The RETHiNK Kit came to fruition thanks to the hard work and dedication of a select members of the Mindfulness Without Borders team. An additional dose of gratitude to the many teachers, health professionals, mindfulness practitioners, researchers and young people who’ve informed and tested the activities in their respective communities. In 2005, The Huffington Post recognized Mindfulness Without Borders as one of the next ten generational organizations that are changing the world.
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Meet Our Team
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FOUNDER
Theo Koffler
Theo is a former corporate VP turned award-winning social entrepreneur who passionately advocates for social and emotional health and secular mindfulness in society, with a special focus in conflict and post conflict countries. She oversees MWB’s strategic long-term initiatives and is the steward for international partnerships.Her background as a mindfulness practitioner informs her work as a Lead Facilitator of MWB’s programs, Senior Faculty member at University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Education and the creation of The RETHiNK Kit.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & LEAD TRAINER
Leah Gardiner
Leah is responsible for management of program strategy, stakeholder relations, research and day-to-day operations – making her an incredibly valuable part of the MWB team. She is a seasoned facilitator, leading MWB’s professional development programs and Facilitator Certification trainings, globally, including at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. Leah directs MWB’s research projects in Canada and the United States – including the Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (PEPP) at London Victoria Hospital, Ontario. In her spare time, you can find Leah reading, lifting and enjoying the city with her dog, Stanley.
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ARTISTIC & MARKETING LEAD
Rachelle Maynard
As Artistic and Marketing Lead, Rachelle brings a wealth of knowledge and creative talent to the MWB team. She is responsible for the newly upgraded The RETHiNK Kit and has drastically improved the visual design and user experience. Rachelle is an independent art director with 17 years in the creative field. She has worked as an illustrator, Art Director and Video Producer. Her client list includes The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Globe & Mail, Humber College, Nienkamper and many more.
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VOLUNTEER MARKETING INTERN
Luis Soriano
Luis is our first marketing intern for The RETHiNK Kit. A full-time Political Science student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Luis is an advocate for youth mental health. His indefatigable efforts in researching Indigenous Schools and youth organizations in under-represented communities ensured that these organizations become part of our #Here4U campaign – offering affiliated educators and health professionals free access to our educational resource. In his free time, he likes to hike in nature and sing to Justin Timberlake songs.
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EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Sarah Burke
Over the years Sarah’s passion for teaching has taken her to classrooms around the world including Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Scotland, England, and France. Currently she teaches English, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science at a high school Collingwood, Ontario. Most recently, Sarah joined the RETHiNK Team and has integrated her lesson planning and editing skills into the second edition of the Kit. She has also published a children’s book, "Kids Go Wild: Adventures in the Canadian Rockies." Her compassion, empathy and kindness illuminates the very path she walks.
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EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Emily Baraf
Emily is a creative, and passionate writer with a wide range of professional experience across the media industry. Her editing talents have contributed to MWB’s curriculum and marketing materials and monthly newsletters. Over the course of her career has worked for a variety of companies including Facebook, NBC News, Weight Watchers, Mount Sinai Hospital and Gawker Media. Emily primarily works as a writer, editor and journalist, but has experience as an indexer, researcher and proofreader.