Kelly

MEET

I am a mindfulness trainer and consultant, specializing in the NSDR (non sleep deep rest) practice of yoga nidra.

Mindfulness Trainer & Consultant
Specializing in NSDR (non-sleep deep rest) and trauma-sensitive 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.


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, teaching yoga nidra to those with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).


Education & Certifications

I hold a degree in Intercultural Religious Studies 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 develop a Mindfulness and Stoicism program for political professionals. Additionally, I’m working with John Kao at Yale University to bring deep rest practices into his January 2025 creativity course.


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

  • Waking Up podcast interview with Sam Harris

    Episode title: The Seeing of It

    Listen to podcast

  • Ten Percent Happier podcast interview with Dan Harris

    Episode title: Could this practice improve your sleep, sharpen your mind, and decrease unhealthy cravings?

    Listen to podcast

  • Don't Quit On Me podcast

    Episode title: The Deepest Sorrow and the Deepest Joy

    Listen to podcast

  • Deconstructing yourself podcast with Michael Taft

    Episode title: The Power of Non-Sleep Deep Rest

    Listen to podcast

  • Nishant Garg podcast

    Episode title: The Blind Spot Effect and Living a Life of Insight

    Listen to podcast

  • A State of Mind podcast with Julian Royce

    Episode title: Mindfulness on a Global Scale

    Listen to podcast

  • Insights at the Edge podcast with Tami Simon

    Episode title: Illuminating Our Blind Spots

    Listen to podcast

  • Deconstructing Yourself podcast with Michael Taft

    Episode title: Seeing Your Blind Spots

    Listen to podcast

  • Spirituality and Health Magazine

    July/August 2018 issue

    Article title: How to Reveal Your Blind Spots: The practice of compassionate unmasking

    See issue

  • Mindful Magazine

    Article title: Check Your Blind Spots

    Read article

  • Best Self Magazine

    Article title: 8 Steps to Open to Your Blind Spots and Navigate from Your Intuition

    Read article

  • Spirituality and Health Podcast

    Episode title: Compassionate Unmasking

    Listen to interview

  • ABC7 News

    Short interview : How to De-stress after the holidays (Dec 2018)

    Watch interview