About

My journey with mindfulness began in 1993 when I participated in an MBSR program. That experience set the stage for three decades of personal growth and professional milestones I could never have imagined. Immersing myself in individual study and practice, I began training with the UMass Center for Mindfulness in 2001, ultimately leading me to found MBSR Programs of Hawaii.

In 2011, I became the Managing Director at the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness, a role I held until 2018. During that time, I co-founded the Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute, working alongside program founders, leading mindfulness organizations, and world-renowned guiding teachers.

Nurturing the growth of mindfulness teachers has always been a passion of mine. I continue to do this through MBSR Teacher Training programs and Teacher Certification Mentorship. Teaching and training internationally have also allowed me to share these transformative practices globally.

Teaching MBSR can be a deeply fulfilling and meaningful experience for our participants and us as teachers. Yet even with all of our training and teaching experience, there may still be times when you’re unsure of the best way to navigate through “the art” of inquiry, program curriculum, or special situations regarding holding space for learning and insight.

One of the most heartening aspects of being part of an MBSR Teacher Community is that you don’t have to be on this journey alone, especially when your participants may be most in need of support. If you feel that you would like to deepen your teaching skills, I would be happy to support you in your development as an MBSR Teacher through MBSR Teacher Mentorship. Many MBSR teachers, whether participating or not in teacher certification programs, have benefited from MBSR Teacher Mentorship. 

Are you interested in a free consultation to see if your teaching might benefit from One-On-One MBSR Teacher Mentorship?  If so, please email me at mbsrmentorship@gmail.com, and I would be happy to schedule a Complimentary Introductory Zoom Session with you. I’m looking forward to learning about your teaching journey and MBSR programs. With appreciation for your teaching, Allan

Training MBSR Teachers With Susan Woods, Char Wilkins & Holly Nelson Johnson • Earthrise, CA