Gratitude Wall

GRATITUDE WALL

Participants (school administrators, teachers, parents, and more) express gratitude from our Workshops, Classes, School-wide Programs, Webinars, and more:

“It’s my pleasure to recommend Dee DiGioia. I have experienced Dee and the Mindful Kindful Youniversity classes as both a parent and a professional. I was so impressed by the class given by Dee at my son’s elementary school, that I knew there was a place for it in my workplace as well. I contacted Dee about hosting a Professional Workshop on mindfulness at the company I currently lead. It is a very successful software company that runs in a very high- paced and high stress environment. I was sure mindfulness practices could benefit all of our staff. Dee and I worked closely on coming up with a customized workshop that was reflective of our current environment and would be well received by our team. She conducted a one-day seminar titled “How to Break Up with Stress: Mindfulness 101” in two separate groups throughout the day. My staff and I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and materials presented by Dee. She came very well prepared and had all of the materials and resources available to ensure the class ran smoothly yet also conducive and personal to the philosophies she was speaking on. I truly see that Dee and the practice of teaching mindfulness in the workplace is a valuable asset to absolutely any workplace. I found Dee to be helpful, flexible, relatable, and incredibly passionate and willing to share her knowledge on any level that suits the environment. Beyond that, I was impressed by her knowledge of the research based facts on mindfulness and her Certifications as a Mindfulness & Life-Skills Coach. Her expertise and education in these areas were a huge advantage to our entire office. Dee has clearly put this skillset and passion to work in order to better the health and well-being of all she instructs. I can already attest to the benefits and impacts that these workshops have had on both myself personally and the professional staff I manage.”  ~Kristen McKiernan President AccuZIP, Inc., Atascadero CA
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“Dee visited my high school students today and made an amazing connection with them.  I have guest speakers in my CTE classes quite often, but she engaged the students in a way that none of my prior guests have done.  Dee’s presentation on Mindfulness was very well-prepared and engaging for the students, and full of visuals and interactions that connected perfectly with the students.  While brief enough to fit into a class period, it was just the right amount of knowledge to pique the students’ interests towards a practice that can benefit them (and anybody) tremendously.  We know that our students are exposed to numerous stressors at school and at home, but we do very little as a school to address this, or to give them the tools they need to deal with these stressors.  From Dee’s presentation, it is clear that the practice of Mindfulness is a much needed tool for our students and staff alike.  Kudos to Dee for her effort to help these students and others that she is reaching through “Mindful Kindful YOUniversity.”  While mindfulness can sometimes be a difficult practice for the beginner, Dee’s approach was interesting and easy enough for the students to grasp.  I highly recommend that other schools and organizations consider her mindfulness program.  As a teacher she is very much in touch with the challenges that students and others face in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society.” ~ Kurt Lindgren, Teacher, Nipomo High School (feedback from a workshop for 200 students)
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“The inclusion of a skilled mindfulness facilitator made a huge difference on our sites. When I first arrived at St. HOPE I was not deeply familiar with the approach {of mindfulness} and so did not appreciate the impact it has on supporting a caring and safe environment for students, or how much positive difference it would make in the culture of respect and attention. I can only say that I was sufficiently impressed with Ms. DiGioia’s process and program that I not only emphatically encouraged and endorsed her efforts but have taken it to the next level by pursuing training for myself and other department staff so we can continue what she began here…” ~Dr. Karen Romito, Director of Special Education, St. HOPE, Sacramento, CA

(*The above is a segment from a letter of recommendation. This and additional letters are available upon request.)

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“If administration can see mindfulness as a priority for all staff, this would allow for staff to have the time needed to learn it and apply it to students and self. Mindfulness would probably increase staff retention and help newer teachers get through the difficult early years of their career more easily.” ~ Julia Ingber-Chang, School Psychologist at Sac High
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“Having language to talk about mindfulness has been truly incredible. There is such a need for students to be able to self-regulate and this program gave them a taste of what that looks like! Thank you for everything! Room three loves our finger taps and zones of regulation!” -Amber Weber, 2nd grade Teacher, Shell Beach Elementary (MK YOU School-wide Program)

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“I really enjoyed the special journey and stillness exercises as teaching so often feels like there is pressure to go-go-go and squeeze in so much so that was really helpful and good reminder for teachers in such a stressful year! It was nice to be able to participate with students and take the role of a student learning as well. Thank you!!! “ ~ Teacher, Sinsheimer Elementary (MK YOU School-wide program)

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“Miss Dee is fabulous & the students have clearly benefited greatly from these lessons!! The lessons were engaging for all students with lots of movement involved. My students loved the puppets and other props used in each lesson. Mindfulness empowers students with strategies for communication, expressing feelings, and coping with stress and other life challenges. Very important for every day life! The breathing and listening (bell chime) lessons were especially powerful! We need more lessons!” ~ SG, Kindergarten Teacher, Shell Beach Elementary (MK YOU School-wide Program)

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“I loved Class 1 (on what is mindfulness, stillness, mindful body awareness) because it’s so obvious my kids NEED this. I loved Class 3 (on the Zones and Emotions) because I see the great need for kids to have a vocabulary to express and ID their emotions. I loved all the tools they can add to their SEL bag of tricks. I feel teaching all of this to kids is invaluable, as in if we in school don’t teach it (the language, the strategies, etc.) how many kids will have poor coping skills in an anxiety ridden world? THANK YOU for all your time and passion invested into making this happen- so hopeful PTO keeps it going!” ~ CL, 2nd grade Teacher, Shell Beach Elementary (MK YOU School-wide Program)

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“I think it has been a great way for students to learn what mindfulness is and how to apply it. The strategies have been used several times in class and students really do have an understanding of what it means to feel certain ways and how to ground themselves so that they can move on.” CV, TK Teacher, Shell Beach Elementary (MK YOU School-wide Program)

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“I just wanted to let you know how much my class and my daughter in Kindergarten are enjoying your lessons. The other day I found 3 students tucked into little balls. When I asked what they were doing, they told me they were changing their channel. As a class we have done finger taps, the invisible ball, and zipping up our bodies to be good listeners. My daughter talks about you all the time and was so excited to find a metal salad bowl to make a gong out of at the cabin last weekend.” ~ JK, 1st grade teacher, Sinsheimer Elementary (MK YOU K-1 School Program)

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“Thank you Dee for all you’ve done to support mindfulness at our school.  Your impact has been very positive.  Daina and I will reach out to you soon regarding next year.” ~Jeff Martin, Principal, Sinsheimer Elementary

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“Thank you so much, Dee, for taking the time to prepare a wonderful presentation for our staff.  I know each time we connect and provide important material, we grow both individually and severally, and your contribution to the effort of our personal and professional health and growth is a very important step in making progress! I appreciate your commitment and your passion, as well as your kindness.  It is clear that your mindful practices pour out on the rest of us often, and even for those who don’t know why or how, your presence helps them (and me!) feel better.  This is important work you are doing, and you are doing it very well. Congratulations, and thank you again.” ~ Karen S. Romito, Ed.D., Director of Special Education, St. HOPE Public Schools

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“P— gave a speech last night at her grandmas’ birthday party: “May you be safe. May you be happy. May you feel love.” We were all blown away and then she told us she learned in at ‘mindfulness class’ 🙂 Thank you for helping to give our kids the tools to communicate so well!” ~ Parent, Sinsheimer Elementary (MK YOU K-1 School Program)

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“In the short time given, the lessons have given my students several different strategies to help them deal with daily frustrations. Not only have I observed them using them individually but I have also heard them reminding their peers to use them. I know it was beyond your control, but it would have been amazing to have weekly sessions rather than every other week.” ~ SB, 1st grade Teacher, (MK YOU School-wide Program)  Comment: I would have liked weekly as well! ~Dee 🙂

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“It was such a pleasure working with you Dee! You are a fabulous human being and the work you did with our kids in “Circles” was so so transformative! Keep up being sunshine, this place really needs you!”  ~Emma Shandy, 1st grade teacher, PS7 – Sacramento, CA

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“You are the first person in all my years in the school system who ever approached behaviors with a technique other than force.” ~ a parent of a special needs child sent me this message in an email following an IEP where I offered a goal on mindfulness to help her son with some behavioral challenges.

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“Everytime I see you I think of peace and take a deep breath!” ~ a staff member after subbing in a classroom of special needs students where I was teaching mindfulness breathing and yoga

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“I have never seen him calm down so quickly.” ~ a paraprofessional commenting about a special needs child in a pre-school class where I taught a weekly lesson on calming strategies

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“Dee recently introduced mindfulness to our corps members and the response and participation were extremely positive. Many were excited to learn better coping skills and strengthen resiliency. They asked so many questions and wished she could return again soon!” ~ Natalie Lambert, Education Coordinator, Los Padres Center, California Conservation Corps

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“Sometimes life puts one in the right place at the right time. After seeing a flyer for {your Adult Ed class}, I thought that it sounded like something that called to me after a particularly busy time in my life. I was overwhelmingly pleased to find out that each week’s one hour class held small epiphanies and important reminders of how to honor life’s challenges, care for oneself, and develop better relationships with others.  Ms. DiGioia was an exceptional facilitator. I would recommend this course to anyone as I think we could all gain from these life lessons, whether it be professionally or personally.” ~Piper Adelman, LMUSD Librarian

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“I highly recommend “Mindful YOUniversity 101″ to anyone who is looking for practical, ready-to-use, research-backed tools for being healthy and resilient in our stress-filled world! Dee teaches with clarity and passion, not only about the important neuroscience behind mindfulness but HOW TO incorporate the practice into our busy lives. I have learned so much and wish the class was longer than an hour each week!” ~Lisa Arakaki, LMUSD Occupational Therapist
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“This class helped me with slowing down and being present as much as possible. Dee has an amazing rapport and she is interesting and passionate. Learning to breathe with intention was extremely helpful for me. It helps me with calming down so that I can get back to the present. I highly recommend this class to anyone and everyone. i will be taking this class again definitely.” ~Mandy Russell, Parent
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“I enjoyed the gradual process of the practices during class and the follow-up emails. Your encouragement for each of us to savor life, be a compassionate person, appreciate & truly “heart” ourselves. The class helped me handle stressful situations and people in a great way. I “thank you” for your sharing of your knowledge and experiences- we are all on the journey to help, acknowledge and hear one another.” ~Gloria Haggard
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“I highly recommend {Dee’s classes} to anyone who is looking for practical, ready-to-use, research-backed tools for being healthy and resilient in our stress-filled world! Dee teaches with clarity and passion, not only about the important neuroscience behind mindfulness but HOW TO incorporate the practice into our busy lives. I have learned so much and wish the class was longer than an hour each week!” ~Lisa Arakaki, Occupational Therapist, LMUSD
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“I have increased knowledge about mindfulness practices and awareness of being in the moment, pause, breathe. Last/this week has been one of the hardest in my life and having the tools (pause, breathe) helped me find my moments of peace, tranquility in my hectic world. Mindful eating was introduced tonight. I wish you would have shared this sooner… amazing. I have lost 10 pounds this last month- soooo wonderful info!” ~ B.R.
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“I found learning how to channel my thoughts to be the most helpful. I found myself catching negative thoughts and grounding myself. I wish my entire family could take this class. Thanks Dee. Your love and dedication for what you do is obvious. I felt so comfortable talking to you and the group.” ~ Jessica Bianco
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“I loved the newsletters with extra links and inspirations. It was a comfortable group of people that I looked forward to spending an hour each week with. The group activities, the slides, and practice seemed to speak to multiple learning styles. Great ideas to help reduce stress by living in the present… thank you! ~Olivia
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“Dee’s class has been very worthwhile for me. I recommend this opportunity for self-care to anyone.” ~Theresa Medbury, LMUSD teacher
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“I have to share with you how much the mindfulness class helped me with a strained relationship. We did the exercise in the class about someone that hurt us and we needed to forgive. That person wanted to get together for coffee recently to discuss things. I practiced mindfulness and really paused before I spoke in return to some hateful things that were being said. I kept reminding myself that I wanted to come from a place of love and understanding. I kept reminding him that I was not focusing on the past but keeping in the present and moving forward in a positive way. It was a lot of work but I felt so much better in the end. I just wanted to let you know and thank you Dee for the new lessons I am learning. I know I am still a work in progress and I will continue to be a better me.” ~ (Name withheld on request)
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“I loved the science and research behind mindfulness. I can currently think of 6 students who need this! I love this.” ~ Amber W, Shell Beach teacher (feedback from a school staff workshop)

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“ME Time has helped me make better decisions when I’m in a highly stressful situation like a contentious IEP meeting. I believe that it’s a tool that can benefit adults and children alike in any environment. If teachers are calmer and can control their emotional responses, imagine how much calmer their students will be?” ~Christina Saad, St HOPE School Psychologist (feedback from “ME Time” –Mindfulness in Education after school series for staff at St HOPE Charter School, Sacramento, CA)

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“I loved ME Time. I liked that I learned more about the practice of mindfulness, but also had the opportunity to “practice the practice” in a really supportive environment.” ~Kandace Forrester, Director of Student Services, (feedback from “ME Time” –Mindfulness in Education after school series for staff at St HOPE Charter School, Sacramento, CA)

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“I have to admit that the first couple meetings I was thinking I can’t believe I’m going to commit to this. I really should be going home and starting dinner, but by the end I really began to see the benefits and looked forward to bettering myself and learning about mindfulness.” ~Lisa Minehart, Sac High Teacher, (feedback from “ME Time” –Mindfulness in Education after school series for staff at St HOPE Charter School, Sacramento, CA)

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“If administration can see mindfulness as a priority for all staff, this would allow for staff to have the time needed to learn it and apply it to students and self. Mindfulness would probably increase staff retention and help newer teachers get through the difficult early years of their career more easily.” ~ Julia Ingber-Chang, School Psychologist at Sac High, (feedback from “ME Time” –Mindfulness in Education after school series for staff at St HOPE Charter School, Sacramento, CA)

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“I have really enjoyed the techniques shared and the interaction with the other people who participated. This has been a wonderful experience and I will utilize the mindful meditation exercise as often as I can remember to do so.” ~ Deanna Jenkins, SPED Paraprofessional, (feedback from “ME Time” –Mindfulness in Education after school series for staff at St HOPE Charter School, Sacramento, CA)

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“I have to share with you how much the mindfulness class helped me with a strained relationship. We did the exercise in the class about someone that hurt us and we needed to forgive. That person wanted to get together for coffee recently to discuss things. I practiced mindfulness and really paused before I spoke in return to some hateful things that were being said. I kept reminding myself that I wanted to come from a place of love and understanding. I kept reminding him that I was not focusing on the past but keeping in the present and moving forward in a positive way. It was a lot of work but I felt so much better in the end. I just wanted to let you know and thank you Dee for the new lessons I am learning. I know I am still a work in progress and I will continue to be a better me.” ~ Name withheld by request

“I witnessed Dee DiGioia in action this afternoon. The content in her Dragonfly Circles (now Peace Pals) class is imperative in teaching our kids how to manage THEIR emotions. Through recognition, communication and BREATH they are learning to maintain their energy and create joy. I highly recommend looking into the classes she’s offering it’s never too late to start. Parents of teens get your kids in there and working with her!” ~ Karlie Salitore Relyea, parent

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“We love attending the Mindful Kindful YOUniversity events. The Mini Retreats are amazing, as well as the kids classes. Dee does an excellent job teaching people of all ages how to slow down in a fast paced world.” ~Laura S.

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“Dee is wise, thoughtful, and her insights are empowering. I was impressed not only with the affordable pricing structure, but by the genuine caring attitude. I can tell she is in this to make a real difference for her clients, instead of just punching the clock. That’s the kind of coaching I was looking for. I’m going to refer my teenaged students to her programs as well. With a free consultation, it’s easy to see if this kind of counseling is a fit for you.” ~ Bonnie T. on Personal Coaching

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“Dee provides such awesome programs for kids and adults in the community with her mindfulness coaching and retreats. My daughter just started a personal coaching program with Dee and it’s been a positive experience all around. I look forward to trying the adult programs soon.” ~Maria M