Overview: A New Approach to Employee Well-Being
In response to employee stress and interest in mindfulness, one mindfulness instructor introduced a powerful, science-backed program: VIA’s Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP).
Leading this transformation was Danielle Casioppo, an Education Specialist and National Board–Certified Health and Wellness Coach. After discovering MBSP, Danielle recognized the potential to integrate mindfulness and character strengths into her organization’s employee wellness program.
Since integrating the program in 2018, Danielle has facilitated over 16 MBSP cohorts on campus, helping employees build resilience, deepen self-awareness, and enhance or encourage character strengths use at work.
The Challenge: Addressing Stress & Emotional Exhaustion
Some employees at the university were experiencing:
- Workplace stress
- Challenges at home
- A desire to deepen their mindfulness practice
These individuals found the MBSP Program enlightening and impactful, especially in regards to their relationships.
Answering the Need: How Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice Creates Meaningful Change
What began as a single offering has evolved into a valued part of the university’s employee well-being program that employees look forward to. As a mindfulness-certified instructor, Danielle also teaches Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) through VIA Institute, extending the impact well beyond the campus — something she takes great pride in.
What makes VIA’s Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice different?
It’s an 8-week, research-backed course that combines mindfulness practices with character strengths awareness — delivering measurable improvements in well-being, emotional regulation, and overall resilience.
Its success on campus is no accident:
- Expert, Trusted Leadership: Danielle brings over a decade of experience as a Health Educator, a certified mindfulness instructor, health coach, and yoga teacher — earning deep trust from employees.
- Flexible, Scalable Format: MBSP is offered in person and via Zoom to meet the needs of a hybrid workforce. Its repeatable structure makes it easy to adapt to new groups.
- Integrated Into Campus Culture: MBSP complements existing well-being initiatives like yoga, self-care, and stress management.
- Strategic Promotion: Webinars like “Character Strengths: Tap Into Your Superpowers” introduce employees to the value of character strengths and build interest in the full program.
- Accessible and Approachable: By starting with strengths, MBSP appeals to those who might be skeptical of traditional mindfulness programs.
- Real Results Drive Return: Some participants return for a second round — proof of the program’s impact and relevance.
Participant Impact: Real Results, Real Growth
Feedback from employees highlights powerful outcomes:
- Increased self-awareness and mindfulness in daily life
- Improved communication and personal relationships
- Reduced stress and emotional reactivity
- Greater confidence in applying their unique character strengths
As part of the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice program, participants took part in The Strengths Interview — a guided exercise where they asked a trusted friend, colleague, or family member a series of questions to better understand their strengths and how those strengths shape who they are. Many shared that this practice deepened their connection with the person they interviewed, and they also credited the program with helping them manage stress and navigate adversity more effectively.
Ready to Create Impact — in Your Life, Organization, or Coaching Practice?
MBSP is more than a course — it’s a catalyst for personal and professional transformation. Whether you’re looking to deepen your own growth, support a team, or guide others as a coach or educator, VIA’s Mindfulness Course or Mindfulness Certification Program equips you to apply this powerful, science-based approach in the spaces that matter most to you.
Register now to join an upcoming MBSP cohort and become part of a global movement toward mindful strengths-based living.
Join the growing network of professionals making well-being a reality — one strength at a time.