In this enlightening episode of The Ripple Effect, we're joined by Dawn Lehman, an expert in mediation and restorative practices. With over a decade of experience in conflict resolution, Dawn has facilitated more than 100 restorative dialogues addressing issues ranging from minor school infractions to serious violent felonies. A Professional Coach and a steadfast practitioner of mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge on living in alignment with one's ideals.   Throughout our discussion, Dawn shares her insights on how individuals, organizations, and communities can foster environments that reflect shared values and support mutual growth. She delves into the transformative power of restorative practices in healing and strengthening relationships, and provides practical advice for anyone looking to navigate conflicts with grace and effectiveness. Join us as Dawn Lehman enlightens us on the paths towards peace and understanding, both within ourselves and in our interactions with others, reinforcing the profound impact of mindfulness and empathy in everyday life. Whether you're dealing with personal challenges or professional disputes, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to create more harmonious and effective interactions in their life. Tune in to discover how you can be a part of the ripple effect that transforms conflict into collaboration. ----more---- Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

In this enriching episode of The Ripple Effect, host Stephanie Romero welcomes a visionary in the world of education, Randy Bartlett, the Head of School and Founder at City of Bridges High School. With a profound journey spanning over two decades in education and non-profit organizations, Randy has shaped minds across various roles—public school teacher, principal, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and more. His extensive academic background, including a BA in History and Religion, a M.Ed. in Integrated Learning, a certificate in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change, underscores his deep commitment to transformative education. As someone who has designed and directed the Pittsburgh Urban Teaching Corp and imparts wisdom at Chatham University, Randy brings a wealth of experience and insight into creating educational environments that thrive on mindfulness and appreciation. This conversation delves into how educators can integrate these values into their teaching methodologies to cultivate a more empathetic, aware, and engaged student body. Stephanie and Randy explore the practicalities and philosophies behind making educational spaces not just centers of learning but sanctuaries of growth and personal development. They discuss the impact of mindfulness practices in the classroom, the power of appreciating diverse perspectives, and the importance of nurturing emotional and social intelligence alongside academic achievements. Listeners will leave this episode inspired by Randy’s innovative approaches to education, armed with practical tips and thoughtful strategies to bring mindfulness and appreciation into their own educational practices or learning environments. Whether you're an educator, parent, or someone passionate about positive change in education, this episode offers valuable insights into creating more inclusive, mindful, and appreciative educational experiences for all. Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

We've got a special treat for you on "The Ripple Effect Podcast with Stephanie Romero" this week. Dive into the fascinating world of Online Content Design with none other than Brian Walsh as our guest! Brian, a proud alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Supply Chain Management, found his calling through mindfulness and giving back to the community. His journey with Awaken Pittsburgh since 2020 has been nothing short of inspiring, emphasizing the transformative power of welcoming not just for the self but for everyone around us. Join us as Brian opens up about welcoming us into his unique world of Online Content Design. It's an episode filled with insights, stories, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from truly embracing the art of mindfulness and community service. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Tune in to "The Ripple Effect Podcast with Stephanie Romero" on your favorite podcast platform. Whether you're on your morning walk, driving to work, or just looking for some inspiration, let Brian's journey remind you of the incredible impact mindfulness can have on our lives and careers. Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Join Stephanie Romero on this riveting episode of The Ripple Effect as she dives deep into the heart of entrepreneurship and personal growth with guest Adam Paulisick -  CEO, SkillBuilder.io, a renowned entrepreneurial powerhouse known for his innovative approach to business and life. In a world that's constantly pushing towards more, Adam brings a refreshing perspective on mindfulness and the transformative concept of "welcoming." As they explore the intricacies of building a business in today's fast-paced environment, Stephanie and Adam discuss how embracing mindfulness can lead to profound changes not just in the boardroom, but in every aspect of our lives. Adam shares his journey, revealing how the practice of "welcoming" — accepting every moment and challenge with openness and readiness — has been a game-changer in his approach to entrepreneurship and personal fulfillment. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's an invitation to rethink the hustle culture that dominates the entrepreneurial world. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, Stephanie and Adam will guide you through the practical steps of integrating mindfulness into your daily routine, transforming challenges into opportunities, and how to truly welcome the journey of entrepreneurship with all its ups and downs. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone interested in enhancing your personal development, this episode offers valuable lessons on the power of mindfulness and welcoming in achieving success and harmony. Tune in to The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero and let this conversation inspire you to embrace a more mindful approach to your entrepreneurial endeavors and life itself. Book Resources: People of the Lie59 SecondsNever Split the DifferenceKing, Warrior, Magician, LoverQuiet by Susan CainThe Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Dive into an exhilarating journey on The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero, Ed.D podcast, where the transformative magic of mental health, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence unfolds in every episode. This time, Stephanie Romero, visionary Executive Director of Awaken Pittsburgh, embarks on an enlightening discussion with Sarah Hamilton. A powerhouse in the CPG industry and a Board Member at Awaken Pittsburgh, Sarah brings her dynamic leadership skills from her vast experiences in government, enterprise software, and sales to the forefront. With her exceptional talent in quantitative data analysis, category management, and unlocking the secrets of shopper/consumer insights, Sarah has been instrumental in propelling Fortune 500 CPG companies to new heights. Her impressive ability to lead sales teams, clinch strategic deals, and deliver unparalleled value to clients is nothing short of inspiring. Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah serves as the Treasurer for The Seats Foundation, championing civic engagement and community connection with an innovative mobile app. Living in Idaho with her husband and their two beloved dogs, Kona and Bella, Sarah embraces the great outdoors with zeal. Prepare to be captivated by this episode's deep dive into how cultivating awareness can be a powerful catalyst for personal transformation and emotional wellness. Join us for an adventure of insight and inspiration on The Ripple Effect. Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, where we dive deep into the transformative power of mental health, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. In this episode, host Stephanie Romero, Executive Director of Awaken Pittsburgh, engages in a captivating conversation with Shannon Jenkins. Shannon is an Awaken Pittsburgh facilitator and dedicated tutor for neurodivergent learners. Together, they explore the profound topic of "Awareness" and its pivotal role in Shannon's personal and professional practices. Shannon shares her journey of becoming intimately aware of her emotions, describing it as the key to navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience. She reflects, "Emotional awareness provides me with a road map to navigate difficult or unpleasant emotions in my life. Not only did I not know what to do with them before, I didn't even notice them or even denied them, at times. I'm not a passenger in an unmanned car without shock absorbers any longer."  Shannon has had two life events that have placed her squarely in the experience of life-before and life-after: cancer and the loss of mobility as-she-knew-it at age twelve, and the death of her brother when she was 27. Both carved the paths she would take to working with neurodivergent learners and the gravitation to mindfulness practice. Shannon began teaching neurodivergent learners in 1999, and has worked as a caseworker for non-profits and government agencies as well. She has been in relationship with meditation and mindfulness practice for 11 years. Shannon finds putting hands in soil, petting animals, laughter, silliness, movement, and deep hugs to be an important part of this practice. She believes learning to love where you are is a radical act. This episode promises to be an enlightening exploration of how awareness can serve as a fundamental tool for personal growth and emotional health. Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a division of Elevate 1 Consulting. Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support