WE ARE HERE TO CONNECT
Addressing the Missing Links
in School-Based Health & Wellness
We are here to help bridge the gap between emotional development and a flourishing educational environment! Our MBMC method helps at-risk youth build self-awareness, improved decision-making, and resilience to face hardships.
Cumulative adversity and toxic stress weigh heavy on children and teachers in our school system. Kids need self-management tools and wellness support to succeed in the classroom and in life.
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The education and mentorship we provide restores the delicate relationship between the mind and body. Our skills-based approach is targeted, experienced, and evidence-based. We use a combination of practices like yoga and mindfulness to help kids feel centered and empowered to thrive.
Another goal is to help educators improve their own self-care. Healthy teachers are essential to a flourishing educational environment. We want to reinforce the link between educators and students. Teachers that participate in our sessions find reliable tools for self-care and learn social emotional skills to teach throughout their classrooms.
THE MBMC METHOD
Movement, Breathing, Meditation, Communication
MOVEMENT
(embodiment)
The solution to mental angst starts with shifting the landscape within our bodies. We offer movements such as yoga postures and non-combative martial arts to release deep tension, generate physical attunement, and let kids have fun!
Movement creates autonomy. Our students learn how to mindfully respond to tangible stress, while developing the capacity to feel strong and adaptable.
BREATHING
(calmness)
Our breath is the most powerful tool to manage feelings of anger, anxiousness, and sadness. We can down regulate the fight or flight response by simply learning how to breathe properly.
Specific breathing techniques enhance the signals to the brain that communicate with memory and emotional processing centers. Correcting breathing patterns is crucial to balancing our nervous system.
MEDITATION
(focus)
Meditation increases attention and self-control. Evidence-based studies consistently show that meditation improves cognitive function and the ability to manage fear and arousal responses.
You don't need to be a monk to meditate. Anyone can do it! A simple practice of prolonged concentration on the present moment is all it takes. A little focused stillness goes a long way in building composure and patience.
THE THERAPIST
COMMUNICATION
(be seen, be heard)
Communication is one of the primary ways we connect with and understand the world around us. We use communication techniques to help students identify and articulate their inner experience.
"Talking things out" generates improved direction and mental clarity. Language gives us the ability to define our reality and the meaning attached to it. Communication in safe social settings is fundamental to human health.
HOW IT WORKS
We tailor our program to meet the needs of your educational community
MBMC Children's Program (ages 12-17)
This 6-10 week program teaches children the essential skills of emotional regulation. We work with small groups or individuals for about 1-2 hours per session using our signature MBMC method.
We come directly to your school! Sessions can be held in your gymnasium, auditorium, or in a spacious classroom. Our method can be integrated during school hours or as an after school program. Kids will return to your classroom feeling more calm and focused.
Educators are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any of these sessions.
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MBMC Educators Workshops
Our educator workshops provide a playful, interactive, and insightful experience that leave participants feeling refreshed and grounded. You team of teachers will release tension through gentle yoga practices like accessible postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Sessions are incorporated during virtual or in-person staff meetings. MBMC for educators can individual, monthly, or quarterly offerings. The skills taught in these workshops are transferable to the classroom and into every day life.
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Learn why these methods work.
Here are just a few of the numerous resources and evidence-based studies explaining why this method works time and time again.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
"Scientists have found that regular participation in exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem."
Harvard Medical School
"Breath focus is a common feature of several techniques that evoke the relaxation response."
National Academy of Science
"Short term meditation training improves attention and self regulation."
Research by Bessel A van der Kolk MD
"A 10 week weekly yoga program can significantly reduce PTSD."
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THE MBMC TEAM
THE YOGI
My name is Michael Fong.
I am the co-founder of Roots to Wings Yoga and began practicing yoga over 16 years ago. My teaching style consists of blending knowledge from both eastern and western modalities to offer the practice in a relevant and accessible way.
I have spent that past decade leading yoga classes, teacher trainings, and retreats in Sacramento and all over the globe. My diverse education has involved a Bachelor’s degree at California State University Sacramento, yoga studies in ashrams, meditation studies in monasteries, and more!
My love of service for underprivileged youth and deep respect for teachers fuels my passion to share the MBMC method.
THE THERAPIST
My name is Kim Hughes.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and the Director of School Based Mental Health Services for Sierra Child and Family Services. I have been providing mental health services to high risk youth and their families since 1993.
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Westfield State University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College 1992.
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I approach all my work with a strong back and open heart. I work to empower and celebrate the resiliency of young people. It is my honor to work with youth in their natural environments and help them recognize their potential to grow and become leaders.
THE ATHLETE
My name is Max Griffin.
I am a professional mixed martial arts athlete and passionate community servant. My accomplishments and championships at the state level helped elevate me to the most prestigious martial arts organization in the world: the UFC.
My martial arts experience started when I was seven years old. It helped lay the foundation of who I am today. Martial Arts taught me about respect, non-harm, discipline, and honor.
I use my platform to motivate and inspire individuals, especially underprivileged youth in the Sacramento area. I use my personal story of hard work, determination, and passion to participate in school assemblies and community outreach programs.
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My mission is to create a better future for generations to come.