a board member of a charter school and a foster agency. She is a co-founder of an African cultural arts performance group and designs costumes, productions, and choreography.
"Mindfulness targets key principles that help support decreasing stress levels, building awareness of your emotions, and allows you to plan how to move forward in your day. Children are dealing with so many negative and/or stressful things in their lives that they don't know how to process and handle it all. This work provides opportunities to build their awareness of self and be receptive to dealing with situations. I want the work I do to be impactful and meaningful to the community I serve. MLP sold me on the idea of getting people to focus on being present within yourself, which allows for thinking, awareness, and emotional understanding. The organization presents a strong resource to support students and adults in dealing with things in their daily life."
ANGELO MONSALVE RESTREPO
Director of Partnerships
Angelo@MindfulLifeProject.org
Angelo began his career working in tech sales. After working in tech for almost a decade, Angelo decided to embark on a career that offered bigger impacts and a higher sense of purpose. He decided to go into the nonprofit sector, hoping to give back to his community. Angelo began my nonprofit journey at the La Pena Cultural Center, a community center focused on promoting art rooted in the Latinx and Caribbean diaspora. He then found his own mindfulness path, becoming a certified yoga instructor and working for the Prison Yoga Project at San Quentin State Prison. There, Angelo helped incarcerated persons learn yoga and other wellness practices before joining Mindful Life Project in 2018. Angelo began as a mindfulness instructor at MLP, directly serving low income youth and providing daily mindfulness-based programming to schools. In 2021, he was promoted to the Director of Partnerships, his current role. This role allows him to connect with schools across the nation, expanding MLP’s mindfulness programs to thousands of students. As a registered yoga instructor, he also oversees MLP’s revision of the yoga curriculum yearly, providing key insights on how to best teach yoga to students. Angelos has been able to see first hand how life changing and transformational tools of yoga and mindfulness for underserved and marginalized communities.
"I came to MLP because it is one of the largest direct service mindfulness providers in education. Scale, impact and a service driven mindset are what bring me to Mindful Life everyday. Mindfulness has helped me raise my awareness about who I am and how I show up/move in this world for others and for myself I am passionate about my job because I grew up in similar communities that many of our partner schools reside in. I want to show up for our kids/our future and disrupt an education system that is riddled with inequities and disparities. I am passionate about sharing the transformational tools of Mindfulness with youth and empower them to make better choices as they navigate the messiness of life and inspire them to show up in this world as their authentic, perfectly imperfect selves; unabashedly."
JOSÉ Muñoz
Director of Measurement & Impact
Jose@MindfulLifeProject.org
José joins the MLP team with an extensive background in education outreach and research that is largely influenced by his own experience. For over 8 years, José worked for college outreach programs in Orange County and Los Angeles and created programming to help low-income and first generation students learn about and get into college. He began his research career in graduate school and focused the majority of his work around understanding the financial barriers preventing low-income students from enrolling in college. Prior to becoming part of the MLP team, José worked for a non-profit organization aimed at changing statewide education policy to address education equity issues for students of color and low-income students in California. He is originally from East Los Angeles and looks forward to supporting MLP’s mission of helping individuals incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.
"I joined MLP because of the organization’s mission to positively impact school communities by teaching skills to improve mental and emotional well-being. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that allows individuals to center themselves in the present moment and I believe everyone can benefit from incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives. My role at MLP allows me to explore the impact of MLP’s practices and how we can improve them to better serve the schools, and most importantly, the students we serve."
Carolina Valverde
Director of Development & Marketing
Carolina@MindfulLifeProject.org
Carolina has a B.S. in Psychology and 13 years of experience working with youth. She began her career in non profit education working in afterschool programs providing programs for young people in Kinder-8th grades. Eventually going on to also provide youth sports programming, summer programs, gang prevention groups, family camping programs, and career and college readiness programs for teens. She came to MLP as a Program Manager and became the Sr. Program Manager the following year overseeing a team of 22 Mindfulness Coaches and 2 Program Managers. In June 2020 she transitioned to the role of Director of Development and Marketing, bringing with her her passion for youth programming and mental health access for all. Carolina is responsible for building awareness of MLP’s programs through storytelling, bringing stories and data to life. Development is responsible for maintaining MLP’s philanthropy streams, bringing in $3,000,000 in 2022-2023. Carolina oversees the marketing of the organization, managing social media, app development, and MLP’s website.
Mallory Servais
Director of Programs
Mallory@MindfulLifeProject.org
Mallory has worked for over a decade in non-profit educational programming, which proudly began in a role of service through AmeriCorps in two Oakland elementary schools. Since then, she has worked for several mission-driven nonprofits focused on youth development, youth-centered global leadership and activism, action civics education, school-based restorative justice work, and more. Her passion for youth as the leaders of present and belief in mindfulness as a personal practice of peace, brought her to Mindful Life Project where the cultivation of personal peace through mindfulness offers room for the collective movement towards presence, awareness, and community for youth throughout the Bay Area.
"Mindfulness has helped me learn to live in the present moment, instead of worrying about the future or past. It allows me to be more intentional and present in my relationships, be more connected to my truest self, and to experience deeper and fuller joy. I'm inspired to share this practice with youth, who I honor & value as the great leaders & change-makers of our time and who deserve to feel the benefits of a mindfulness practice. In my mind I can envision a future where grounded, centered, and self-actualized practitioners of mindfulness throughout the Bay Area are living out the change they want to see in the world - for themselves but also for all of us as a community of shared practice."
Haydn Griffith
Director of Finance and Data
Haydn@MindfulLifeProject.org
Haydn has served as Mindful Life Project’s Director of Finance since March 2022. He has a professional background in finance, having earned a B.Sc. in Finance & International Business and an M.B.A. in Corporate Finance, both from Penn State University, as well as a professional certification in Financial Planning & Analysis (FPAC). Haydn has worked in corporate finance and accounting roles across a range of industries, from small to multinational organizations, since 2009. He has also served on nonprofit committees and boards since 2011, particularly lending his finance & management experience in support of these growing, community-based organizations. Haydn also currently serves as Board Treasurer for both The East Oakland Collective and Oakland Soccer Club.
"My role as the Director of Finance and Data at Mindful Life Project gives me the opportunity to use my finance background to support providing youth with critical skills for their lifelong development. Having seen the benefits of mindfulness in my own life in recent years, I often think about how much it would have helped to have these skills when I was growing up. Mindful Life Project drew me in as I get to work with a great team of folks who are excited to share these critical life skills with students from an early age."
Adiagha Mbonisi
Director of Operations
Adiagha@MindfulLifeProject.org
Dr. Adiagha Mbonisi has a Masters of Education and a Doctorate in Human Resources Management and Services. Her professional career has included business development support for new organizations, spearheading programs for youth on probation, leading college readiness programs for high school students, and teaching middle school math. Dr. Mbonisi has served as an Assistant Principal and the Regional Director of Operations for a charter school district and also serves as a board member of a charter school and a foster agency. She is a co-founder of an African cultural arts performance group and designs costumes, productions, and choreography.
"Mindfulness targets key principles that help support decreasing stress levels, building awareness of your emotions, and allows you to plan how to move forward in your day. Children are dealing with so many negative and/or stressful things in their lives that they don't know how to process and handle it all. This work provides opportunities to build their awareness of self and be receptive to dealing with situations. I want the work I do to be impactful and meaningful to the community I serve. MLP sold me on the idea of getting people to focus on being present within yourself, which allows for thinking, awareness, and emotional understanding. The organization presents a strong resource to support students and adults in dealing with things in their daily life."
Angelo Monsalve
Director of Patnerships
Angelo@MindfulLifeProject.org
Angelo began his career working in tech sales. After working in tech for almost a decade, Angelo decided to embark on a career that offered bigger impacts and a higher sense of purpose. He decided to go into the nonprofit sector, hoping to give back to his community. Angelo began my nonprofit journey at the La Pena Cultural Center, a community center focused on promoting art rooted in the Latinx and Caribbean diaspora. He then found his own mindfulness path, becoming a certified yoga instructor and working for the Prison Yoga Project at San Quentin State Prison. There, Angelo helped incarcerated persons learn yoga and other wellness practices before joining Mindful Life Project in 2018. Angelo began as a mindfulness instructor at MLP, directly serving low income youth and providing daily mindfulness-based programming to schools. In 2021, he was promoted to the Director of Partnerships, his current role. This role allows him to connect with schools across the nation, expanding MLP’s mindfulness programs to thousands of students. As a registered yoga instructor, he also oversees MLP’s revision of the yoga curriculum yearly, providing key insights on how to best teach yoga to students. Angelos has been able to see first hand how life changing and transformational tools of yoga and mindfulness for underserved and marginalized communities.
"I came to MLP because it is one of the largest direct service mindfulness providers in education. Scale, impact and a service driven mindset are what bring me to Mindful Life everyday. Mindfulness has helped me raise my awareness about who I am and how I show up/move in this world for others and for myself. I am passionate about my job because I grew up in similar communities that many of our partner schools reside in. I want to show up for our kids/our future and disrupt an education system that is riddled with inequities and disparities. I am passionate about sharing the transformational tools of Mindfulness with youth and empower them to make better choices as they navigate the messiness of life and inspire them to show up in this world as their authentic, perfectly imperfect selves; unabashedly."
José Muñoz
Director of Measurement & Impact
Jose@MindfulLifeProject.org
José joins the MLP team with an extensive background in education outreach and research that is largely influenced by his own experience. For over 8 years, José worked for college outreach programs in Orange County and Los Angeles and created programming to help low-income and first generation students learn about and get into college. He began his research career in graduate school and focused the majority of his work around understanding the financial barriers preventing low-income students from enrolling in college. Prior to becoming part of the MLP team, José worked for a non-profit organization aimed at changing statewide education policy to address education equity issues for students of color and low-income students in California. He is originally from East Los Angeles and looks forward to supporting MLP’s mission of helping individuals incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.
"I joined MLP because of the organization’s mission to positively impact school communities by teaching skills to improve mental and emotional well-being. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that allows individuals to center themselves in the present moment and I believe everyone can benefit from incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives. My role at MLP allows me to explore the impact of MLP’s practices and how we can improve them to better serve the schools, and most importantly, the students we serve."
Carolina Valverde
Director of Development & Marketing
Carolina@MindfulLifeProject.org
Carolina has a B.S. in Psychology and 13 years of experience working with youth. She began her career in non profit education working in afterschool programs providing programs for young people in Kinder-8th grades. Eventually going on to also provide youth sports programming, summer programs, gang prevention groups, family camping programs, and career and college readiness programs for teens. She came to MLP as a Program Manager and became the Sr. Program Manager the following year overseeing a team of 22 Mindfulness Coaches and 2 Program Managers. In June 2020 she transitioned to the role of Director of Development and Marketing, bringing with her her passion for youth programming and mental health access for all. Carolina is responsible for building awareness of MLP’s programs through storytelling, bringing stories and data to life. Development is responsible for maintaining MLP’s philanthropy streams, bringing in $3,000,000 in 2022-2023. Carolina oversees the marketing of the organization, managing social media, app development, and MLP’s website.
Mallory Servais
Director of Programs
Mallory@MindfulLifeProject.org
Mallory has worked for over a decade in non-profit educational programming, which proudly began in a role of service through AmeriCorps in two Oakland elementary schools. Since then, she has worked for several mission-driven nonprofits focused on youth development, youth-centered global leadership and activism, action civics education, school-based restorative justice work, and more. Her passion for youth as the leaders of present and belief in mindfulness as a personal practice of peace, brought her to Mindful Life Project where the cultivation of personal peace through mindfulness offers room for the collective movement towards presence, awareness, and community for youth throughout the Bay Area.
"Mindfulness has helped me learn to live in the present moment, instead of worrying about the future or past. It allows me to be more intentional and present in my relationships, be more connected to my truest self, and to experience deeper and fuller joy. I'm inspired to share this practice with youth, who I honor & value as the great leaders & change-makers of our time and who deserve to feel the benefits of a mindfulness practice. In my mind I can envision a future where grounded, centered, and self-actualized practitioners of mindfulness throughout the Bay Area are living out the change they want to see in the world - for themselves but also for all of us as a community of shared practice."
Haydn Griffith
Director of Finance and Data
Haydn@MindfulLifeProject.org
Haydn has served as Mindful Life Project’s Director of Finance since March 2022. He has a professional background in finance, having earned a B.Sc. in Finance & International Business and an M.B.A. in Corporate Finance, both from Penn State University, as well as a professional certification in Financial Planning & Analysis (FPAC). Haydn has worked in corporate finance and accounting roles across a range of industries, from small to multinational organizations, since 2009. He has also served on nonprofit committees and boards since 2011, particularly lending his finance & management experience in support of these growing, community-based organizations. Haydn also currently serves as Board Treasurer for both The East Oakland Collective and Oakland Soccer Club.
"My role as the Director of Finance and Data at Mindful Life Project gives me the opportunity to use my finance background to support providing youth with critical skills for their lifelong development. Having seen the benefits of mindfulness in my own life in recent years, I often think about how much it would have helped to have these skills when I was growing up. Mindful Life Project drew me in as I get to work with a great team of folks who are excited to share these critical life skills with students from an early age."
Adiagha Mbonisi
Director of Operations
Adiagha@MindfulLifeProject.org
Dr. Adiagha Mbonisi has a Masters of Education and a Doctorate in Human Resources Management and Services. Her professional career has included business development support for new organizations, spearheading programs for youth on probation, leading college readiness programs for high school students, and teaching middle school math. Dr. Mbonisi has served as an Assistant Principal and the Regional Director of Operations for a charter school district and also serves as a board member of a charter school and a foster agency. She is a co-founder of an African cultural arts performance group and designs costumes, productions, and choreography.
"Mindfulness targets key principles that help support decreasing stress levels, building awareness of your emotions, and allows you to plan how to move forward in your day. Children are dealing with so many negative and/or stressful things in their lives that they don't know how to process and handle it all. This work provides opportunities to build their awareness of self and be receptive to dealing with situations. I want the work I do to be impactful and meaningful to the community I serve. MLP sold me on the idea of getting people to focus on being present within yourself, which allows for thinking, awareness, and emotional understanding. The organization presents a strong resource to support students and adults in dealing with things in their daily life."
Angelo Monsalve
Director of Patnerships
Angelo@MindfulLifeProject.org
I came to MLP because it is one of the largest direct service mindfulness providers in education. Scale, impact and a service driven mindset are what bring me to Mindful Life everyday. Mindfulness has helped me raise my awareness about who I am and how I show up/move in this world for others and for myself I am passionate about my job because I grew up in similar communities that many of our partner schools reside in. I want to show up for our kids/our future and disrupt an education system that is riddled with inequities and disparities. I am passionate about sharing the transformational tools of Mindfulness with youth and empower them to make better choices as they navigate the messiness of life and inspire them to show up in this world as their authentic, perfectly imperfect selves; unabashedly.
Mallory Servais
Director of Programs
Mallory@MindfulLifeProject.org
Mindfulness has helped me learn to live in the present moment, instead of worrying about the future or past. It allows me to be more intentional and present in my relationships, be more connected to my truest self, and to experience deeper and fuller joy. I'm inspired to share this practice with youth, who I honor & value as the great leaders & change-makers of our time and who deserve to feel the benefits of a mindfulness practice. In my mind I can envision a future where grounded, centered, and self-actualized practitioners of mindfulness throughout the Bay Area are living out the change they want to see in the world - for themselves but also for all of us as a community of shared practice.
JosÉ Muñoz
Director of Measurement & Impact
Jose@MindfulLifeProject.org
José joins the MLP team with an extensive background in education outreach and research that is largely influenced by his own experience. For over 8 years, José worked for college outreach programs in Orange County and Los Angeles and created programming to help low-income and first generation students learn about and get into college. He began his research career in graduate school and focused the majority of his work around understanding the financial barriers preventing low-income students from enrolling in college. Prior to becoming part of the MLP team, José worked for a non-profit organization aimed at changing statewide education policy to address education equity issues for students of color and low-income students in California. He is originally from East Los Angeles and looks forward to supporting MLP’s mission of helping individuals incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.
"I joined MLP because of the organization’s mission to positively impact school communities by teaching skills to improve mental and emotional well-being. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that allows individuals to center themselves in the present moment and I believe everyone can benefit from incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives. My role at MLP allows me to explore the impact of MLP’s practices and how we can improve them to better serve the schools, and most importantly, the students we serve."
Davin Thompson
Mindfulness 360 Specialist
Davin@MindfulLifeProject.org
Davin has been serving his community through the non-profit sector for the better half of the past two decades through various roles and organizations. Davin would find true alignment at The Bay Area Video Coalition’s BUMP Records, a non-profit youth-centered record label as Artist Development Mentor. In this role, he would hone his skills as an artist but also bluster his talents as a teacher by crafting writing workshops, Engineering recording session-producing events, and helping the young artist find their voice through music. After years in that position, he sought to deepen his understanding of how trauma impacts the youth he was working with by Joining the Hip Hop Therapy OrganIzation Beats Rhymes and Life where he underwent training in clinical group therapy.This made him a more adept facilitator and insightful writer and it also offered insight Into how he could heal himself when lead him to the mediation and the Mindful Life Project.
"I am here at MLP because of my passion for community service and helping people. I enjoy working in the educational space and am excited to provide opportunities to introduce young people and adults alike to mindfulness. So much of our day-to-day experience is defined by external means. Mindfulness offers a lens from which the person can build a stronger bridge between internal life and external day-to-day life so we can become more intentional and holistic about the world we inhabit and how we interact with each other and ourselves. I’m passionate about this work because I have experienced the benefits of mindfulness practice and I think providing an opportunity for young people will create means for a brighter future."
David Flores
Lead Trainer
David@MindfulLifeProject.org
David just completed his 6th year with MLP and has worked as a Lead Trainer and Program Specialist. He is a former educator in WCCUSD of 11 years where he taught 5th and 6th grade at Grant Elementary and has won numerous awards including Ed Fund Teacher of the Year, WCCUSD Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Grant Teacher of the Year with special recognition from the City of Richmond. He is a certified Arts Integration Specialist via the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and holds a certification in English Learner and Culturally Responsive practices. David is an artist, drummer, rap lyricist, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Richmond who is passionate about the arts and social emotional wellness and education.
"I am passionate about this work personally because it has given me the skills to access the present moment when thoughts and emotions feel overwhelming. I think all students, teachers, and parents deserve to have access to these life changing skills as well."
Jennifer Fogelman
Program Specialist
Jennifer@MindfulLifeProject.org
Jennifer is an experienced educator with a passion for supporting students, bringing over a decade of expertise in the field. Her journey began during high school, where she eagerly volunteered as a classroom aide, igniting her commitment to making a positive impact on young minds. As she pursued her college education, Jennifer dedicated herself to acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to become an exceptional teacher. During this time, she discovered the transformative power of mindfulness, recognizing its potential to enhance the learning experience. After earning her degree, Jennifer furthered her exploration of mindfulness by becoming a certified 200-hour yoga instructor. Embracing both movement and mindfulness, she skillfully led classes, fostering a sense of well-being and self-awareness among her students. When the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, Jennifer turned her attention to deepening her mindfulness journey. In 2021, Jennifer's commitment to mindfulness led her to join the Mindful Life Project, where she collaborated with fellow educators and served as a Mindfulness Coach within classrooms. Continuing her upward trajectory, Jennifer currently holds the position of Program Specialist. In this influential role, she offers invaluable support, guidance and coaching to mindful coaches who are making a difference within our communities.
"I was intrigued to be a part of the MLP team due to the company’s alignment with my passions of how I want to show up in life. The impact of mindfulness as an everyday practice has allowed me to understand myself and my emotions on a deeper level. Mindfulness has also created deeper empathy in connection to the emotions of others how we can all support one another. I’m most passionate about the role I am in because it allows me to create connections within community in a sense of all together constant continued learning, growing, and developing more love to one another."
Karla Lara
Finance & Data Specialist
Karla@MindfulLifeProject.org
"When I received my B.S in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, I knew that I wanted to work for an organization that was creating positive impacts. I became interested in MLP because of the positive impact they were creating in the community I grew up in and others similar to it. I started at Mindful Life Project as a Mindfulness Instructor, where I helped students develop their social-emotional skills, as well as my own. After finishing my first year as a Mindfulness Instructor, I transitioned to my current role of Finance and Data Specialist to continue MLP's work. My experience as a Mindfulness Instructor and educational background has allowed me to be able to continue to support MLP's growth and help them provide mindfulness services to schools in the Bay Area and beyond."
Lealah Dickinson
Program Specialist
Lealah@MindfulLifeProject.org
Hello beautiful communities, Mindfulness has impacted my life in many beautiful ways. It has offered me many tools and practices that support my well-being through life's challenges and celebrations. Being present with what is and naming what I am grateful for, big or small, is truly a gift. I think these tools can be valuable and beneficial to all no matter what life has to offer them. I hope that I can teach and remind our youth of the profound power and inner beauty that they each hold.
LaReese Stitts-Hunt
Talent & Culture Specialist
LaReese@MindfulLifeProject.org
During the roughest time of my family's life JG and MLP were the first year of programming in my son Malik’s school. Malik introduced me to mindfulness, he had become very connected to the skills through mindful hip hop. Every opportunity that he could he played MLP’s music in the car and soon we all knew every song. My son modeled mindfulness for me and our household and designated a sacred place in our home for us to practice. We have been a part of the MLP family since 2013 which led me to serve as a board member, then to my current role. I’m passionate about my role because I strongly believe that Mindfulness provided my family with what we needed when we really needed it. It is important to me to work to ensure other families have access to these life transforming tools.
MaryAnn McNamara
Development & Marketing Specialist
MaryAnn@MindfulLifeProject.org
MaryAnn comes to Mindful Life Project with extensive background in research and writing, along with a passion for advocating for mental health and social justice. Having performed original historical research in London, England in the field of human rights, along with interning at Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament) in Dublin, Ireland, she explored her passion in connecting with diverse cultures while also learning how to recognize and fight systemic issues. Graduating with honors from the University of California, Davis, MaryAnn began her career working in historical preservation research, focusing on Californian communities. Wanting to help shift narratives surrounding mental health for youth, MaryAnn joined Mindful Life Project in 2021. As a representative for MLP to key stakeholders in philanthropy and school communities, she is able to form connections with everybody she meets to promote the benefits of mental wellness for all.
"My work with Mindful Life Project stems from my belief that mental health and wellness resources should be de-stigmatized and made accessible for all. My own wellness journey is rooted in mindfulness. Mindfulness allows me to appreciate the daily joys of life while also giving me strength and resiliency for those more challenging times. Mindfulness helped me become more in-tune with myself and my emotions, allowing me to better accept myself without judgement. My role at Mindful Life Project deeply connects to my passion of promoting the benefits of wellness and mental health, while also having the opportunity to connect with my community."
William Gross
Mindfulness 360 Specialist
William@MindfulLifeProject.org
William is a dedicated professional driven by his passion for empowering youth and making a positive impact on his community. His journey began in the summer of 2010 when he embarked on a meaningful path with a non-profit organization, devoted to providing high-quality academic support and character-building enrichment to young individuals. Recognizing the importance of parental involvement, civic engagement, and social action, William immersed himself in this endeavor, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
In 2013, William extended his commitment by joining another non-profit organization that focused on fostering social-emotional learning for preschool through 5th grade students. With a keen understanding of the value of holistic education, he diligently crafted enrichment-based activities aimed at helping students thrive academically and develop essential life skills. Throughout his remarkable eight-year tenure with this organization, William continuously demonstrated his unwavering dedication to making a lasting difference in the lives of these young learners.
Building upon his expertise and experience, William seized an exciting opportunity in his career journey by joining Mindful Life Project (MLP) as a mindfulness coach. During the initial two years of his collaboration with MLP, he made significant contributions in promoting mindfulness practices among the community. Now, in his third year, William proudly assumes the role of Mindfulness 360 Specialist, spearheading efforts to expand the reach of mindfulness through engaging virtual sessions and impactful school-wide assemblies. William continues to inspire and empower communities with the transformative power of mindfulness. His passion for working alongside youth and serving his community fuels his dedication to make a lasting impact, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he encounters.
"The opportunity to work for MLP was a blessing that landed in my lap! After years of working in education, I wanted to explore something new. Something that would challenge me, something that would provide room for growth, while allowing me to express my creative potential within. Working with youth has always been a passion of mine, however working with youth and teaching students mindfulness and skills to cope with their social/emotional wellbeing almost felt too good to be true, until I actually landed a position as a coach doing the work. The capacity to be an advocate for youth in this regard is something I will never take for granted."
Karla Lara
Finance & Data Specialist
Karla@MindfulLifeProject.org
"When I received my B.S in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, I knew that I wanted to work for a company/organization that was creating positive impacts. I became interested in MLP because of the positive impact they were creating in the community I grew up in and others similar to it. I started at Mindful Life Project as a Mindfulness Instructor, where I helped students develop their social-emotional skills, as well as my own. After finishing my first year as a Mindfulness Instructor, I transitioned to my current role of Finance and Data Specialist to continue MLP's work. My experience as a Mindfulness Instructor and educational background has allowed me to be able to continue to support MLP's growth and help them provide mindfulness services to schools in the Bay Area and beyond."
LAREESE STITTS-HUNT
Talent & Culture Specialist
LaReese@MindfulLifeProject.org
During the roughest time of my family's life JG and MLP were the first year of programming in my son Malik’s school. Malik introduced me to mindfulness, he had become very connected to the skills through mindful hip hop. Every opportunity that he could he played MLP’s music in the car and soon we all knew every song. My son modeled mindfulness for me and our household and designated a sacred place in our home for us to practice. We have been a part of the MLP family since 2013 which led me to serve as a board member, then to my current role. I’m passionate about my role because I strongly believe that Mindfulness provided my family with what we needed when we really needed it. It is important to me to work to ensure other families have access to these life transforming tools.
LaReese Stitts-Hunt
Talent & Culture Specialist
LaReese@MindfulLifeProject.org
During the roughest time of my family's life JG and MLP were the first year of programming in my son Malik’s school. Malik introduced me to mindfulness, he had become very connected to the skills through mindful hip hop. Every opportunity that he could he played MLP’s music in the car and soon we all knew every song. My son modeled mindfulness for me and our household and designated a sacred place in our home for us to practice. We have been a part of the MLP family since 2013 which led me to serve as a board member, then to my current role. I’m passionate about my role because I strongly believe that Mindfulness provided my family with what we needed when we really needed it. It is important to me to work to ensure other families have access to these life transforming tools.
MaryAnn McNamara
Development & Marketing Specialist
MaryAnn@MindfulLifeProject.org
MaryAnn comes to Mindful Life Project with extensive background in research and writing, along with a passion for advocating for mental health and social justice. Having performed original historical research in London, England in the field of human rights, along with interning at Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament) in Dublin, Ireland and at an international nonprofit helping international refugees navigate resettlement in the United States, she explored her passion in connecting with diverse cultures while also learning how to recognize and fight systemic issues. Graduating with honors from the University of California, Davis, MaryAnn began her career working in historical preservation research, focusing on Californian communities. Wanting to help shift narratives surrounding mental health for youth, MaryAnn joined Mindful Life Project in 2021. As a representative for MLP to key stakeholders in philanthropy and school communities, she is able to form connections with everybody she meets to promote the benefits of mental wellness for all.
"My work with Mindful Life Project stems from my belief that mental health and wellness resources should be de-stigmatized and made accessible for all. My own wellness journey is rooted in mindfulness. Mindfulness allows me to appreciate the daily joys of life while also giving me strength and resiliency for those more challenging times. Mindfulness helped me become more in-tune with myself and my emotions, allowing me to better accept myself without judgement. My role at Mindful Life Project deeply connects to my passion of promoting the benefits of wellness and mental health, while also having the opportunity to connect with my community."
William Gross
Mindfulness 360 Specialist
William@MindfulLifeProject.org
The opportunity to work for MLP was a blessing that landed in my lap! After years of working in education, I wanted to explore something new. Something that would challenge me, something that would provide room for growth, while allowing me to express my creative potential within. Working with youth has always been a passion of mine, however working with youth and teaching students mindfulness and skills to cope with their social/emotional wellbeing almost felt too good to be true, until I actually landed a position as a coach doing the work. The capacity to be an advocate for youth in this regard is something I will never take for granted.
Karla Lara
Finance & Data Specialist
Karla@MindfulLifeProject.org
"When I received my B.S in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, I knew that I wanted to work for a company/organization that was creating positive impacts. I became interested in MLP because of the positive impact they were creating in the community I grew up in and others similar to it. I started at Mindful Life Project as a Mindfulness Instructor, where I helped students develop their social-emotional skills, as well as my own. After finishing my first year as a Mindfulness Instructor, I transitioned to my current role of Finance and Data Specialist to continue MLP's work. My experience as a Mindfulness Instructor and educational background has allowed me to be able to continue to support MLP's growth and help them provide mindfulness services to schools in the Bay Area and beyond."
LaReese Stitts-Hunt
Talent & Culture Specialist
LaReese@MindfulLifeProject.org
During the roughest time of my family's life JG and MLP were the first year of programming in my son Malik’s school. Malik introduced me to mindfulness, he had become very connected to the skills through mindful hip hop. Every opportunity that he could he played MLP’s music in the car and soon we all knew every song. My son modeled mindfulness for me and our household and designated a sacred place in our home for us to practice. We have been a part of the MLP family since 2013 which led me to serve as a board member, then to my current role. I’m passionate about my role because I strongly believe that Mindfulness provided my family with what we needed when we really needed it. It is important to me to work to ensure other families have access to these life transforming tools.
MaryAnn McNamara
Development & Marketing Specialist
MaryAnn@MindfulLifeProject.org
MaryAnn comes to Mindful Life Project with extensive background in research and writing, along with a passion for advocating for mental health and social justice. Having performed original historical research in London, England in the field of human rights, along with interning at Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament) in Dublin, Ireland and at an international nonprofit helping international refugees navigate resettlement in the United States, she explored her passion in connecting with diverse cultures while also learning how to recognize and fight systemic issues. Graduating with honors from the University of California, Davis, MaryAnn began her career working in historical preservation research, focusing on Californian communities. Wanting to help shift narratives surrounding mental health for youth, MaryAnn joined Mindful Life Project in 2021. As a representative for MLP to key stakeholders in philanthropy and school communities, she is able to form connections with everybody she meets to promote the benefits of mental wellness for all.
"My work with Mindful Life Project stems from my belief that mental health and wellness resources should be de-stigmatized and made accessible for all. My own wellness journey is rooted in mindfulness. Mindfulness allows me to appreciate the daily joys of life while also giving me strength and resiliency for those more challenging times. Mindfulness helped me become more in-tune with myself and my emotions, allowing me to better accept myself without judgement. My role at Mindful Life Project deeply connects to my passion of promoting the benefits of wellness and mental health, while also having the opportunity to connect with my community."
William Gross
Mindfulness 360 Specialist
William@MindfulLifeProject.org
William is a dedicated professional driven by his passion for empowering youth and making a positive impact on his community. His journey began in the summer of 2010 when he embarked on a meaningful path with a non-profit organization, devoted to providing high-quality academic support and character-building enrichment to young individuals. Recognizing the importance of parental involvement, civic engagement, and social action, William immersed himself in this endeavor, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
In 2013, William extended his commitment by joining another non-profit organization that focused on fostering social-emotional learning for preschool through 5th grade students. With a keen understanding of the value of holistic education, he diligently crafted enrichment-based activities aimed at helping students thrive academically and develop essential life skills. Throughout his remarkable eight-year tenure with this organization, William continuously demonstrated his unwavering dedication to making a lasting difference in the lives of these young learners.
Building upon his expertise and experience, William seized an exciting opportunity in his career journey by joining Mindful Life Project (MLP) as a mindfulness coach. During the initial two years of his collaboration with MLP, he made significant contributions in promoting mindfulness practices among the community. Now, in his third year, William proudly assumes the role of Mindfulness 360 Specialist, spearheading efforts to expand the reach of mindfulness through engaging virtual sessions and impactful school-wide assemblies.
William continues to inspire and empower communities with the transformative power of mindfulness. His passion for working alongside youth and serving his community fuels his dedication to make a lasting impact, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he encounters.
"The opportunity to work for MLP was a blessing that landed in my lap! After years of working in education, I wanted to explore something new. Something that would challenge me, something that would provide room for growth, while allowing me to express my creative potential within. Working with youth has always been a passion of mine, however working with youth and teaching students mindfulness and skills to cope with their social/emotional wellbeing almost felt too good to be true, until I actually landed a position as a coach doing the work. The capacity to be an advocate for youth in this regard is something I will never take for granted."
MaryAnn McNamara
Development & Marketing Specialist
MaryAnn@MindfulLifeProject.org
MaryAnn comes to Mindful Life Project with extensive background in research and writing, along with a passion for advocating for mental health and social justice. Having performed original historical research in London, England in the field of human rights, along with interning at Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament) in Dublin, Ireland, she explored her passion in connecting with diverse cultures while also learning how to recognize and fight systemic issues. Graduating with honors from the University of California, Davis, MaryAnn began her career working in historical preservation research, focusing on Californian communities. Wanting to help shift narratives surrounding mental health for youth, MaryAnn joined Mindful Life Project in 2021. As a representative for MLP to key stakeholders in philanthropy and school communities, she is able to form connections with everybody she meets to promote the benefits of mental wellness for all.
"My work with Mindful Life Project stems from my belief that mental health and wellness resources should be de-stigmatized and made accessible for all. My own wellness journey is rooted in mindfulness. Mindfulness allows me to appreciate the daily joys of life while also giving me strength and resiliency for those more challenging times. Mindfulness helped me become more in-tune with myself and my emotions, allowing me to better accept myself without judgement. My role at Mindful Life Project deeply connects to my passion of promoting the benefits of wellness and mental health, while also having the opportunity to connect with my community."
William Gross
Mindfulness 360 Specialist
William@MindfulLifeProject.org
William is a dedicated professional driven by his passion for empowering youth and making a positive impact on his community. His journey began in the summer of 2010 when he embarked on a meaningful path with a non-profit organization, devoted to providing high-quality academic support and character-building enrichment to young individuals. Recognizing the importance of parental involvement, civic engagement, and social action, William immersed himself in this endeavor, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
In 2013, William extended his commitment by joining another non-profit organization that focused on fostering social-emotional learning for preschool through 5th grade students. With a keen understanding of the value of holistic education, he diligently crafted enrichment-based activities aimed at helping students thrive academically and develop essential life skills. Throughout his remarkable eight-year tenure with this organization, William continuously demonstrated his unwavering dedication to making a lasting difference in the lives of these young learners.
Building upon his expertise and experience, William seized an exciting opportunity in his career journey by joining Mindful Life Project (MLP) as a mindfulness coach. During the initial two years of his collaboration with MLP, he made significant contributions in promoting mindfulness practices among the community. Now, in his third year, William proudly assumes the role of Mindfulness 360 Specialist, spearheading efforts to expand the reach of mindfulness through engaging virtual sessions and impactful school-wide assemblies.
William continues to inspire and empower communities with the transformative power of mindfulness. His passion for working alongside youth and serving his community fuels his dedication to make a lasting impact, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he encounters.
"The opportunity to work for MLP was a blessing that landed in my lap! After years of working in education, I wanted to explore something new. Something that would challenge me, something that would provide room for growth, while allowing me to express my creative potential within. Working with youth has always been a passion of mine, however working with youth and teaching students mindfulness and skills to cope with their social/emotional wellbeing almost felt too good to be true, until I actually landed a position as a coach doing the work. The capacity to be an advocate for youth in this regard is something I will never take for granted."
LaReese Stitts-Hunt
Human Resource Specialist
LaReese.org
Bio coming soon!
MaryAnn McNamara
Development & Marketing Specialist
MaryAnn@MindfulLifeProject.org
My work with Mindful Life Project stems from my belief that mental health and wellness resources should be de-stigmatized and made accessible for all. My own wellness journey is rooted in mindfulness. Mindfulness allows me to appreciate the daily joys of life while also giving me strength and resiliency for those more challenging times. Mindfulness helped me become more in-tune with myself and my emotions, allowing me to better accept myself without judgement. My role at Mindful Life Project deeply connects to my passion of promoting the benefits of wellness and mental health, while also having the opportunity to connect with my community.
William Gross
Mindfulness 360 Specialist
William@MindfulLifeProject.org
The opportunity to work for MLP was a blessing that landed in my lap! After years of working in education, I wanted to explore something new. Something that would challenge me, something that would provide room for growth, while allowing me to express my creative potential within. Working with youth has always been a passion of mine, however working with youth and teaching students mindfulness and skills to cope with their social/emotional wellbeing almost felt too good to be true, until I actually landed a position as a coach doing the work. The capacity to be an advocate for youth in this regard is something I will never take for granted.