Mindful Schools Year Long Teacher Certification – graduating class of 2016 with Dee DiGioia (photo at our final retreat at EarthRise Retreat Center at the Institute of Noetic Sciences)

~ Certifications, Training, Experience ~

I am a passionate life-long learner of subjects related to the inner workings of the human mind and body including mindfulness, psychology, mental health, and trauma. In the last two decades I have received, and continue to pursue additional training in a variety of programs. I am profoundly grateful for the experiences, resources, and ongoing training that enrich my practice, both personally and professionally. By sharing the sacred wisdom and evidence-based practices in my well-being programs, I aim to do my part to help foster communities where mindfulness, kindfulness, and harmony flow freely, nurturing the well-being of all. ~ Dee DiGioia

~ Sound Healing ~

Sacred Sound Healer Year-long Training Program, The Shift Network (October 2024 thru December 2025)

- - This is a 14-month comprehensive certification program and multidimensional learning experience integrating science and theory, and introducing master leading edge practices for therapeutic sound-healing modalities. Features World-Renowned Sound Healers, Thought Leaders, Researchers, Practitioners, Teachers & Musicians from across the globe – merging leading-edge research with timeless wisdom – including, David Gibson, Joshua Leeds, John Stuart Reid, Fred Johnson, Barry Goldstein, Christine Stevens, The Brothers Koren, and so many more. Culminates with a capstone project — to commemorate the deep theoretical and practical knowledge you’ve acquired, which can then be incorporated into both your personal and professional life

Foundations of Sound Healing, Sunreed Center – Zacciah Blackburn and Dorothy Stone (2024)

Life Changing Energy Approved Certified Facilitator, Life Changing Energy (2022)

Sound Healer Certification – Level 1, Life Changing Energy (2022)

Singing Bowl Sound Healer – Level 2, Life Changing Energy (2022)

Tibetan Singing Bowl Sound Healer – Level 2, Life Changing Energy (2022)

Tuning Fork Sound Healer – Level 2, Life Changing Energy (2023)

Sound Healer Expert Level Certification, Life Changing Energy (2023)

Flute as Sound Medicine, Christine Stevens

Immerse Yourself in Sound-Healing Vibrations, David Gibson

The Body Electric, The Koren Brothers

~ Drumming ~

Village Music Circles 6 Day Facilitator’s Intensive, Arthur Hull – Oahu, HI in August 2024

- - This 6-day Facilitators Intensive Training utilizes the Drum Circle Facilitation Techniques developed by Arthur Hull. Bringing Village Music Circles experiences to communities and organizations worldwide for over 30 years, Arthur has inspired a grass-roots movement of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds who have learned to use the impact of rhythm as a means to improve human interaction. This in-person training provides beginning and advanced Facilitators the skills needed to lead Rhythm-Based events for groups of all sizes and backgrounds and promotes core community building values. This experience connects facilitators to a supportive international community while providing extensive opportunities to learn and develop facilitation skills in a safe environment. Participants of all levels will receive peer, mentor and advanced Facilitator support with the presentation of techniques, developing style, increasing depth, and extensive practical experience. Participants experience multiple small group activities using movement, voice, musical instruments, and improvisational rhythm games.

Rhythm2Recovery Drum Facilitator Training, Summer Lall, Rhythm and Truth (Littleton, CO in December 2023)

- - Rhythm2Recovery in-person training for delivering therapeutic programs and professional development, that utilize fun and engaging rhythmic musical activities to support social and emotional development. Based on the latest neuro-science. this approach has been shown to support increased emotional regulation, improved social connection and reduced levels of anxiety and other elements of psychological distress.

Beat the Odds – Social & Emotional Skill Building Delivered in a Framework of Drumming, Arts & Healing Initiative (May 2025)

- - Beat the Odds® (BTO) is an evidence-based, trauma-informed program that integrates the power of contemporary drum circles and group counseling to build core strengths such as focus and listening, team building, leadership, expressing feelings, managing anger/stress, empathy, kindness, and gratitude. The one-day, experiential training covers all activities and key guidelines in the program, which offers positive affirmations, emotional coping strategies, and guided interaction with rhythmic activities in a collaborative, creative, and fun environment. Beat the Odds® can serve a whole classroom at a time as well as offer an effective tool for community building with staff and families. It can easily be adapted for any age group. Training highlights include the scientific basis for the use of rhythm in social-emotional healing and well-being. It also includes findings from a UCLA research-based Beat the Odds effectiveness study showing that BTO can significantly reduce a spectrum of behavior problems in children, such as those associated with inattention, withdrawn/depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional defiance, and sluggish cognitive tempos.

Drum Circle Leadership Training, Jim Donovan, M. Ed. (2023)

and more!

~ Mindfulness and Meditation ~

Certified Mindfulness Educator, Mindful Schools (2015-2016)

Certified MBSR-Teens Instructor, Stressed Teens ~ Gina Biegel

Certified Meditation Teacher, Emerson Institute

Niroga Dynamic Mindfulness for Stress Resilience, Dynamic Mindfulness Foundation

~ Yoga, Movement ~

Certified Restorative Yoga Teacher, Brooke West

Subtle® Yoga, Kristina Kaoverii Weber

Certified Youth Yoga Instructor, Yoga Calm

Certified Autism Movement Therapist, Joanne Laura

~ Psychology and Life Coaching ~

Positive Education Certification, The Positive Psychology Flourishing Center

The Science of Well-Being, Yale

Certified Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Practitioner, The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology

Certified Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Practitioner, The Priority Academy and Practitioner Accreditation Membership from Complimentary Therapists Accredited Association (CTAA)

Certified Spiritual Life Coach, Emerson Institute

Certified Quantum Process Practitioner, Emerson Institute

Certified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Emerson Institute

Certified Hypnotherapist, Emerson Institute

~ Trauma and Mental Health ~

Trauma Certificate Program, Somatopia

Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals Working with Youth, Center for Adolescent Studies

Advanced Trauma-Informed Care Toolkit for Youth Workers, Center for Adolescent Studies

Smart Body, Smart Mind, Irene Lyon

Mental Health First Aid, The National Council via San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health

Darkness to Light ~ Stewards of Children to prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Kidpower to empower and protect children to from bullying, harassment, sexual abuse, abduction, assault, and other violence

~ Nature Connectedness ~

Shinrin Yoku Diploma (Forest Bathing), Centre for Excellence

Nature Connectedness: A New Relationship with Nature, University of Derby

Earth-Based Institute

~ Misc ~

Therapeutic Art Life Coach, Transformation Academy

Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), South Bay Massage College, Manhattan Beach, CA

Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)

Crisis Intervention (CPI)

And more! I continue to read books, attend workshops, conferences, and retreats to continue my education. I consider this learning a life-long pursuit both personally and professionally.

EXPERIENCES:

Mindful Kindful YOUniversity, 2017- present
- - - Sound Journeys
    - Drum Circles for Wellness
    - Retreats
    - Mindfulness Educator & Life Skills Coach
    - School programs
      - Cambria Grammar School, Cambria, CA
      - Paloma Creek High School, Atascadero, CA
      - Sinsheimer Elementary School (SLCUSD), San Luis Obispo, CA
      - Grover Heights Elementary School (LMUSD), Grover Beach, CA
      - Shell Beach Elementary School (LMUSD), Shell Beach, CA
      - Cambria Grammar School, Cambria, CA
      - and more
    - Mindful Explorers web-based program – serving teachers, counselors, parents around the world
    - community programs
    - workshops and professional development
Caring and Courageous Kids, 2009-2017 – now merged with Mindful Kindful YOUniversity
- - Bullying Intervention Educator (school programs including Mammoth Elementary Peace Project; Folsom Middle School Cougar Compassion Circles, St HOPE Circles)
  - Public Speaker (3 National Conferences)
Author, One Caring and Courageous Choice at a Time.
Author, Director, Producer of children’s movie, Which Team Will You Choose?
Song writer, Producer of children’s peace song, Peace for You and Me
Autism Movement Therapist, 2009-present
Credentialed Speech-Language Therapist, 1981, 2005 to present (currently working part-time at Bellevue Santa Fe Charter School, San Luis Obispo, CA)
Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), 2003-2004
Private Preschool Director, 1997-2003
Home Preschool Provider, 1989-1997 while raising my sons
Credentialed Teacher of Deaf & Hard of Hearing, 1982-1986

Member of:

- - San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
  - Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
  - Central Coast Conscious Community
  - Central Coast Childbirth Network
  - Women’s Network of SLO
  - Drum Circle Facilitator’s Guild
  - Global Presence Ambassador: an honorary designation awarded passionate Life Skills pioneers around the world. Ambassadors come from a broad array of backgrounds and professions, reflecting the diversity of Life Skills employed in the twenty-first century and a glimpse of future vibrancy.

Credentials