What is Mindfulness?
Backed by more than 35 years of research, mindfulness aids us in regulating difficult emotions and physical pain and increasing kindness and empathy toward self and others. The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice at Utah State University offers a variety of mindfulness classes both in-person at the Logan USU campus and 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.
Mindfulness Course Pricing
We offer this training on a scale so you can pay according to your conditions. Specific dollar amount prices are available on the course pages. The price 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 one full scholarship each semester. To apply for the opportunity to receive the training for free, please contact with the instructor via email joana.franco@usu.edu.
Note: cancellations with refund will be accepted as long as the request is sent up to 48 hours before the start of the training.
Testimonials from Past Mindfulness Students
Dominic Part 1
Dominic Part 2
JoLynne
Andrea