VIA Certified MBSP Practitioners
VIA-credentialed practitioners are global leaders in mindfulness, strengths, and well-being. Each professional has completed Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) and earned their MBSP Certification, equipping them to teach MBSP to individuals and groups with skill, integrity, and authenticity.
They are trained to deliver strengths-based, mindfulness-infused programs that support personal and professional growth across industries.
Our Global Partners in MBSP
VIA is proud to collaborate with a select network of international partners who bring Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) to communities around the world. You can find practitioners listed on this page were certified through VIA’s partnerships with organizations such as DGPP, Tecmilenio Universidad, Flourishing Vietnam, and other trusted MBSP training providers.
These partnerships help expand access to high-quality MBSP education while maintaining VIA’s rigorous standards of excellence.
You’ll find our full list of international translation and training partners at the bottom of this page. See Certified Translation Partners to learn who they are, the languages they support, and how they help bring MBSP to more communities across the globe.
Asia
Name | Josephine Chan |
josephinechan@valueinasset.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | Hong Kong |
Language(s) | English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin) |
Institution or Company | Private Practice |
Population Served | Working professionals, parents, students, mentors, mentees |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-chan-56408452 |
Bio | Dr. Josephine Chan is an accomplished ex-banker turned counselor from Hong Kong, with a diverse background in Finance, Psychology, Linguistics and Education. Early in her career, she worked closely with private clients to manage investment portfolios, a role that deepened her understanding of the complex human hierarchical needs associated with personal and family wealth management. This pivotal experience ignited her passion for further studies apart from her Bachelor’s degree obtained in Canada. She received a Master's degree in Theology in Hong Kong and a Master's degree in Psychological Counseling from Australia. The invaluable insights into human behavior and societal dynamics sparked her interests in advancing her knowledge of globalization and leadership, which ultimately led her to achieve a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from the United States. Since establishing her private practice in Counselling in 2015, Josephine has empowered clients to develop effective stress coping mechanisms, self-coaching skills, and improve their overall well-being. She frequently conducts parenting workshops, career talks, and strength-based workshops for working professionals, parents, students, mentors and mentees, collaborating with various educational institutions, as well as public and private organizations. In addition to her professional endeavors, Josephine is actively involved in voluntary works with NGOs, which promote physical and mental health while supporting charitable organizations dedicated to meaningful causes. |
Name | Namita Piparaiya |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | India |
Language(s) | English, Hindi |
Institution or Company | Yoganama Wellness |
Population Served | Corporate professionals |
Social Media | yoganama (IG and YT) https://www.instagram.com/yoganama/ |
Bio | Namita is the founder of Yoganama Wellness and is passionate about helping people live healthier lifestyles. Before finding her calling in Wellness & Content Creation, Namita was an MBA and senior corporate executive with MNCs such as Citibank, Aviva, & Future Generali. She now focuses on health behaviour change and simplifying complex concepts to drive real-world impact. As a content creator and certified Yoga & Mindfulness coach, she empowers individuals to make sustainable shifts in their lifestyles. She also supports startups to enhance productivity and build impactful, purpose-driven initiatives. |
Name | Eugene Tee |
teeyj@help.edu.my | |
Certification Year | 2021 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Malaysia |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Students, adults, and junior executives |
Social Media | |
Bio | Eugene (Yu Jin) Tee is an Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, HELP University Malaysia, where he teaches and conducts research on emotions and positive psychology. Eugene holds a PhD in Management from the University of Queensland and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice Certified Practitioner and Reflected Best Self Exercise (RBSE) Certified Facilitator. His work has been published in several academic journals, including Emotion Review, The Leadership Quarterly, Asian Journal of Social Psychology, Journal of Affective Disorders, and The International Journal of Wellbeing. Eugene is a TEDx speaker and features regularly on national radio, speaking on topics related to emotions, emotional intelligence, and well-being. He has conducted training for numerous organizations, including JP Morgan and the New Zealand High Commission. Eugene is the founder of Emotivity, a web portal that features research on emotions and resources on developing emotional intelligence (www.emotivity.my). He is the author and co-author of three books, one of which, The Science of Feelings, was awarded by the National Book Council as one of the 50 Best Malaysian Titles for International Rights in 2021/2022. Eugene’s signature strengths are creativity, judgment, humility, prudence, and perspective. He loves to write, and alternates between this with reading, playing video games, and crafting personalized origami artwork as gifts for his friends. |
Name | Sayaka Yonehara |
sayaka.yonehara@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | Japan |
Language(s) | Japanese, English |
Institution or Company | |
Population Served | New and tenured managers, working population, and people taking career breaks |
Social Media | |
Bio | Everyone deserves a space where they can feel safe, seen, and supported as they reconnect with who they truly are. After spending over a decade in corporate sales and training in global companies, I faced a turning point in my mid-30s — marked by personal and professional losses. That difficult time led me to explore mindfulness and strengths-based approaches, both of which helped me rebuild my self-trust and compassion. Today, as a certified MBSP (Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice) teacher, I support individuals and organizations through coaching, workshops, and dialogue-based programs. My approach is rooted in the belief that personal growth doesn't require competition, and that meaningful change begins when we feel safe enough to be ourselves. I specialize in creating warm, reflective spaces where people can: - pause and tune into what matters most to them, - uncover and appreciate their inner strengths, and - learn to grow in connection with others, not in comparison. Whether you're navigating change or challenges, seeking clarity or simply wanting to reconnect with yourself, I’m here to guide the process with care, structure, and heart. |
Australia & New Zealand
Name | Madhavan (Mady) Mani |
mady@thriver.com.au | |
Certification Year | 2026 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Australia |
Language(s) | English, Tamil |
Population Served | Students, adults |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhavanmani/ |
Bio | I am a digital health and wellbeing practitioner with a background in computer science, psychology, and digital mental health. I have worked across research, education, and healthcare settings, contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of mental health and wellbeing interventions in both digital and in-person contexts. I was drawn to MBSP because it brings together mindfulness, character strengths, and spirituality. I have explored meditation since my youth, and practical spirituality has long been close to my heart. My interests in positive psychology, strengths, and mindfulness found a natural home in MBSP. My approach is grounded in psychological science, with an emphasis on making mindfulness and strengths practice practical, meaningful, and sustainable in everyday life. I am also a certified digital wellbeing coach, with a strong interest in how technology shapes attention, behaviour, and wellbeing. This informs my work in supporting people to develop healthier, more intentional relationships with digital tools. I work with adults, professionals, and organisations, and hold a particular passion for supporting teens and young people during periods of growth and transition, while staying grounded in values, and human connection. |
Central America
Name | Julio Enrique Wong |
julio0852@yahoo.com | |
Certification Year | 2023 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Panamá |
Language(s) | Spanish, English |
Population Served | Adults, organizations, professionals in various sectors and industries |
Social Media | |
Bio | My name is Julio Wong, and I’m here to support you in reclaiming the balance, well-being, and sense of purpose that may have been lost amidst the stress and demands of daily life. With over 25 years of experience in Mindfulness and Psychology, I guide individuals through personal transformation processes, helping them reconnect with themselves and cultivate a fuller, more meaningful life. |
North America
Name | Omar Aguilar |
omar@solucionarte.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Solucionarte |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish, English |
Population Served | Primarily for university teachers and students, but also for company employees. |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitnelav/ |
Bio | Omar Aguilar is a specialist in strategy, positive leadership, and organizational management, with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and organizations in achieving their goals. He holds a Master's degree in Positive Organizational Management and Positive Leadership, which allows him to combine productivity methodologies with approaches focused on well-being and human flourishing. His career encompasses academic leadership, strategic consulting, and the creation of intervention models to optimize talent, communication, and results. He has worked with entrepreneurs, companies, foundations, universities, and governments, designing programs that integrate planning, change management, and human skills development. |
Name | Yesenia Alcantara Andrade |
yeseniaandrade282@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Tecmilenio |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish |
Population Served | Corporate leaders and Human Resources professionals |
Social Media | https://www.instagram.com/yesea_ndrade |
Bio | I work in Human Resources, where I have dedicated my career to supporting leaders and team members in their professional development, serving as a strategic partner to organizations. My background in Psychology and Business Administration has allowed me to integrate a human and analytical perspective into talent management, strengthening organizational cultures focused on well-being, productivity, and a deep sense of belonging. As a promoter of wellbeing, I incorporate mindfulness practices as a key tool for personal and professional balance, fostering awareness, self-awareness, and emotional management within teams. Through these practices, I am to help create more conscious, collaborative, and resilient workplaces where individual growth translates into sustainable results. My professional purpose is to continue strengthening positive leadership and organizational practices that recognize people as the most valuable resource for the success and long-term impact of every organization. |
Name | Cosiamo (Peter) Baverso |
pbaverso@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2023 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Italy and the United States |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Professionals in the public sector, non-profit boards, and younger-emerging adults. |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbaverso/ https://www.instagram.com/umaniamo/ |
Bio | Primary interest is in strengths use and mental health. Also, organizational performance has been a big part of my career. |
Name | Jhonatan Barrios Bustos |
informes@potencialhumanointegral.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | México |
Language(s) | Spanish |
Population Served | Students, adults and organizations, professionals in various sectors and industries |
Social Media | https://www.instagram.com/jhonatanbarriosbustos |
Bio | For over 20 years, I have dedicated myself to guiding individuals and professionals on their personal growth journey. I am a publicist with a master's degree in Human Development, another in Neuropsychology and Education, and I am currently a doctoral candidate in Human Potential Development. Throughout this time, I have had the opportunity to help thousands of people discover their potential, strengthen their well-being, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. My journey with Character Strengths began in 2013 when I met Ryan Niemiec, director of science and education at the VIA Institute and creator of the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program. That encounter opened my eyes to a new perspective on human beings. It was then that Positive Psychology helped me see the "good side" of people, and I understood that true development consists not only of correcting what we believe is wrong but also of discovering, understanding, and developing our strengths. Since then, I have focused my work on this approach. I am a Strengths Coach and certified facilitator of the international MBSP (Mindfulness Based Strengths Practice) program, which combines mindfulness with character strengths to live with more balance, clarity and meaning. |
Name (Charter Member) | Danielle Casioppo |
daniellec@viacharacter.org | |
Certification Year | 2021 |
Institute or Company | Yale University |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | University employees |
Social Media | |
Bio | Danielle Casioppo is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, a certified yoga teacher, and meditation instructor. She brings over 10 years of experience creating and delivering transformational programs that enrich the well-being of participants. Danielle earned a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Applied Psychology, while working full time. Subsequently she completed foundational course work in Positive Psychology with the University of Pennsylvania and through the New York certificate in Applied Positive Psychology program. Danielle is one of 15 international charter certified Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) instructors and a proud faculty member with the VIA Institute on Character. She's also a certified instructor of Mental Health First Aid, which she teaches along with MBSP and other positive psychology-based programs, as well as yoga and meditation, at Yale University where she is the Education Specialist and Coordinator with Being Well at Yale. In addition, Danielle is a well-received speaker conducting presentations on various well-being topics in the community. In 2020, she contributed to the Journal of Positive Psychology’s special issue on joy with her article, The Cultivation of Joy: Practices from the Buddhist tradition, positive psychology, and yogic philosophy (2019). Additionally, she has been featured in various articles on joy, gratitude, yoga, and well-being, in USA Today, India Currents, and in numerous local publications. |
Name | Lobna Cherif |
lobna.cherif@rmc.ca | |
Certification Year | 2022 |
Institute or Company | Royal Military College of Canada |
Country | Canada |
Language(s) | English, French, Arabic |
Population Served | Canadian Armed Forces Members (Military and Civilian Youth and Adults) and university students |
Social Media | |
Bio | Lobna Chérif, PhD, is Chair in Resilience and Associate Professor at the Royal Military College of Canada. She founded the RMC Resilience Plus Program and leads evidence-based initiatives to build resilience, leadership, and well-being in the CAF and globally. With a PhD in Psychology and advanced certifications in Positive Psychology, Coaching, and Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice, her research applies psychological science to leadership and performance in high-stress settings. |
Name | Yundi Chi |
Certification Year | 2023 |
Institute or Company | CHI Institute, CHI Voices (Nonprofit) |
Country | United States & China |
Language(s) | English, Mandarin/ Chinese |
Population Served | I-12, organization instructional coaching, university |
Social Media | |
Bio |
Name | Shelley Cox |
shelley@shelleycox.ca | |
Certification Year | 2024 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Canada |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Entrepreneurial to Corporate Women Leaders at all levels |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-cox-ba-pcc-cec-seic-she-her-a226428/ |
Bio |
Name | Rocio Flores |
rocio.flores@tec.mx | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Tec de Monterrey |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish |
Population Served | University |
Social Media | https://linktr.ee/ignita_creatividad_mindfulness |
Bio | Rocío del Carmen Flores Martínez holds a degree in Architecture from Tecnológico de Monterrey (May 1996). She has been teaching at the same institution since 2002 and has served as a Student Mentor since 2018. She is a certified instructor in Six Thinking Hats® and Lateral Thinking® by de Bono Thinking Systems. She also holds a diploma from the Mexican Institute of Mindfulness and is an active member of its instructor network. Rocío has trained more than 700 people in Creativity and Innovation techniques, as well as in Mindfulness practices. Since 2012, she has integrated mindfulness practice into her teaching, courses, and personal life. She has completed the Pragmatic Meditation Course (2012), the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course (2013), and the Mindfulness Training Diploma (2015–2016). She is a certified Conscious Business Executive Coach by the Conscious Business Center (2018–2020) and founder of IGNITA \| Creativity and Mindfulness. Rocío is also certified in Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) under Professor Masaya Okamoto, Leader of Contemplative Sciences and Character Formation at the Institute of Wellbeing Science (ICBI) and The VIA Institute (August 2025). Currently, she is pursuing a Diploma in Mental Health for Mentors through TEC Salud, LiFE, and Continuing Education. She teaches courses, workshops, and conferences on creative processes, mindfulness, and the practice of Character Strengths. |
Name | Ana Belem García-Sierra |
abgarciasierra@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Tecmilenio, OMDAI and private practice |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish and English |
Population Served | Health Personnel, Working moms, some companies |
Social Media | https://www.instagram.com/anabelemmd |
Bio | Currently, I integrate medical practice with a contemplative approach, promoting holistic well-being through neuroscience, positive psychology, and mindfulness. I am committed to transforming higher education through compassionate methodologies, strengths-based mindfulness practices, and conscious leadership. My purpose is to contribute to an educational and health culture based on presence, life purpose, and authentic connection. |
Name | Martha Patricia Garza Alejo |
patricia@unplanbmx.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | SenoplastMx, BachocoMX, Tecmilenio, CBC (Center for Conscious Business), Javeriana University Colombia |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish |
Population Served | Coaches, mentors, facilitators, and university professors, business executives |
Social Media | https://www.unplanbmx.com/ |
Bio | I am a person in continuous growth and evolution, based on my life experience and ongoing professional training. My role as a coach, mentor, and facilitator is to create spaces of trust, presence, and active listening, co-creating a laboratory where my clients can observe themselves, discover themselves, validate themselves, grow, get to know themselves, manage their emotions, and, above all, discover their best selves. I work in the three dimensions in which a professional operates: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and in their objectives and goals. With Fred Kofman at the CBC as a coach and facilitator, she accompanied the company. |
Name | Ixchel Hernandez |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Tecmilenio and by myself |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish and English |
Population Served | Everybody |
Social Media | |
Bio | I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, as well as a Master’s in Family Sciences. I am certified in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and in Couples Therapy. Additionally, I am a disciple of Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar at the Happiness Studies Academy, where I have deepened my understanding of human flourishing and the science of happiness. Guided by my Catholic faith, my vocation has always centered on serving others with empathy, integrity, and love. For over twenty years, I have worked as a teacher and mentor for young people, focusing on topics of Wellness and Happiness. Through this experience, I have witnessed the profound impact of cultivating self-awareness, emotional balance, and positive habits that foster a meaningful and joyful life. As a wife and mother, I strive to live the same values I teach—building strong, faith-filled family bonds and promoting emotional and spiritual well-being. I believe the family is the foundation of society and the first school of love, responsibility, and purpose. Combining my background in business, psychology, and family sciences, I am passionate about helping individuals and families find harmony, resilience, and authentic happiness in their daily lives. My mission is to continue learning, teaching, and inspiring others to live with intention, gratitude, and a deep sense of fulfillment. |
Name | Dee Mackenzie |
deelach@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2024 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Students, adults |
Social Media | |
Bio |
Name (Charter Member) | Claudia Morales Cueto |
claudia.morcueto@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2022 |
Country | Mexico |
Institute or Company | |
Language(s) | Spanish, English |
Population Served | Adults in different settings and women interested in spiritual development |
Social Media | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-morales-cueto-mlp-4715aa69/ IG @paraserfelizhoy |
Bio |
Name | Kyle Moses |
Kyle.s.moses@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Veterans, professionals in transition, and retirees |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-moses-phd/ |
Bio |
Name | Jennifer Muth |
jmuth@odu.edu | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Institution or Company | |
Population Served | College Students |
Social Media | |
Bio |
Name | Emily Norman |
emily2j@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Institution or Company | |
Population Served | Adult Women |
Social Media | |
Bio |
Name | Pilar Padilla |
pilar.padilla@mac.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish |
Population Served | I am inspired to work with corporate professionals, executives, and individuals who seek purposeful transformation through deeper consciousness, mindful leadership, and strengths-based growth. I hold the space for beings navigating personal and professional transitions who are committed to cultivating presence, emotional awareness, and resilience—fostering wellbeing and flourishing so they can lead and live with clarity, intention, and authenticity. |
Social Media | www.linkedin.com/in/pilar-padilla-coach |
Bio | Pilar Padilla is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), with more than a decade of experience and over 2,500 hours of professional coaching practice. Her work is rooted in expanding consciousness, cultivating mindful presence, and fostering wellbeing through strengths-based development. With training in Positive Psychology and the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), Pilar supports people navigating personal and professional transitions, helping them deepen emotional awareness, authenticity, and intentional action. Her approach integrates mindfulness, character strengths, and relational awareness to promote sustained growth and flourishing. Pilar works with diverse sectors and global organizations, partnering with leaders, corporate professionals, and individuals seeking purposeful transformation. She is inspired to hold the space for people committed to cultivating presence, resilience, and conscious development—accompanying them as they step into more grounded, connected, and flourishing versions of themselves. |
Name | Karen Pappas |
karen@pappas2.com | |
Certification Year | 2023 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Professionals in diverse industries |
Social Media | |
Bio | Karen co-founded Pappas & Pappas® and CareerMode®, and is the driving force behind the success and extraordinary reputation of both firms. Prior to this, Karen was the Vice President of a well-regarded Massachusetts HR consulting and outplacement firm, and the founder and leader of an exclusive professional placement firm in Boston. Karen began her career with a global staffing firm, where she launched new U.S. locations and grew existing markets. |
Name | Alejandra Preciado |
alejandrapreciado@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Universidad Tecmilenio |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish/English |
Population Served | Adults, leaders, and professionals in life or career transitions who seek meaningful transformation, inner renewal, and conscious leadership |
Social Media | |
Bio | Alejandra Preciado is a conscious leader, educator, and strategist devoted to advancing well-being and positive leadership through a scientific yet deeply human approach. With over two decades of experience in education, organizational development, and cultural transformation, she integrates positive psychology, positive education, and human potential development to foster meaningful learning, resilience, and flourishing. As Director of Academic Well-being and Positive Leadership Programs at Universidad Tecmilenio, Alejandra promotes initiatives that cultivate presence, purpose, and authentic growth in individuals and organizations. She holds a Master’s in Positive Leadership and is a Certified Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) Teacher, complemented by advanced training in emotional well-being. Her work bridges science, mindfulness, and purpose, inspiring conscious transformation and fostering environments where people can align with their highest potential and flourish with integrity, compassion, and awareness. |
Name | Wendy Quiroz |
wendyquirozbucio@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Tecmilenio and Freelance work (Coaching Happiness WQ) |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish and English |
Population Served | Education and business |
Social Media | |
Bio | I am educator with over 20 years of experience in basic education. I hold a degree in Educational Sciences, a Master’s in Positive Education, and certifications in Professional Coaching and Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP). Since 2023, I have been teaching the course Principles of Well-Being and Happiness at Tecmilenio University in Mexico, where I have positively impacted more than 500 students through the MBSP program. My work focuses on fostering emotional balance, personal growth, and resilience in academic settings. Beyond the classroom, I am passionate about bringing the benefits of mindfulness and positive psychology into organizations. Through coaching, I help individuals and teams cultivate self-awareness, purpose, and well-being, creating healthier and more productive work environments. My mission is to inspire people to live more consciously and meaningfully, integrating evidence-based practices that enhance both personal fulfillment and collective flourishing. |
Name | Shannon D. Silva |
shannondsilvamba@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | |
Institute or Company | |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Women navigating breast cancer |
Social Media | |
Bio |
Name | Michele Suhie |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Institution or Company | |
Population Served | Healthcare professionals and health coaches |
Social Media | |
Bio | Michele is a board-certified health & wellness coach and certified lifestyle medicine professional. She divides her time between coaching individuals toward positive health behavior change, teaching university courses in pathophysiology & lifestyle medicine, and developing CE courses for coaches. Her virtual MBSP course has been approved by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching for continuing education credit for health coaches. Michele also authors blog posts and podcast episodes on the intersection of lifestyle medicine, positive psychology, and Catholic spirituality. She is a wife, a mother of 2, a breast cancer survivor, and a musician in her faith community. |
Name | Karen Whelan-Berry |
kwhelanberry@umass.edu | |
Certification Year | 2024 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Higher Education, individual faculty, lab, and grant research teams, as well as some administrative teams |
Social Media | |
Bio | Karen is an MBTI Certified Practitioner and certified by the VIA Institute on Character to deliver its Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program. She is also certified as a Designing Your Life Coach based on design-thinking principles at Stanford University. She holds multiple certificates in Mind-Body Medicine from Harvard Medical School and Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. |
Name | Esmeralda Sanchez Cortes |
esmes_97@hotmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Universidad Tecmilenio |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish, English |
Population Served | Adults |
Social Media | |
Bio | I studied Pedagogy and I have a master in Education, a master in Organizational Development, a master in Business Administration in Quality and Productivity. Certified in Fundamentals of Positive Psychology and in Positive Organizations. My experience is in Human Resources for different organizations and as a teacher, mentor, coordinator, and academic advisor in schools an universities. Right now I am an academic advisor for online masters students. |
Name | Wainwright Yu |
wain@curiositycoach.co | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Curiosity Coach LLC |
Country | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Leaders/Managers, Gifted, Neurodivergent, Twice Exceptional |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/wainwrightyu/ |
Bio | I’m Wainwright Yu, technology executive, leadership coach, and advocate for mindful, compassionate leadership in the modern workplace. Follow me on LinkedIn or visit my website (wainwrightyu.com). |
South America
Name | Yesenia Alcantara Andrade |
yeseniaandrade282@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | Tecmilenio |
Country | Mexico |
Language(s) | Spanish |
Population Served | Corporate leaders and Human Resources professionals |
Social Media | https://www.instagram.com/yesea_ndrade |
Bio | I work in Human Resources, where I have dedicated my career to supporting leaders and team members in their professional development, serving as a strategic partner to organizations. My background in Psychology and Business Administration has allowed me to integrate a human and analytical perspective into talent management, strengthening organizational cultures focused on well-being, productivity, and a deep sense of belonging. As a promoter of wellbeing, I incorporate mindfulness practices as a key tool for personal and professional balance, fostering awareness, self-awareness, and emotional management within teams. Through these practices, I am to help create more conscious, collaborative, and resilient workplaces where individual growth translates into sustainable results. My professional purpose is to continue strengthening positive leadership and organizational practices that recognize people as the most valuable resource for the success and long-term impact of every organization. |
Name | Adriana Palacio |
adriana2005palacio@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | University Icesi, TEC |
Country | Columbia |
Language(s) | Español |
Population Served | Business leaders and coaching students |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana2005palacio |
Bio | Master’s in Education, Universidad Icesi. Specialist in Human Management in Organizations, Universidad Icesi. Clinical Psychologist, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Executive Organizational Coach at Leading Group – Universidad Icesi. Trained with Fred Kofman as a Coach at the Conscious Business Center. Team Coaching Training – Coaching Hall International. PCC Coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) with more than 2,500 hours of experience supporting leaders. Former Coordinator of Continuing Education at Universidad Icesi. Former Director of Mentoring at the Institute of Integral Wellbeing Sciences, Universidad Tecmilenio in Monterrey, Mexico. Currently part of the coaching faculty at the School of Coaches and Mentors of Universidad Tecmilenio and Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. Visiting Professor in MBA programs, Leadership and Coaching courses, and virtual master’s programs at Universidad Icesi. Consultant at Potencial y Estratégico, specializing in leadership skills development and executive coaching for various organizations. Over 15 years of experience as a professor, consultant, and executive coach for national and multinational companies. |
Name | Kathleen Rubin |
katrubin29@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Peru |
Language(s) | English & Spanish |
Population Served | Corporate & medium sized companies |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenrubinolive/ |
Bio | I discovered meditation about 30 years ago and it has been a game changer ever since. I worked in the corporate world for 20+ years and only wish I could have had the tools and the mindset that I later developed. I went through a divorce, the inability to have children, the death of a mentor and other heartbreaks. I walked out of that life searching for a noble purpose and inner growth. Today I live in the northern coast of Peru, became a Life & Business Coach and work with companies and executives from all over the world from home. MBSP helped me take my practice to a totally new level were I can honestly say I live a mindful life. I am a Master Coach for CBC International. Trained by the European Coaching School as a High Performance Teams Coach. Mind Hacker: trainer in awareness expansion and resilience for decision making in high stress situations. Stoicism and energy medicine practitioner. A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coaching Federation, over 2,500 coaching hours. Bachelor in Business Administration + MBA. |
Name | Marchela Sánchez |
marchesv@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Chile |
Language(s) | Spanish |
Population Served | Adults and programs for organizations |
Social Media | |
Bio | Business Engineer, Trainer, and Coach in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, with over 15 years of experience in organizational consulting. Specialist in Wellbeing, with a Diploma in Organizational Happiness and a Master's degree in Strategic Management of Organizational Wellbeing. Also certified in Organizational Constellations. My experience encompasses strategic consulting, supporting transformation processes for individuals and teams, and designing and facilitating power skills training programs. I am dedicated with enthusiasm and professionalism to the development of human potential.Business Engineer, Trainer, and Coach in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, with over 15 years of experience in organizational consulting. Specialist in Wellbeing, with a Diploma in Organizational Happiness and a Master's degree in Strategic Management of Organizational Wellbeing. Also certified in Organizational Constellations. My experience encompasses strategic consulting, supporting transformation processes for individuals and teams, and designing and facilitating power skills training programs. I am dedicated with enthusiasm and professionalism to the development of human potential. |
Europe
Name | Nadia Auda |
Certification Year | 2022 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Denmark |
Language(s) | Danish, English |
Population Served | Adults, organizations, professionals in various sectors and industries |
Social Media | |
Bio | I am a Coach, Communications Consultant, Educator, and a mindfulness teacher, passionate about creating more well-being. |
Name (Master Trainer) | Roger Bretherton |
Certification Year | 2024 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language(s) | English |
Institution or Company | Centre for Positive Health Sciences; VIA Institute on Character |
Population Served | University Students & large organisations across all sectors |
Social Media | Roger Bretherton (LinkedIn) |
Bio | Dr Roger Bretherton is a Clinical Psychologist and Coach. He is an Honorary Lecturer at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences (RCSI), and Faculty of the VIA Institute on Character. He conducts training, consultancy, and research on character strengths interventions. His research team has examined the benefits of humility in leaders, the role of mindfulness in character development, a strengths-based approach to pro-environmental behaviours, the role of wisdom in business leadership, and character strengths in entrepreneurs. He has written two books and numerous articles and book chapters. He is also a reviewer for leading academic journals in applied psychology. He delivers coaching, training, and keynotes to a wide range of public and private sector organizations and delivers the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program online for VIA. |
Name | Patricia Cardona |
pcardonahi@yahoo.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | Spain |
Language(s) | Spanish, English |
Institution or Company | |
Population Served | Students, adults, junior executives, organizations, professionals in various sectors and industries |
Social Media | |
Bio | I am a Speech Therapist and Psychologist with a Master's degree in Positive Education and advanced certifications in Positive Psychology. My academic journey includes studies at the University of London and the London Montessori College, where I deepened my understanding of holistic and strengths-based approaches to human development. As a trained MBSP (Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice) leader, my mission is to support individuals from all walks of life in cultivating comprehensive wellbeing. No prior experience or qualifications are required—only a genuine desire to grow and flourish. Through MBSP, it is truly possible to achieve a balanced, meaningful, and empowered life. |
Name | Thomas Fehr |
fehr@inveniy.com | |
Certification Year | 2026 |
Country | Deutschland |
Language(s) | Deutsch, German |
Institution or Company | |
Population Served | Leadership and people who are overwhelmed, under excessive stress |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/inveniy |
Bio | I have been a manager for more than 30 years and have also been working as a freelance coach for managers for more than 20 years. In addition to leadership, I have extensive experience with people in situations of excessive stress. I love working with people to shape the future. |
Name | Alexandra Hannebohm |
alexandra.hannebohm@gmx.de | |
Certification Year | 2024 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Germany |
Language(s) | German, English |
Population Served | People in Business, Adults, and Trainees |
Social Media | |
Bio |
Name | Bettina Hantmann-Willmes |
bettina@hantmann.com | |
Certification Year | 2024 |
Country | Germany |
Institute or Company | |
Language(s) | German, English, French |
Population Served | Corporate professionals and leaders |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettina-hantmann-willmes-55a66b83/ |
Bio |
Name | Doris Herrmann |
hello@doris-herrmann.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | Germany |
Language(s) | German, English |
Institution or Company | Self-employed: https://www.doris-herrmann.com/ |
Population Served | Executives, Organizational Developers, HR Managers, Managing directors |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-herrmann-80085712/ |
Bio | I am Doris Herrmann, and I bring over 25 years of experience in the logistics industry, combining deep business expertise with a modern, human-centered approach. Trained as an Industrial Clerk and holding a degree in Business Administration with a focus on industrial management, logistics, and organizational psychology, I have held numerous leadership roles, gaining a thorough understanding of contemporary business operations and challenges. With a Master’s in Positive Psychology & Coaching and additional qualifications in systemic coaching, strength-based mindfulness, and PERMA-Lead consulting, I combine business knowledge with psychological insight. My focus is on empowering individuals and organizations, uncovering potential, and embedding sustainable well-being as a key factor for success. I take a holistic, solution-oriented approach, integrating logistics, process, and leadership expertise with the principles of Positive Psychology. My goal is to make organizations future-ready, ensuring that employees work not only efficiently but effectively, feeling valued, connected, and capable of making a real impact. Selected Education & Qualifications: Master of Arts in Positive Psychology & Coaching Systemic Coach (ICF) Certified Trainer in Strength-Based Mindfulness (MBSP) Certified PERMA-Lead Consultant MBA, Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Diplom-Kauffrau (M.Sc.) – Industrial Management, Logistics, Organizational Psychology |
Name (Charter Member) | Maria Hofman |
Certification Year | 2021 |
Country | Norway |
Language(s) | Norwegian, Dutch, English |
Institution or Company | TankeFlyt / ThoughtFlow |
Populations Served | Leaders, coaches, and highly sensitive people |
Social Media | |
Bio | Maria likes to present herself as a Thought Artist driven by a mission to ‘colour the world more beautiful together’. Since 2011, she has been the owner of TankeFlyt (ThoughtFlow), where she provides (online) coaching and workshops in English, Norwegian, and Dutch, primarily serving clients across Europe. Fueled by an enduring curiosity and a passion for continuous learning, Maria has expanded her expertise beyond her professional ICF PCC coaching certification. She pursued specialized training in positive psychology, achieving accreditation as a VIA charter-certified MBSP practitioner. Additionally, she delved into photo-based coaching as a certified Points of You practitioner and mastered transformative drawing techniques, becoming a certified NeuroGraphica and NeuroDesign structuring specialist. With Maria’s IT background in municipal, educational, and healthcare sectors, and her experience as a middle manager, she understands the significance of appreciative communication. She is dedicated to inspiring you to focus on what you do best - and genuinely love doing - in ways that are stress-preventive, creative, and joyful. |
Name | Klaus Kirchmayr |
klaus.kirchmayr@geist-reich.jetzt | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | Austria |
Language(s) | German, English |
Institution or Company | |
Population Served | Mixed, open to all |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/klauskirchmayr/ |
Bio | Klaus is an enabler, he studied Business Administration in Innsbruck (Austria) and Uppsala (Sweden), did a few “Short Study Programs” (Thailand, Vietnam, China and the Philippines) and studied “Spiritual Theology the Interreligious Process” in Salzburg (Austria), Klaus is MBSR Teacher Trainer at the Institute for Mindfulness (IAS) and internationally certified supervisor for MBPs (Mindfulness-Based Programs), mindfulness trainer, -coach, and (corporate) consultant. Klaus is an active MBSR teacher, MBCL Teacher, also trained in MBCT, breathworks teacher (MBPM) and Deep Rest Meditation teacher. With a 25 years in business history he is also trainer for mindfulness in the workplace. The start of his meditation and mindfulness practice dates back into 2009 in Myanmar. He also did further training in TSM (Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness) with David Treleaven, is an EUPPA-certified Trainer for Positive Psychology, PERMA Lead Consultant and finally a MBSP trainer since autumn 2025. |
Name | Ruth Laura Klaus |
rlklaus@posteo.de | |
Certification Year | 2026 |
Country | Germany |
Language(s) | German, English, and Spanish |
Institution or Company | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-laura-klaus-72894b15/ |
Population Served | Adults (all ages) |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-herrmann-80085712/ |
Bio | I am a Yoga Instructor and Positive Psychology Trainer with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. |
Name | Manuela Kummeter |
info@manuela-kummeter.com | |
Certification Year | 2025 |
Country | Germany |
Language(s) | German, English, and Dutch |
Institution or Company | Machen Ist Mindfulness // MK - European Production Excellence |
Population Served | I work with people who want to use their strengths to navigate complex lives. My clients include parents, leaders, people with chronic health challenges like endometriosis and self employed professionals. |
Social Media | |
Bio | My work brings together two perspectives that have shaped me in equal measure. I am currently completing my Master in Positive Psychology at DHGS, where I deepen my understanding of strengths, scientific evidence and mindful awareness. At the same time I draw from years in chemistry and production environments, settings defined by structure, precision and practical problem solving. This combination guides the way I coach: grounded, analytical and human. Strengths form the framework for my approach. They help clients recognise what stabilises them, what drives effective action and how they can respond to pressure with more clarity. I view mindfulness as a practical skill that supports these strengths and becomes usable in the middle of daily life and vice versa. My signature strengths shape how I work. Love creates an atmosphere of trust. Love of learning keeps my work informed and curious. Courage supports honest reflection. Hope offers direction even when situations are difficult. And as someone from Cologne, humour is part of my nature. It keeps the process open, light and steady. |
Name | Rakel Magnúsdóttir |
rakel@reisla.is | |
Certification Year | 2023 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Iceland |
Language(s) | Icelandic, English |
Population Served | Adults: On the working market or in rehabilitation and/or with ADHD and autism. |
Social Media | |
Bio | Self-employed wellbeing consultant at Reisla ráðgjöf www.reisla.is |
Name (Master Trainer & Charter Member) | Peter Malinowski |
peter@petermalinowski.eu | |
Certification Year | 2023 |
Country | Germany & United Kingdom |
Language(s) | English & German |
Institution or Company | University Students, MBSP Practitioners; various sectors/industries |
Population Served | |
Bio | Peter is currently running the first MBSP certification in German. |
Social Media |
Name (Charter Member) | Elke Müller |
elkerienks@posteo.de | |
Certification Year | 2021 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Germany |
Language(s) | English, French |
Population Served | Adults, vegans, and people interested in vegan living |
Social Media | |
Bio | I am a mother of 2 grown-up sons, live in Munich, and would like to do my bit to tackle the climate crisis and overcome injustice. |
Name | Alaric Newcombe |
alaricnewcombe@gmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2022 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Institution or Company | |
Language(s) | English |
Population Served | Iyengar yoga practitioners and psychotherapy clients |
Social Media | |
Bio |
Name (Charter Member) | Orlaith O'Sullivan |
hello@orlaithosullivan.com | |
Certification Year | 2023 |
Country | Ireland |
Language(s) | English |
Institution or Company | |
Population Served | Youth, Adults, Organisations, Teachers, Families (virtual & in person internationally) |
Social Media | |
Bio | Orlaith is passionate about building happier communities. She develops practical wellbeing pathways that meet us where we are. She is a Dharma Teacher in the Plum Village tradition and was International Coordinator of Wake Up Schools for five years. She teaches internationally, consults with Dartmouth University, and works on several international mindfulness and strengths-based research projects. |
Name | Sabine Samonig |
hello@sabinesamonig.de | |
Certification Year | 2026 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Germany |
Language(s) | English, German |
Population Served | People with psycho-social challenges e.g. after trauma, burn-out, divorce. |
Social Media | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinesamonig-stärkencoaching/ |
Bio | Hey, I’m Sabine Samonig. I am a freelance systemic coach with a focus on positive psychology, as well as a lecturer in biographical and creative writing. I also facilitate workshops on resilience and positive self-leadership (including character strengths), often within female empowerment programmes—for example, for university staff. Mindfulness is a central pillar in both my work and my personal life. In my biographical writing courses, I am especially moved by working with clients who carry traumatic childhood experiences. Their healing journeys are often uniquely challenging. I have seen how the MBSP programme can open a fresh perspective on personality and inner strength and provide lasting support. My professional path began as a social worker in child protection and psychiatry. The psychosocial field has been my vocational home ever since. Because I have always worked from a strengths-based perspective, it was a natural step to bring this approach into our family-run real estate business, where I was responsible for people development and HR. I am married and live between Berlin, Germany, and Carinthia, Austria. Our four children are adults now, and I’m full of awe when I watch my grandchildren — so much natural mindfulness, paired with an intuitive sense of character strength. |
Name | Maria Grazia Serra |
MG@equilibrio.lu | |
Certification Year | 2021 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Italy and Luxembourg |
Language(s) | Italian, English, French, Luxembourgish |
Population Served | Youth, Adults, Organizations |
Social Media | |
Bio |
Name (Charter Member) | Matthijs Steeneveld |
matthijs@positievepsychologienederland.nl | |
Certification Year | 2021 (charter member), 2025 (Master trainer) |
Institute or Company | |
Country | The Netherlands |
Language(s) | Dutch, English |
Population Served | Adults, organizations, professionals (coaches/trainers/leaders, etc.) |
Social Media | |
Bio | Matthijs Steeneveld is a positive organizational psychologist and works independently as a trainer, teacher, and consultant. His mission is to contribute to flourishing people in flourishing organizations on a flourishing planet. He wrote several (Dutch) books on positive psychology; his Character Strengths Intervention Cards were published in English by Hogrefe. He's a Faculty Member for the VIA Institute on Character and cofounder of the Dutch Network for Positive Psychology. |
Name | Hanna Tempelhagen |
ht@themindfulspaces.com | |
Certification Year | 2024 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Germany |
Language(s) | German, English, French |
Population Served | Corporate professionals, coaches, and stressed high performers (leaders, athletes) who seek support with mental health issues. |
Social Media | |
Bio | Hanna is a mental health & mindfulness coach for high performers. She combines her expertise in mindfulness, compassion & strengths with insights from modern neuroscience, positive psychology, and competitive sports. |
Name (Charter Member) | Dana L. Walden, MBA |
contact@certoco.com | |
Certification Year | 2021 |
Institute or Company | |
Country | Switzerland |
Language(s) | English, French |
Population Served | Adults, including professional coaches and leaders |
Social Media | |
Bio | With an appreciative approach that places the spotlight on strengths, Dana facilitates learning, growth, and change for organizational and individual clients. She is the Managing Director of a human capital development business based in Switzerland, an ICF PCC-credentialed professional coach, and a VIA charter-certified MBSP practitioner. Dana works in English and French, providing coaching, assessments, and learning experiences; leveraging her career in multinational organizations, she specializes in leadership and leading change. Dana’s signature strengths include honesty, perseverance, hope, and gratitude. She serves as a member of the VIA Institute's faculty. |
Name | Barbara Winwood |
bwinwood@protonmail.com | |
Certification Year | 2024 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Institution or Company | Dorset Council Fostering Services |
Language(s) | English, German |
Population Served | Adults and organizations |
Social Media | N/A |
Bio | Barbara Winwood is a registered Social Worker and Life Coach, who is passionate about helping others to transform the way they live and work by discovering and using their strengths, individually and as teams. She applies her MBSP insights in her current work role as an Advanced Practitioner and is always open to intriguing collaborations. |
Certified Translation Partners
We’re proud to collaborate with a select group of certified international partners who expand access to Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) through high-quality translation, cultural adaptation, and program delivery in their native languages. These partners help bring strengths-based mindfulness to communities around the world while maintaining VIA’s scientific accuracy and training standards.
- Dutch Partner: Matthijs Steeneveld — Positieve Psychologie Nederland
- German Partner: Peter Malinowski — DGPP
- Spanish Partner: Masaya Okamoto — Tecmilenio Universidad
- Vietnamese Partner: Tan Tran — Flourishing Vietnam