Simone Figueroa is the Co-Founder and President of U-Thrive Educational Services, an organization that brings mental and emotional wellness programs to college students to help them manage stress, become more resilient, and thrive throughout their undergraduate experience and beyond. Simone graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Finance and concentration in Spirituality and Health. She also graduated top of her class from Columbia University with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology in Education with an emphasis on Mind-Body Medicine. During her studies at Columbia University, Simone took a year long practicum in Positive Psychology and became fascinated with and quickly saw a need for Positive Education, which led to the start of U-Thrive Educational Services. Simone’s professional journey began at Canyon Ranch, a premier Health & Wellness Resort in Tucson, AZ where she held various positions ranging from Operations Manager of Health, Healing & Spiritual Wellness to Director of Guest Experience.

• Website: www.UThriveEducation.com

• My Parents

• Mindfulness has dampened my emotions when they need to be dampened and heightened them when they need to be heightened.

• Breathing is the greatest gift. If we're breathing, we're alive. It is the tool we have with us everywhere we go. It's the easiest, quickest way we can drop into the present moment, by taking a few quick, deep breaths.

• Book: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

• In sixth grade I was bullied. When I think back to it now, I feel like I tried to compartmentalize and maybe put away some of the feelings that I felt. I feel like I knew that I was just chronically sad.

• 185 Better Leaders, Better Schools, Principal Daniel Bauer

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