Kelly
MEETMindfulness Trainer & Consultant
Specializing in NSDR (non-sleep deep rest) and mindfulness practices, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals and organizations worldwide to promote deep rest, well-being and emotional resilience through mindfulness programming.
Peace on Purpose Program (United Nations Foundation)
I co-designed and taught the "Peace on Purpose" mindfulness and well-being program for UN humanitarian and development workers, delivering it across regions including New York, the Middle East, and Central Asia. In addition, I co-created a facilitator training for UNICEF global psychologists. With support from the United Nations Foundation, the program has scaled globally and is now being implemented across various UN agencies.
Author
My first book, The Blind Spot Effect, was released in English (July 2018), with translations in Spanish (May 2019) and Chinese (September 2019). I am currently working on a second book focused on Deep Rest.
Former Director of SIY Global Facilitator Training Program
As the Director of SIY Global’s facilitator training program, I launched the organization’s first yearlong mastery program to train facilitators worldwide in the neuroscience-based emotional intelligence and mindfulness program developed at Google. This training has since scaled globally, with thousands of facilitators now engaged.
Former Director of Operations (Integrative Restoration Institute)
During my time as Director of Operations for the Integrative Restoration Institute, I co-taught yoga nidra teacher trainings and retreats focused on the research-based, trauma-sensitive iRest® protocol.
Volunteer Work
I spent two years volunteering with James Fox of the Prison Yoga Project, delivering a weekly trauma-sensitive yoga nidra and yoga program for incarcerated veterans at San Quentin State Prison. Additionally, I’ve worked extensively with U.S. veterans through the VA system, teaching yoga nidra to those with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
Education & Certifications
I hold a degree in Intercultural Religious Studies and International Development with a focus on microlending, and am certified as both an iRest® meditation teacher and a Search Inside Yourself teacher.
Board & Advisory Positions
Currently, I serve on the boards of the Prison Yoga Project and Unlikely Collaborators. I also work with the Foundation for a Mindful Society, supporting the growth of their Mindful Cities initiative. I serve as a founding advisor for the meditation apps Simple Habit and The Way.
Current Collaborations
I am collaborating with former members of Congress to design and deliver a nonpartisan Mindfulness and Stoicism program for political & government professionals as well as union & blue collar workers through Cornell University. Additionally, I’m working with John Kao at Yale University to bring deep rest practices into his new course on creativity. Stay tuned for more information on a sleep mask collaboration that is designed by scientists out of MIT.
Retreats & Workshops
You can often find me teaching retreats and workshops at venues such as the Esalen Institute, where I continue to share mindfulness practices with diverse audiences.
Some of the organizations I’ve partnered with:
Podcasts & other interviews
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Waking Up podcast interview with Sam Harris
Episode title: The Seeing of It
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Ten Percent Happier podcast interview with Dan Harris
Episode title: Could this practice improve your sleep, sharpen your mind, and decrease unhealthy cravings?
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Don't Quit On Me podcast
Episode title: The Deepest Sorrow and the Deepest Joy
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Deconstructing yourself podcast with Michael Taft
Episode title: The Power of Non-Sleep Deep Rest
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Nishant Garg podcast
Episode title: The Blind Spot Effect and Living a Life of Insight
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A State of Mind podcast with Julian Royce
Episode title: Mindfulness on a Global Scale
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Insights at the Edge podcast with Tami Simon
Episode title: Illuminating Our Blind Spots
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Deconstructing Yourself podcast with Michael Taft
Episode title: Seeing Your Blind Spots
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Spirituality and Health Magazine
July/August 2018 issue
Article title: How to Reveal Your Blind Spots: The practice of compassionate unmasking
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Mindful Magazine
Article title: Check Your Blind Spots
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Best Self Magazine
Article title: 8 Steps to Open to Your Blind Spots and Navigate from Your Intuition
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Spirituality and Health Podcast
Episode title: Compassionate Unmasking
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ABC7 News
Short interview : How to De-stress after the holidays (Dec 2018)