What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a human skill that we can cultivate through training our intentional attention and attitude. Backed by more than 35 years of research, mindfulness aids us in reducing stress and anxiety, regulating difficult emotions and physical pain, increasing our capacity for inner peace and happiness, as well as for empathy and connection with self and others. The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice at Utah State University offers a variety of synchronous mindfulness classes, both in person at the Logan USU campus and online over Zoom.
Meet the Instructor
Joana Franco has a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences from Utah State University (USU). She works currently as an instructional designer and mindfulness coach at the IDRPP. Her doctoral research was in the design of online training to support graduate students and help them engage in mindfulness practices. Joana's purpose is to promote awareness and compassion at the core of human relationships, helping both individuals and institutions to transform themselves. She hopes to contribute to a shift in perspective and action within higher education, creating well-being and a more conscious and kind environment for all.
Joana holds a bachelor's degree in Social Communication and a master's degree in Communication and Technology. Before her doctoral studies at USU, she worked as a professor and course coordinator at a private university in Brazil. In addition to the academic background, Joana has over 30 years of deep personal practice in a variety of contemplative and meditation exercises. She is certified by UC Berkeley as a mindfulness teacher through the MMTCP training, led by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. She is also a certified yoga and somatic breathwork instructor. She has training in mindful communication and mindful leadership to help bring applied mindfulness to the workplace.
Trainings Pricing
We offer our synchronous Mindfulness Trainings always on a sliding scale, so you can pay according to your current conditions. Starting at the full dollar amount price, you can get from 25% up to 75% off any training*. The discount options are:
- Supporter: pays for cost of the training that supports the teacher and the teachings to continue
- Reduced: pays 25% less than the cost of the training - Use the code MIND25 to purchase
- Minimum: pays 50% less than the cost of the training - Use the code MIND50 to purchase
- Scholarship: pays 75% less than the cost of the training, (recommended for students, BIPOC, and other populations in need) - Use the code MIND75 to purchase
In case you cannot pay for the training in any of the capacities listed above, we offer a number of full scholarships each semester. To apply for the opportunity to receive a training for free, please contact with the instructor via email joana.franco@usu.edu.
*Note: Specific dollar amount prices for each training are available on the mindfulness trainings enrollment page.
Drops of Mindfulness
Free Guided Mediation Every Semester!
Join us twice a week for a 15-minute guided meditation practice to cultivate mindfulness and improve well-being. These practices are offered freely every Tuesday and Thursday, at 8:45 AM (Mountain Time), via Zoom. Drops will happen through the Fall semester from 09/01 to 12/10.
Drops are offered every semester completely free of charge to anyone at USU and to those who have done a mindfulness training with Joana. Please consider making a donation to support the IDRPP Mindfulness Trainings. If you feel called to practice generosity in this way, please visit our donation page. Any amount is welcomed! :)
Testimonials from Past Students
Dominic (Part 1)
Dominic (Part 2)
JoLynne
Andrea