Roni donnenfeld

Roni donnenfeld

Roni is an accomplished educator with 38 years of experience spanning preschool through the University level.  In 1999 she was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Elementary Teaching of Science.   Roni embodies and models patience and non-judgment and an optimistic attitude.  She brings these characteristics into her classroom through formal and informal practices that teach students how to focus through concentration on one object at time, how to be engaged listeners, how to think before speaking so they used precise and clear language, how to be compassionate and kind and how to embark on service learning projects.  

She teaches the neurobiology behind mindfulness in addition to the practices.  Her approach to facilitating contemplative practices is innovative, engaging, inspiring, accessible to anyone of any age, and authentic. Presently Roni is teaching educators and presenting at institutions, graduate courses and workshops. These teachings include formal and informal practices as well as their implication for the classroom and workplace.  The teachings are useful to any audience be it executives, care givers, fire fighters, etc. 

Roni has been qualified as a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher by the University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Center for Mindfulness.  She continues her professional development by keeping current with research and its implications for training others in mindfulness practices.   Roni is an effective, strong and compassionate teacher of stress reduction.  She has the ability to translate complex concepts so that they are easily understood.  Her background in teaching influences her sense of timing and facilitation of group dynamics. 

In China, to grow the mimosa tree, you plant the seed ¾” deep in fertile soil.  For five years you water it and wait.  During those five years the seed is sending roots deep into the ground.  After five years, in the next 90 days it grows 120’ tall.  In one day alone it can grow 3’.  The mimosa can support such growth because of its root system.  Like the mimosa tree, children, adolescents and adults, need nurturing to grow those tap roots.  Mindfulness practices over time grow those attributes which make the person, the collective whole, the planet and the universe a healthier, more peaceful, compassionate, vibrant, resilient, respectful place to dwell.  This process takes time, fidelity and patience.  What better way is there to spend our time?