Featured Presentations

Friday, February 23

Kimberly Schonert-Reichl: The New Science of Well-being: Recent Discoveries for Promoting Human Flourishing

What does it mean to flourish and thrive in the 21st century? What does recent science have to say about the recipe and the key ingredients for promoting our own well-being? In this interactive session with Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl and Maria LeRose, several of the key psychological, social, and biological factors that relate to well-being in both children and adults will be presented. Kim will discuss the recent research on how human connection and positive human qualities, such as empathy, compassion, forgiveness, trust, and gratitude can be cultivated through intentional everyday experiences, and how these experiences influence our health and well-being. She will also discuss the recent research that shows how adult well-being is contagious and influences the well-being and happiness of the children with whom they interact.
 

Rick Hanson: Resilient Well-Being: Growing an Unshakable Core of Inner Strength, Love, and Peace

When facing life’s challenges, we benefit from inner resources such as compassion, grit, and gratitude. This presentation will focus on using positive neuroplasticity to turn passing experiences into durable inner strengths hardwired into the nervous system. Through this process we are better able to meet the next moment feeling centered in calm, contentment, and caring – allowing for greater lasting well-being in a changing world.
 
 

Patricia Jennings: Caregivers: Cultivating Well-being with Mindfulness and Compassion

Dr Jennings - internationally recognized leader in the field of mindfulness in education - will share current research that shows that mindful awareness and compassion practices promote the cognitive and emotional strengths we need to build and maintain resilience. She  will also present simple, easy to use mindfulness, compassion and emotion skills proven to enhance well-being.
 

 

Chastity Davis: From Individual Reconciliation to Global Reconciliation

Chastity is a mixed-heritage woman of First Nations and European descent. She will share parts of her story of embodying both the colonizer and the colonized and her continued journey for individual reconciliation - an essential part to attaining well-being. Chastity's story inspires reconciliation in individuals, organizations, government, and communities.
 

Well-Being in the Workplace – A Panel Discussion

A moderated discussion with key community, business and education leaders who are committed to shifting their work cultures and creating positive environments conducive to well-being as a priority.  We will explore the motivation, challenges and rewards involved in undertaking this systemic approach to well-being.

Saturday, February 24

Daniel Siegel: Developing a Yes Brain in Ourselves and in the Children and Teens We Care For

For any adult who supports the development of youth – parents, other caregivers, teachers, coaches and mentors – learning the science behind the mind’s capacity to create clarity and calm in the face of chaos and confusion offers practical knowledge about how to develop effective strategies for optimizing our own and others’ well-being. In this presentation we will explore the science and practice of presence at the heart of a growth mindset, and the grit needed to pursue one’s passions with persistence and purpose even in the face of challenges. We will learn how to develop a “Yes Brain” which cultivates connection, compassion, and creativity.

Linda Lantieri: Reflect and Connect

Throughout the gathering Linda Lantieri will lead participants through “Reflect and Connect” activities that engage our minds and touch our hearts.

 

 

Maria LeRose: Event Moderator

Throughout the conference, event moderator and award-winning television producer and interviewer Maria LeRose will connect speakers, moderate discussions, and will orchestrate all of the elements that bring Heart-Mind 2018 together.