Close-up of a green leaf backlit by sunlight, with tree branches and blue sky in the background.

Supported Teachers, Resilient Students

Simple, science-backed strategies to help students develop resilience, so they can overcome challenges, build confidence and enjoy learning.

True learning demands ongoing focus, taking risks, meeting challenges, thinking creatively, collaborating respectfully, and stamina!

Learning is hard work and, for many students, it’s quite an uncomfortable process!

As a former classroom teacher, I know what it’s like … the pummeling pace of our schedules and the dizzying demands of our profession. The last thing we want to be told is that there’s something more to do when we already have too much to do!

That’s why I’m passionate about supporting teacher well-being and student growth.

In these workshops, you’ll learn…

  • A variety of simple, effective and developmentally appropriate exercises to help students meet stressful situations without getting overwhelmed

  • Specific exercises that help students transition to class and from class without taking time away from content that needs to covered

  • The science behind why these exercises work and how they strengthen executive functioning skills

  • How to offer students First Aid support when students are struggling with BIG emotions so they can find their footing before taking any next steps (Spoiler Alert: It's not saying, "Let it go" or taking calming breaths.)

  • How to help students develop greater self-awareness so they discover what best supports them and their learning process

  • How to help students shift their relationship to their experience, so they foster a growth (“I got this!”) mindset instead of reinforcing a fixed (“I’m terrible”) mindset

This workshop is different.

We can’t talk our students into becoming more resilient, but we can help them cultivate the skills they need so mistakes feel less threatening and they can thrive — not just in the classroom, but in how they approach challenges throughout their lives.

Resilience is not about excluding or getting rid of certain feelings (anger, anxiety, stress, worry, doubt …), but cultivating the ability to turn towards and be with the full range of experiences and feelings that come with them without  getting knocked over or pulled under.

Color swatches arranged in a rainbow pattern, transitioning from yellow to pink, purple, blue, and green.

Why is it important to help students develop interoception - the ability to notice how one feels?

Those executive function skills our students are developing reside in their brain’s prefrontal cortex; however, when they (like us!) feel too much of anything (stress, anxiety... even excitement) they can lose connection to their pre-frontal cortex, which causes them to spin out, tune out and shut down.

Stress wins. Learning loses.

Fostering interoception can interrupt that chain of events and help students stay engaged in the learning process.

As they become more self-aware, they’ll begin to feel more steady and calm. Mistakes may still feel uncomfortable, but they’ll feel less crushing.

And, as each student develops interoception, there will be less stress and conflicts in your classroom, more mutual respect and ease.

You’ll be cultivating a classroom environment where students feel safe enough to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow.

This workshop is rooted in my experiences as a classroom teacher and my training as a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) and Inner Relationship Focusing (IRF) Professional and Trainer.

Custom Workshop

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, I’ll work with you to design a workshop that combines your school’s needs with my expertise to meet your specific goals.

I’ve led K–12 workshops both in-person and over Zoom.

Whether you’re a public, private, or charter school, I bring the same level of care and commitment to every setting — because I’m passionate about sharing this work so teachers can enjoy teaching and students can enjoy learning!

  • "We would call ourselves parents of a child who thrived in Lauren's classroom. She is what you might call a game-changer. Her ideas are probably much more important than any facts a child will learn in a classroom. Our daughter - and subsequently the other two - is taking risks and rebounding from disappointments so fast that before you know it, she has found another success. Lauren can set the foundation for students to enjoy learning, and - most importantly - developing the skills to handle obstacles. The sooner we learn THAT, the sooner we learn ... more. We both wish we had a Lauren when we were growing up!!!"

    — Melissa Errico, singer and actress & Patrick McEnroe, ESPN tennis commentator

  • “Words cannot accurately describe how impressed we were with Lauren's approach to education, which is clearly informed by her meditation practice, knowledge of child development and the latest research in the field of neuroscience. She understood the futility of 'lecturing' students into becoming more resilient and less stressed. Instead, she turned her classroom into a lab where students, (my son, Jackson, being one of them,) were taught mindfulness exercises to help them strengthen their resilience and face challenges with a growth mindset. These invaluable life-skills resonated with Jackson--he discussed 'training his mind' much like doing wind sprints for athletics, and he became more spirited and determined to persevere when difficulties arose. Consequently, it was a year of tremendous growth --and self sufficiency--for Jackson. What Lauren taught my son continues to serve him to this day.”

    — Soledad O'Brien, journalist & CEO of Starfish Media Group

  • "Village School faculty spent a school year fully immersed in wellness education and we were fortunate to welcome Lauren for several insightful, purposeful and poignant presentations. Beyond her obvious knowledge and experience, there exists a natural relatability that draws you in and opens you up to deep conversations. Lauren helps you envision the possibility of growth and change in your teaching practice and in your own life. Lauren's work has significant reach as my teachers now regularly practice strategies Lauren taught them and our students are the beneficiaries. Lauren is able to see moments with great clarity and she has the ability to help others do the same. She is a gift to all teachers and learners."

    — John Evans, HOS, Village School

  • "Lauren understood our daughter from day one and their connection made it the best year she's ever had in school. Somehow, in the span of one school year, our daughter was able to get a lot better at organizing her work and thoughts, learn more academically than she ever had, and also incorporate mindfulness into how she approaches life. It was a wonderful experience."

    — Bradley Tusk, Founder/ CEO, Tusk Holdings

  • "Lauren is one of those rare people who comes into your life and leaves an indelible impression and makes a lasting contribution. She was my son's teacher in both 2nd and 4th grades, and while he certainly learned to read and do multiplication, what he really learned was how to face the unknown, venture into unfamiliar territory and trust that he had what it takes to master it."

    — Parent of a former student

  • "I have seen Lauren in action as a classroom teacher and leading workshops for teachers and it is clear she not only talks the talk, but she walks the walk (or sits the sit as it may be). Her ability to integrate the latest neurological research and mindfulness techniques into her teaching and classroom management puts her at the forefront of education. I have seen how Lauren's students continue to use the tools she has given them well after they leave her class because it has improved their learning and their lives. I have used some of Lauren's techniques in my classroom and at home with my own family."

    — Barry Blumenfeld, Friends Seminary Faculty, NYU Adjunct Professor & 92Y Dance Ed Laboratory Faculty

  • "Lauren equipped our son with more than just essential knowledge about the world. She taught him the joy in personal discovery, quiet contemplation and the beauty of our emotions. In a world driven by distraction, we are immensely grateful for Lauren showing our son the fulfillment that comes from living in the moment and connecting deeply both within and to everything around him. These are lessons we have taken to heart ourselves!"

    — Parents of a former student

Let’s Collaborate

I'd welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you and customize a workshop to meet your school's needs and concerns. Schedule a free consultation here or contact me directly at: lauren@livingfully.org.