On Thursday, May 2nd, Leigh-Ann Larson, Clinical Director, and Allyson Balara, Clinical Therapist, both of Elevate Counseling Services, Inc., led an interactive professional development seminar for the STI staff. They focused on the positive outcomes of mindfulness (the practice of paying attention in the present moment) which can greatly reduce stress and enable students to focus and actively engage in the classroom. Relaxation techniques were discussed and practiced along with the sharing of helpful information as it relates to the teaching profession and stress factors that come in to play for both students and instructors. Several resources, including hand-outs, websites, and phone apps, were provided that can benefit individuals of any age, background, or profession.聽
