I am a concussion and trauma survivor. I get it. I know what it’s like to feel that the world is way too loud and bright!

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I love learning! I feel so honoured to have been able to learn from so many wise people. I am continually learning new things and incorporating them into my own life. I feel deeply humbled to have the chance to share these lessons with my students.

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I am a Qualified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher through the University of California San Diego Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute. This highly respected teacher training includes working closely with skilled mentors who offer sage advice to help hone teaching skills. I have also completed David Treleaven’s 35-hour Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness training, and I am deeply honoured that David has chosen me to be one of a handful of people he is mentoring in 2022. 

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I have been on more than fifteen meditation retreats. I have been lucky to learn in-person from beloved teachers such as Rick Hanson, Kristin Neff, Christopher Germer, Sharon Salzberg, Michelle McDonald, Phillip Moffitt, Kamala Masters, Steve Armstrong, Norman Fischer, Howard Cohn, Temple Smith, Amana Brembry Johnson, Beth Sternlieb, Nikki Mirghafori, Christina Feldman, Padme Shyam, and Kate McCandless. I have spent time at two monasteries (Deer Park and Birken).

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I have engaged in many online learning opportunities. I have taken part in multiple short courses and multi-day Summits, as well as the 5-month online Awakening Joy course with James Baraz, the six-week (daily!!) Awake in the Wild online course with Mark Coleman, as well as regular attendance in a weekly online meeting with other mindfulness teachers.

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I have read more than 30 books on mindfulness, meditation, trauma and nervous system regulation. I have been particularly inspired by books by: Thich Nhat Hahn, David Treleaven, Rick Hanson, Pema Chodron, Kristin Neff/Chistopher Germer, Tara Brach, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mark Coleman, Elizabeth Stanley, Shauna Shapiro, Peter Levine, and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. I look forward to digging into the growing list of yet-to-read books on my bookshelf!

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I am a seasoned adult educator. I have been teaching Latin American and Canadian Studies at Langara College in Vancouver since the year 2000.

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"As far as I can tell no one has married the concepts of concussion care and trauma sensitive mindfulness in the ways that I have. I’m bursting at the seams to share what I have learned/am learning with you, your loved ones, and the professionals who care for you." Jessie Smith