Our Mission
Since 2014 we have provided volunteer-facilitated mindfulness instruction to SFUSD students through a partnership with the San Francisco Education Fund. Using storytelling, as well as visual and performing arts activities, students learn focusing techniques to cultivate the skill of present moment awareness to improve attention, self-regulation, and social-emotional well being so that all students can have the opportunity to thrive.
What We Do
·Provide volunteer Mindfulness Instructors to teach in person the MASF curriculum to TK through 5th Grades.
· Provide in person and zoom trainings of MASF’s published trauma informed curriculum to volunteer Mindfulness Instructors.
· Lead one hour to daylong Professional Development trainings for primary teachers interested in implementing MASF curriculum.
· Provide interactive student assemblies for individual classrooms and entire school populations.
· Provide and mentor elementary school teachers, with a mindfulness practice and the MASF curriculum.
Partner Schools
A few of our participating schools:
Alvarado Elementary, Bessie Carmichael Elementary, Bret Harte Elementary, Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 School, Claire Lilienthal Alternative School, William Cobb Elementary, Commodore Sloat Elementary, Charles Drew Academy, Creative Arts Charter, Dolores Huerta Elementary, El Dorado Elementary, Francis Scott Key Elementary, Gordon J Lau Elementary, Glen Park Elementary, Guadalupe Elementary, Harvey Milk Academy, Hillcrest Elementary, Hoover Middle School, Jean Parker Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Junipero Serra Elementary, Leonard Flynn Elementary, Marshall Elementary, Frank McCoppin Elementary, George Moscone Elementary, John Muir Elementary, Redding Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, Sanchez Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Stevenson Elementary, Tenderloin Community School.
“This curriculum is so thorough and complete!
It covers everything that a Mindful Educator needs to know in terms of content, presentation, potential student responses, positive reinforcement, behavior issues, primary teacher tips, resources and so on!”
A Big Thank you to Our Funding Partners:
San Francisco Ed Fund, LAIRD NORTON FAMILY FOUNDATION Chip Conley Foundation, The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation the Each Foundation THE James Irvine Foundation
Our Impact
Mindful Arts San Francisco has been serving the community since 2014. In that time we have served the following schools, their students and teachers:
Alvarado Elementary, Bessie Carmichael Elementary, Bret Harte Elementary, Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 School, Claire Lilienthal Alternative School, William Cobb Elementary, Commodore Sloat Elementary, Charles Drew Academy, Creative Arts Charter, Dolores Huerta Elementary, El Dorado Elementary, Francis Scott Key Elementary, Gordon J Lau Elementary, Glen Park Elementary, Guadalupe Elementary, Harvey Milk Academy, Hillcrest Elementary, Hoover Middle School, Jean Parker Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Junipero Serra Elementary, Leonard Flynn Elementary, Marshall Elementary, Frank McCoppin Elementary, George Moscone Elementary, John Muir Elementary, Redding Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, Sanchez Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Stevenson Elementary, Tenderloin Community School.
80+
Thousand Dollars Raised
From the generous support of foundations and individuals.
175+
Volunteers trained
Our volunteers say that the working with MASF enriched their lives and own mindfulness practice.
42+
schools served
Now reaching over a thousand students weekly, and thousands of students and their communities since 2014.
testimonials:
Aaron's Mindfulness Story (1st grade)
During family-teacher conferences, Aaron's grandma shared that Aaron had been using his mindfulness strategies at home and other places when he was feeling really stressed. She reminded me of some of the major traumatic moments Aaron had endured in his young life before she became his guardian and how that translates into a lot of anxiety at home, school, and places like the doctor's office. "His blood pressure was so high at the doctor's office the other day that it wasn't reading on the machine. The doctor was worried, but Aaron told them he could do his breathing to lower his heart rate and calm his body. Then he did that poem finger thing he learned here." Aaron chimed in "Yeah! The mindfulness poem I do for the kids." She and Aaron both then proceeded to do the mindfulness poem (which Aaron frequently modeled for the class during our mindful minutes after recess and lunch, doing it "for the kids"-- his classmates). "After, his heart rate came right down and he was able to have a healthy blood pressure and heart rate. I couldn't believe it!" Granny then asked if she could have a singing bowl to do his breathing with him at home :)
Saniyah's Mindfulness Story (1st grade)
In Second Step today I asked students to share a story about a time when they had a big feeling that changed. We are studying how we can have big feelings and how they can sometimes change quickly but we have tools to help us work through them. Saniyah shared the following story:
"This weekend I was really sad because I was sleeping at my god mom's house and in her bed and I thought my mom was going to stay but she didn't. So at night time, I really missed her so much that I started crying. But then I did my breathing ball to calm down. I did it almost 10 times! Like a lot of breathing balls. Then when I calmed down after the breathing balls my auntie said I could call my mom. So we did, and I did some more breathing balls together with my mom and my auntie. And then I was happy so I was able to fall asleep.
Get Involved
If you have a consistent mindfulness practice, please consider virtuallyt volunteering just 15 to 30 minutes a week at a SFUSD school. You'll teach from The Mindful Arts in the Classroom curriculum that uses storytelling, theater, and art activities to convey the principles of mindfulness.
Professional development
We offer one hour to daylong Professional Development trainings for primary teachers interested in implementing MASF curriculum. Click below to request a workshop for your school.
become a volunteer
Interesting in making an impact with our local youth? Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with one or two classes once a week to assist or teach the MASF curriculum.
Sign up for a training
Mindfulness Curriculum Trainings are offered two times throughout the school year so that participants will have the opportunity to assist or teach mindfulness classes.
Volunteer
If you have a consistent mindfulness practice, please consider volunteering in-person for one or two classes of just 20 to 30 minutes a week at a SFUSD school. You'll teach from the Mindful Arts in the Classroom curriculum that uses storytelling, theater, and art activities to convey the principles of mindfulness. Scroll down to sign up for one of our trainings.
Upcoming In-Person or Virtual Trainings:
Choose one OF THE FOLLOWING 2024/2025 TRAININGs:
WeDnesday, September 18 (Virtual)
5:30-8:00pm
Please Arrive Early
Training Location: Via Zoom
FREE Fingerprinting available on Tuesday, September 24 at SF Ed Fund Offices from 5-7pm @ 650 Mission St., 3rd Flr. SF. 94103
Thursday, november 14th (in-Person)
5:30-8:30pm. Please Arrive Early
Training Location: @ 650 Mission St., 3rd Flr. SF. 94103
FREE Fingerprinting available on Wednesday, November 20, from 5-7pm @ SF Ed Fund Offices, 650 Mission St.,3rd Flr. SF 94103
THURSday, JANUARY 16th, 2025 (Virtual)
5:30- 8:00pm. Please Arrive Early
Training Location: Via Zoom, (A Zoom invite will be sent a few days prior to training).
FREE Fingerprinting available Wednesday, January 15, from 5-7pm @ SF Ed Fund Offices, 650 Mission St., 3rd Flr. SF. 94103
february, 2025 (T.B.D.)
5:30- 8:00pm. Please Arrive Early and stay for the entire time.
Training Location: (TBD)
FREE Fingerprinting available (TBD) from 5-7pm @ SF Ed Fund Offices, @ 650 Mission St., 3rd Flr. SF. 94103
IMPORTANT: During this two hour, in-person or virtual and interactive training, you'll get up to speed on what your role as a Mindfulness volunteer will be, learn more about the students in SFUSD and how to build relationships, and understand our clearance and classroom placement process. Prospective volunteers are kindly asked to keep ON their video and audio, be completely present, and ready to engage, for the entire session. If volunteers are not able to have their video and/or sound on, we ask that they contact Celina Baldizon, Volunteer Coordinator, for next steps.
MASF Volunteers Receive:
AN IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL Free 2 hour Mindfulness Training where they will learn how to teach 20 to 40 minute mindfulness lessons, using the published curriculum, Mindful Arts in the Classroom, picture books, mindfulness games, and art activities.
ONCE VOLUNTEERS ARE ASSIGNED A CLASSROOM(S) THEY WILL ALSO RECEIVE:
A Swag Bag filled with classroom props, including the entire Mindful Arts in the Classroom 272-page curriculum, two picture books (Puppy Mind, and The Lion in Me), a breathing ball, activity sheets, and breathing cards.
NOTE: FREE fingerprinting and TB risk assessments are available after the sessions listed above. All fingerprinting/TB sessions are held at the San Francisco Education Fund office: 650 Mission St., 3rd Flr. SF. 94103
If you choose to get your fingerprinting done elsewhere, the cost can range from $45 (at the SFUSD Main office --this is the cheapest option) or can be done at any of these sites. The cost of fingerprints at these sites can range from $65 – 85 or more.
If you elect to have your fingerprinting and TB risk assessment done FREE at the Education Fund office and would like to donate the $67 per person it costs the Education Fund to provide this service, we would be very grateful, but please be assured it is entire voluntary. You may bring a check to the fingerprinting session or make your donation through our website. To make your one time donation click here.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with one or two classes once (or more) once a week to teach or assist in teaching the MASF curriculum with a published book, Mindful Arts in the Classroom, which uses stories, theater games, and art activities to teach the principles of Mindfulness to TK through 5th graders.
At the ZOOM training we will briefly review the principles of Mindfulness and then start learning the Mindful Arts SF Curriculum. The training will be very interactive so participants should dress comfortably and be ready to explore their mindful selves.
Each week, The Mindful Arts SF Volunteer will invite students to do a check-in, participate in “Focus Time” (meditation); read a story & ask questions about the story, and/or participate in expressive and performing arts exercises.
We hope you can help bring this invaluable life skill to young people.
For more information or to visit a Mindful Arts SF class already in progress, contact Celina Baldizon, Program Coordinator at cbaldizon@sfedfund.org
WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE SAYING
“Volunteering for MASF has brought Mindfulness to every aspect of my life- teaching me to pause, breathe, observe my feelings and accept them for what they are. I am calmer, healthier, and happier, because of my work with MASF."
- Radhika Roa, Mindful Educator at Charles Drew
“I feel so thankful, truly, to the vision and content of Mindful Arts. My teaching life, and the life of my 2nd graders, has been lifted by our MASF volunteer’s presence!”
- Kristi Jacobson, 2nd Grade Teacher, Moscone Elementary
“Volunteering with MASF is one of my most favorite things to do every week!”
- Megan Prentiss, Mindful Educator at Buena Vista Horace Mann
“
October 2017
"Volunteering for MASF has brought Mindfulness to every aspect of my life- teaching me to pause, breathe, observe my feelings and accept them for what they are. I am calmer, healthier, and happier, because of my work with MASF."
Radhika Roa, Mindful Educator at Charles Drew
Curriculum
Mindful Arts in the ClassRoom
A 272-page curriculum written especially for the teacher, camp director, or really cool parent or guardian who wants to use original stories, art activities, and fun games to teach mindfulness as well as social and emotional learning (SEL) to their kids! This book offers a complete course of study that helps kids identify and talk about their feelings, self-regulate and self-soothe when stressed, and learn from easy mindfulness practices.
Note: All MASF volunteers will receive a complimentary copy upon placement.
“A treasury of creative advice, games, practices, stories, and scripts from one of my favorite and fun mindfulness teachers working today! I don’t know whether you’ll have more fun teaching or the kids will have more fun practicing!”
What Others Are Saying about Mindful Arts in the Classroom:
"As an elementary school principal, I've noticed how many students struggle to simply take a deep breath. There is nothing more important than recognizing and being able to name how we are feeling, and the stories in this book teach students this art.
Through the humor and joy of storytelling, students learn to name their feelings and notice their surroundings. Our teachers love it as much as our students and we continue to see kids more in tune with their feelings and better able to self-regulate."
—Jeremy Hilinski, principal of Bret Harte Elementary, Bayview District, San Francisco
Breathing Cards
Your very own breathing cards can be yours! If you have ever wondered how to incorporate mindfulness into your school day without the help of a Mindfulness Instructor, look no further. When you purchase your very own Mindful Breathing Cards, you will receive a pack of 50 beautiful cards.
“I am a big fan of your breathing cards- I have used them to teach mindfulness from 1st graders to High School Students, and Teachers!”
"My teachers LOVE these cards! You have an amazing product!" -Carol Martson, The Wesley School, North Hollywood CA
"Every time I use these in my classrooms and workshops people want to know where they can buy them!"- Madelaine W. Australia
“I am buying five for my son’s pre-school teachers!”- Shannon M. F.
Practice Leading Focus Time
(Or get a student lead it too!)
PRACTICE LEADING “FOCUS TIME”:
1. Teacher or student (whispering in their ear): “Please find your mindful posture” (Spine or body).
2. “Please allow your eyes to close, or gently focus your eyes on a point in front of you, or put one hand over your eyes.”
3. “Please bring your hand mindfully to your belly.”
4. “Please take 3 slow mindful breaths…"(ring the bell)
(Have lead student return to their seat. Invite group to sit for 1 minute, working up to 3 to 10 minutes, dependent on their age).
5. “When you are ready, and without fidgeting, calmly open your eyes. Bring this new awareness into your next moment.”
Options for guiding students through a Mindful Minute of "FOCUS TIME" (meditation):
Belly Breathe, Say “Belly”, breathe in to your belly, then out saying “Breathe”
7/11 breathing: breath in for 7 counts, exhale for 11 counts. Or 4 in, 4 out.
When breathing in think “Breathe”, Breathe out think“1”. Up to 10. Repeat.
Counting to 10. Breathe in ONE, exhale TWO, Inhale THREE, Exhale FOUR, and so on until TEN. Notice the pause between the inhale and exhale. Repeat. Advanced: Start again if you have a thought before TEN.
Body Scan, from head to toe, noticing the pulse in the neck, the beat of the heart. Option: Slow version of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.
When the mind begins to daydream or the body wanders just remind the student to come back to the breath by saying: “This breath, this moment.”
“With this breath (breathe in), my mind grows stronger.” (breathe out)
A great focusing tool is to send Heartfulness to yourselves or others: “May I be happy, May I be healthy, May I be free of worry.”
RESOURCES
We recommend the following webinars, websites, podcasts, articles, videos, books, and props for supporting mindfulness education in your classroom or home.
WEBINARS, PODCASTS, & BLOGS
MINDFUL ARTS SAN FRANCISCO VOLUNTEER TRAINING (1:30 minutes) : CLICK HERE
MINDFUL ARTS IN THE CLASSROOM WEBINAR: CLICK HERE
PUPPY MIND WEBINAR: CLICK HERE
MINDFUL CLASS/MINDFUL HOME WEBINAR: CLICK HERE
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) PRESENTATION: CLICK HERE
JOREE ROSE INTERVIEWS ANDREW J NANCE, MASF Founder: CLICK HERE
MINDFUL KIDS COACHING, Spotlight on ANDREW J NANCE Founder: CLICK HERE
HACK THE PROCESS, Mindfully Taming the Puppy Mind w/Mr. Nance: CLICK HERE
SALESFORCE B-WELL TOGETHER PODCAST, Pandemic Parenting Edition: CLICK HERE
WELLNESS & WANDERLUST, Cultivating Gratitude and Mindfulness: CLICK HERE
DISMANTLING YOU PODCAST with Lisa Pineda: CLICK HERE
VIDEOS AND ARTICLES ON MINDFULNESS
Using a “Breathing Ball” by Andrew Nance & Chris Willard (article): CLICK HERE
A Game for Training Our Focus (article): CLICK HERE
Somatic Activities for kids by Andrew J Nance (article): CLICK HERE
The Rhythm of Our Breathing Affects Memory and Fear (article): CLICK HERE
How Can Schools Buffer Toxic Stress? (video 5:06min): CLICK HERE
Children Sleep an Hour More with Mindfulness (CNN) : CLICK HERE
(IMPORTANT ARTICLE) How the Vagus Nerve is the Key to Well-being: CLICK HERE
Your Breath is Your Brain’s Remote Control: CLICK HERE
Article on Why Mindfulness Belongs in the Classroom: CLICK HERE
Great article on why a regulated adult helps to regulate children: CLICK HERE
Two 2019 Studies Reveal Benefits of Mindfulness for Youth: CLICK HERE
TED TALK: Bite Sized Ways to Bring Mindfulness to School Kids (14:06 min): CLICK HERE
Article on 8 Ways to Bring Mindfulness Into Your Family: CLICK HERE
Article on Lowering drop out rates through Mindfulness: CLICK HERE
Loving Kindness Meditation Slows Cellular Aging: CLICK HERE
Video: How to Talk to Kids about Gratitude: CLICK HERE
Article “How To Be Happy”: CLICK HERE
Video on How Stress Changes the Brain CLICK HERE
Video on How the Brain Changes through Meditation: CLICK HERE
Article on how Early Adverse Trauma Changes the Brain: CLICK HERE
20 tips to help de-escalate defiant youth: CLICK HERE
Golden State Warriors basketball team success thru Mindfulness: CLICK HERE
Self-Regulation is becoming the premier skill of the 21st century: CLICK HERE
What if Everything You Knew About Disciplining Kids Was Wrong?: CLICK HERE
Strategies For Teachers Dealing With Empathic Stress: CLICK HERE
10 Resources for Teaching Trauma- Sensitive Mindfulness: CLICK HERE
2021 Stanford study (article & video) on the importance of slow breaths: CLICK HERE
Mental Health Resources Guide: CLICK HERE
MINDFULNESS TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS and WEBSITES:
MINDFUL SCHOOLS: On-line trainings for PARENTS AND TEACHERS as well as RESEARCH RESULTS, MINDFULNESS FACT SHEET, & the effectiveness of a Mindfulness practice: CLICK HERE
Mind UP Foundation: CLICK HERE
Mindful Life Project (direct service provider, trainings, and resources): CLICK HERE
Teachers website: A good resource for mindful teachers: CLICK HERE
SUPERSUMMARY, a comprehensive Mindfulness Resource Guide: CLICK HERE
ACTIVE MINDS, a mental health resource website: CLICK HERE
Health, Wellness, snd Mindfulness Resources for the Home: CLICK HERE
MINDFUL ACTIVITY SITES & VIDEOS:
Go Noodle: A great site with many movement & breathing activities: CLICK HERE
Child Mind Institute: California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Page: CLICK HERE
Magical Mindfulness w/Mr. Andrew web series: CLICK HERE
4-7-8 Breathing (3:39 sec.): CLICK HERE
Breathing Star Folder Activity: CLICK HERE
How to Make a Glitter (Relaxation) Jar: CLICK HERE
MINDFUL ARTS IN THE CLASSROOM TEXT COMPANION VIDEOS:
For YOUTUBE Tutorials of each lesson from Mindful Arts in the Classroom text: CLICK HERE
Mindful Super Hero Stretch (6:51 sec.): CLICK HERE
30 Mindful Breathing Options (18:32 sec): CLICK HERE
Puppy Mind read aloud by author: CLICK HERE
The Lion in Me read aloud by author (Scroll down to Episode #4) (31:00 min): CLICK HERE
Emotional Musical Chairs (14:34 sec.): CLICK HERE
Mindful Museum (7:09 sec.): CLICK HERE
GRATITUDE PRACTICE (LOTUS OF GRATITUDE): CLICK HERE
A MINDFUL MINUTE: An easy to follow sheet for practicing "Focus Time.": CLICK HERE
PUPPY MIND ACTIVITY SHEETS: CLICK HERE
TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS PUPPY MIND ACTIVITY SHEETS: CLICK HERE
SHORT VIDEOS FOR THE CLASSROOM ON MINDFULNESS:
(Hint: While watching these, write down three or more questions to ask your youth.)
Magical Mindfulness w/Mr. Andrew web series: CLICK HERE
Mental Health for Kids, several short videos about the anatomy and physiology of mindfulness (3:00 to 4 min.): CLICK HERE
Why is it So Hard to Live in the Present? (4:53 min): CLICK HERE
Mindfulness 101 from MLP (narrated by an 8th grader- 2:15 min): CLICK HERE
Why is Mindfulness is a Super Power by Dan Harris (2:43 min.): CLICK HERE
The Breath and the Nervous System (2:32): CLICK HERE
Meditation 101: A beginners Guide with Dan Harris (2:00 min): CLICK HERE
How to Meditate in one Minute video: (5:35 min): CLICK HERE
“Just Breathe” (Video with young kids. 3:42 min.): CLICK HERE
"Release" and Other Videos for Teens CLICK HERE
“Belly Breathe” starring ELMO☺ (2:25 min.): CLICK HERE
“Count, Breathe, Relax” starring Cookie Monster & Count Dracula (2:44 min) CLICK HERE
"I want Cookie, But Me Wait!" starring Cookie Monster (2:53 min): CLICK HERE
The Science of Kindness (2:15 min): CLICK HERE
Mindfulness: Youth Voices (2:59 min.): CLICK HERE
What do we have all wrong about Mindfulness? w/Dan Harris (4:10 min.): CLICK HERE
Planting Seeds: The Power of Mindfulness (4:57 min.): CLICK HERE
Olympic Swimmer, Michael Phelps, shares how he helps his kids with anxiety: CLICK HERE
"All About the Breath" parody of " All about the Base" (3:14 mim.): CLICK HERE
The Marshmallow Test: How self-regulation and delayed gratification is the the key to success. (7:14 min.): CLICK HERE
Calm Down and Release the Amygdala (6:40 sec.): CLICK HERE
Mindfulness and how the brain works (3:50 min.): CLICK HERE
Why we "Flip Our Lids" by Dan Siegel (7:27sec.): CLICK HERE
How stress affects the Brain (4:15 sec.): CLICK HERE
Prince EA How to STOP negative thoughts once and for all (2:34 sec.): CLICK HERE
Mindfulness versus Mindlessness (4:12 sec.): CLICK HERE
Smiling Mind: an Introduction to Mindfulness (3:30 min): CLICK HERE
Take a shift- funny video comparing passing thoughts to passing poops! (3:42 min.): CLICK HERE
How Mindfulness Empowers Us by Sharon Salzberg (2:21 min.): CLICK HERE
Are you a blamer? by Brene Brown (3:25 min.): CLICK HERE
Video on the difference between Empathy and Sympathy with Brene Brown (2:53 min.): CLICK HERE
WHERE DOES COMPASSION COME FROM? Sharon Salzberg (2:43 min.): CLICK HERE
Random Acts of Kindness: The Breakfast Club/Cultivating kindness (8:12 min.): CLICK HERE
All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes: (9:24 min): CLICK HERE
Mindful Eating & more great videos by Sabrina Weyeneth (5:04 min): CLICK HERE
The Meditation Olympics (Tongue in cheek video about the best way to meditate. 2:58 min.): CLICK HERE
PRINCE EA on how to live a meaningful and mindful life. (5:18 min.): CLICK HERE
Nadine Burke Harris' TED talk how early adverse Trauma Effects the Brain (15.58 min.): CLICK HERE
Video on Visitation Valley Middle School’s “Quiet Time” T.M. program in San Francisco (7:02 min.): CLICK HERE
MOVIE: Mindful Kids Movie (57:32 minutes appropriate for grades 5-12): CLICK HERE
RECOMMENDED FOR PURCHASE:
If you have ever wondered how to incorporate mindfulness into your school day without the help of a Mindfulness Instructor, look no further. When you purchase your very own Mindful Breathing Cards, you will receive a pack of 50 beautiful cards. On one side are stunning images, and on the other, easy to follow directions for breathing options like: Dolphin, Flower, Elephant, and Spiderman breathing, just to name a few!
COST: $15.00 (includes shipping, $25.00 for outside of USA)
Click button below to purchase via PayPal or send a check to: Andrew Jordan Nance, 4179 20th Street San Francisco, CA 94114
Mindful Arts in the Classroom
is a 272 page curriculum written especially for the teacher, camp director, or really cool parent or guardian who wants to use original stories, art activities, and fun games to teach mindfulness as well as social and emotional learning (SEL) to their kids! This book offers a complete course of study that helps kids identify and talk about their feelings, self-regulate and self-soothe when stressed, and learn from easy mindfulness practices.
Puppy Mind
In this picture book for children and adults, a young boy discovers his mind is like a puppy, always wandering away, into the past or the future. He sets about learning to train his puppy mind to heel to the present moment. Through remembering to breathe, the boy becomes a stronger and more caring master of his puppy mind, keeping it in the present, if only for a moment. Includes the following discussion guide for parents and teachers.
Named one of the BEST 50 books of 2017 by Parental Journeys.
To watch the Youtube video of Puppy Mind Click Here
The Lion in Me
In The Lion in Me, the latest picture book from educator Andrew Nance, author of the bestselling Puppy Mind, a young boy learns to calm his ferocious anger. Using deep breaths, he realizes the lion inside--his growling anger--can be tamed. With illustrations by Jim Durk, whose work includes Puppy Mind and many of the Clifford the Big Red Dog and Thomas the Steam Engine books.
The Barefoot King
#1 IN NEW RELEASES ON AMAZON (PUB. DATE MAY 19, 2020)
Andrew Jordan Nance’s latest picture book by the author of the bestselling Puppy Mind is lighthearted story about the consequences of rash decisions and the importance of problem solving, responsibility, and acceptance. With stunning illustrations by Olivia Holden, she has created a world that transports the reader to another time and place.
Told in rhyming couplets, The Barefoot King recounts the story of a young king named Creet who rules a land where people walk around with bare feet. Easily distracted, one day King Creet stubs his toe on a rock and is shocked by the pain. Never wanting to experience that discomfort again, the king decides to cover his whole kingdom in leather, with unfortunate consequences.
For ages 3 and up.
Additional Item Recommended for Purchase
Charlotte and the Quiet Place, a beautiful story of a young African American girl who can't find her very own quiet place, until she realizes she can go to it anytime she wants.
Sitting Still Like a Frog, ($9.00 on Kindle, $11.00 Soft cover) is a great, quick and easy to read book on the principles of mindfulness. Easy to read it in an evening.
Awakening Joy for Kids , by James Baraz and Michele Lilyanna
The Deepest Well, by Nadine Burke Harris, about how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) effect the mind and the body. Click Here
A Tibetan Singing Bowl and Dowel for “Focus Time” for your students or your own personal practice.
This one is $35.00 but there are others that are less expensive. Look for one about 5 inches: CLICK HERE
Mini Hoberman Sphere ($11.99) (the regular one is too big!): CLICK HERE
MINDFUL MAGAZINE: A great way, monthly, to be inspired to keep practicing: http://www.mindful.org/
APPS:
Insight Timer (Basic/Free), Headspace (Free), Mindful Life Project (Free), Mindfulness Daily (Free), Mind Yeti, Go Noodle, Smiling Mind, CALM, CHILL (Itunes daily quotes, fee.)
Our Team
Andrew Jordan Nance (Founder & Lead Trainer)
Andrew Nance is the Founder and Lead Trainer for Mindful Arts San Francisco (MASF). Additionally, he offers trainings and assemblies around the globe for libraries, schools, and school districts to provide the principles of mindfulness to students and staff. His mindfulness training comes from Mindful Schools, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Omega and Esalen. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, for almost two decades, he was the Conservatory Director of The New Conservatory Theatre Center, providing educational theater experiences for thousands of Bay Area youth and adults.
He is the author of four Mindfulness books, the popular PUPPY MIND, & MINDFUL ARTS in the CLASSROOM, THE LION IN ME, all published by Parallax Press, as well as THE BAREFOOT KING published by Shambhala /Bala Books. Contact him at: mindfulartssf@gmail.com
MASF Program Coordinator
Tom Laursen (Senior Coordinator for Volunteer Engagement)
Tom has spent the last 24 years in the non-profit world, with most of that time spent working directly with volunteers. He was born and raised in San Francisco and still lives in SF with his wife, Susan, and a house full of animals. He enjoys gardening and animals, and even was a long time volunteer attendant for Koko, the gorilla. He’d like to add: “I was amazed when I observed one of Andrew's Mindfulness sessions in an elementary school classroom six years ago and saw first-hand the reaction of the students. I'm proud to have been able to provide support to Andrew and Kayla since then as they've grown the program from one volunteer to over 40, serving so many schools and thousands of SF students.” Tom can be reached at Tlaursen@sfedfund.org
Celina Baldizon, Program coordinator, Fall 2023 - present.
Celina Baldizon has worked within education for the last 10 years. After graduating from the University of San Francisco with her BA in Psychology and MA in Teaching, Celina developed a passion for community engagement in her role as an elementary school tutor for the Families and Youth in Transition Program which encouraged her to become an advocate for social emotional education. Prior to her position as the Volunteer Coordinator at the San Francisco Education Fund, Celina worked to create intentional, safe, and culturally inclusive spaces in her classroom as a second-grade teacher. Celina also enjoys scrapbooking, water coloring, and caring for her pets. Combining her love for community building and education, she is excited to connect with volunteers and school staff to support our SFUSD schools!
SIOBHAN GEORGE (FORMER MASF PROGRAM COORDINATOR, (SUMMER 2021- SPRING 2023)
Siobhan comes to the San Francisco Education Fund’s Mindful Arts SF program with six years of work in the non- profit and education sector. She worked for five years in the public programs department a the California Academy of Sciences. There, she engaged with visitors of all ages in informal programming, such as early childhood programs, animal feeding programs, live animal handling, puppet shows, theater programs, and naturalist programs. Siobhan is committed to education and sustainability and believes that teaching youth the practice of mindfulness has the power to change the world. Siobhan holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology. She is also a registered yoga teacher (200hr) and prenatal yoga teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband, hiking, bike riding, and yoga. Siobhan is extremely excited to work with MASF and the SF Ed Fund and impact the lives of San Francisco youth.
Kayla Schneider-Smith (FORMER MASF PROGRAM COORDINATOR, FALL 2019-SPRING 2021)
Kayla was MASF’s first paid Program Coordinator, growing the program exponentially from 15 volunteers to 40 in just two years. She left to complete her final year in a Masters in Writing Program at the University of San Francisco. Born and raised in Central New Jersey, she studied English Literature and Psychology at Bryn Mawr College. In college, Kayla took a comprehensive course on Eastern and Western meditative practices and traveled with her classmates to Japan to study with Buddhist monks and abbots. Kayla has several years experience recruiting and managing volunteers within the non-profit sector and most recently taught English Language and Literature to children, high school students, adults, and seniors in Rishon LeZion, Israel.
Jen McDougall (Volunteer Emeritus)
began volunteering in 2018/19 with Mindful Arts SF, in a first and third grade classroom at Glen Park Elementary. Teachers she’s met inspire her, modeling how to build a caring learning community. And watching kids grow with mindfulness is delicious! She’s loves listening to “The Therapist Uncensored” podcast, attending silent meditation retreats, and our SF public libraries. See her reviews of children’s books that can support discussions of mindfulness at https://tinyurl.com/SFPLmindfulness.
MASF Receives Award
MASF is the 2017 Recipient of the National Points of Light Award
INTERVIEWS WITH MINDFUL ARTS SF FOUNDER, ANDREW J. NANCE
TELEVISION/VIDEO:
ABC/KGO 7 CLASS INTERVIEW & CLASS DEMO: CLICK HERE
CBS/KPIX BAY SUNDAY INTERVIEW: CLICK HERE
News UP Now “The Lion in Me” TV interview: CLICK HERE
SALESFORCE B-WELL TOGETHER PODCAST, Pandemic Parenting Edition: CLICK HERE
ZEN COMMUTER (VIDEO) : CLICK HERE
RADIO/PRINT/PODCASTS/BLOGS:
ARTICLE/AWARD: MINDFUL ARTS SAN FRANCISCO was the recipient of A Point of Light Award by The Point of Light Foundation: CLICK HERE
RADIO: KALW 91.7 Mindful Arts San Francisco radio interview: CLICK HERE
NEWSPAPER: Bay Area Reporter Puppy Mind & MASF article: CLICK HERE
PODCAST: Journey Forward with Joree Rose: CLICK HERE
PODCAST: HACK THE PROCESS, Mindfully Taming the Puppy Mind w/Mr. Nance: CLICK HERE
PODCAST: ZEN COMMUTER : CLICK HERE
PODCAST: THE COMPASSIONATE EDUCATOR: CLICK HERE
QUEER WORDS PODCAST: CLICK HERE
PODCAST: GLOBAL PhysED: CLICK HERE
PODCAST: MINDFUL EDUCATORS: CLICK HERE
READING W/YOUR KIDS PODCAST (Welcome every emotion & offer it tea): CLICK HERE
THE CHARACTER STRONG PODCAST: CLICK HERE
MINDFUL LIVING PODCAST: CLICK HERE
MINDFUL STORIES: Dr. Helen Maffini interviews Andrew Nance: CLICK HERE
JUST BREATHE: PARENTING A LGBT TEEN- THE MAGIC OF MINDFULNESS: CLICK HERE
BLOG: San Francisco Education Fund on MASF founder CLICK HERE
BLOG for Mindful Schools on awareness of the body: CLICK HERE
BLOG: Mindful Kids Coaching Interview: CLICK HERE
Contact Us
Mindful Arts San Francisco
c/o San Francisco Education Fund
650 Mission Street, 3rd Flr.
San Francisco, 94103
For information on volunteering at a school or requesting a volunteer to work with your school, contact Program Coordinator, Celina Baldizon:
For information on school assemblies, book readings, or Professional Development Workshops, contact MASF Founder and Lead Trainer, Andrew Jordan Nance:
Tel: 415- 819-3766