Heidi Demars began her career as an occupational therapist working in schools. However, her career path changed one day when she recognized a boy who was struggling in class. Demars said she knew something had happened to him and could see he wasn’t wiling to share about it. She decided to use a calming practice with him—and he opened up. She says that moment she realized teachers are at the forefront of dealing with social and emotional issues daily.

Demars now works with teachers and schools across the state as part of her Mindful You, Mindful Me practice. In this episode, Heidi explains how mindfulness can positively impact social and emotional health and shares tips and resources for implementing mindfulness in the classroom.

Resources:
http://www.ndplaylist.org
http://www.ndunited.org/thecuttinged

Growing Up Mindful by Christopher Willard
Mindfulness for Teachers by Patricia A. Jennings
Cultivating Mindfulness in the Classroom by Jeanie M. Iberlin

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