Reusuable Pattern: Mindfulness Graduate Certificate Careers

Student & Alumni Stories

Sarah Lowell Harmon ’18

Sarah had been incorporating mindfulness techniques into her work as a psychotherapist and yoga instructor for years before she decided to pursue her certificate in Mindfulness Studies at Lesley. Through her coursework and experiences, she’s building an even more solid foundation in mindfulness theory and practice while also gaining fresh perspectives to fuel and inform her work. But her studies haven’t just impacted her professionally. “The program has sparked a new dedication to my own personal practice, which in my mind is the most important piece for teaching and integrating mindfulness into my work,” says Sarah.

Student & Alumni Stories

Mary Ann Erickson ’18

Dr. Mary Ann Erickson has a mission: To encourage students to take a deeper look at their fears about aging. As an associate professor of gerontology at Ithaca College, she’s working to help others to understand the kinds of thoughts and misconceptions that lead to ageism. Through Mary Ann’s teaching, students engage fears and transform them through contemplative practice. “Students think that mindfulness is about having nothing on your mind,” says Mary Ann. “I try to point out that it’s about being a good observer of your mind, examining your thoughts, and asking ‘why am I thinking that?’”

Student & Alumni Stories

Jennifer Cassidy ’17

Jennifer is passionate about the connection between mindfulness and education. As a customer success manager at LinkedIn Learning, she helps others get the most out of their learning experiences every day. Working with university communities nationwide, she holds information sessions for users of LinkedIn’s online learning platform. At the end of each presentation, she incorporates a few minutes of reflection time. “Before my participants leave me and go off to the next thing, we take a moment of silence” says Jennifer. “It’s all about being present in the moment. That silence can create a huge sense of relief for people.”

Careers & Applications

Where Mindfulness Skills Are In Demand

From healthcare and education to business and first responders, a growing number of sectors are embracing mindfulness to alleviate stress and develop healthier learning and working environments.

Those who are trained in mindfulness will be in increasingly high demand in areas where their training can positively affect the wellbeing of others. Lesley’s programs emphasize the integration of mindfulness in a variety of professional practice settings, to provide you with a solid foundation in your chosen field.