Insights from 500+ Mindfulness Certification Participants are shared in this workshop led by Christina Costelo. The workshop explores the subtle, yet essential skills that elevate K-12 mindfulness teaching from effective to truly transformative, based on insights from observations of over 500 mindfulness certification program participants worldwide. Beyond practical teaching techniques, we’ll examine mindfulness core competencies, embodying an authentic presence, and cultivating mindful responses versus reactions to students - all skills that create an attuned learning environment where both students and teachers thrive. Through case study examples and experiential practices, participants will gain practical, turnkey tools to help foster more engaged classrooms and an improved relationship with teaching.

Christina Costelo is Executive Program Director at Mindfulness First.  Prior to this role, she was a member of the founding team of Mindful Schools, starting in 2012. She helped to transform that pioneering nonprofit from a local grassroots initiative into a global leader in mindfulness education by developing, managing and facilitating online and in-person trainings, residential retreats, and the yearlong Mindful Teacher Certification Program. With a Master's in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz and extensive training in educational leadership, MBSR, non-violent communication, and neurosomatics, she has used her unique expertise to evaluate over 500 educators' mindfulness teaching practicums across diverse international communities. Beyond her professional mindfulness work, Christina finds balance creating stained glass art, managing a local family entertainment business, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with her family.

This session is part of the FREE Contemplation by Design Summit, Oct. 15-27, 2025.

The full summit schedule is posted at: https://med.stanford.edu/contemplation/summit.html.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stanford-contemplation-by-design-summit-2025-online-oct-15-27-registration-1520413249959