If research shows that mindfulness practice strengthens the immune system, decreases emotional reactivity, and fosters self-compassion then shouldn’t the practice be available to youth in our society’s most wounding environments? Through the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation soon our most vulnerable youth will have access to safe, caring spaces with compassionate adults who can gently guide them into stillness. Join Alison to learn and practice trauma-informed mindfulness, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of mindfulness with at-risk youth, to learn more about the integration of mindfulness into the youth justice system, and to share about our community’s commitment to bringing mindfulness into the hardest parts of our society.
Alison Burkett holds a Master of Education from the University of Toronto and works for Springboard Services as their Program Development Specialist. In this capacity, Alison has received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to bring mindfulness to the most vulnerable youth in Ontario, including all of Ontario’s secure youth justice facilities. Alison uses a trauma informed approach to practice that works to recreate critical internal, compassionate bonds. Alison is the co-founder of Rwanda Survivors Foundation and has worked on a number of mindfulness initiatives in Toronto including Mindfulness Without Borders pilot project with the TCDSB and the Centre for Mindfulness Studies Stress Reduction for Front Line Workers.