Past Speakers

How to Improve Stress from the Inside Out: Learning Nervous System Regulation Tools to Shift from Stress to Balance
Speaker: Dr. Eva Katherine Coder, licensed professional counselor, transpersonal psychologist, trauma therapist, and teacher
This workshop reviews the basics of Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory to show how the nervous system works and what demeanor is seen in various stages of stress. Each participant will end the workshop better able to navigate their personal nervous system and understand students' states of regulation and dysregulation better, which facilitates greater ease of communication and collaboration.
Calling in, Not Calling Out: A Framework for Thoughtful Engagement
Speaker: Loretta Ross, Visiting Associate Professor at Smith College
How can we engage in meaningful dialogue across differences while fostering connection and understanding? In this virtual talk, Professor Ross explores how we can shift from a culture of public shaming to one of thoughtful engagement -- "calling in" rather than "calling out." She invites us to consider how we can build bridges through respectful conversation, shared purpose, and a commitment to learning from one another.
The Science and Practice of Presence: Can It Transform Teaching and Learning?
Speaker: Diana Winston, Director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA Semel Institute’s Mindful Awareness Research Center
How can contemplative practices be used to promote student and faculty success? This interactive keynote explores didactic and experiential approaches to contemplative practices. You will learn the cutting-edge scientific research behind these practices, especially how they impact stress, attention, learning, memory, emotional regulation, and presence in the classroom. You will also practice tools for self-management and personal well-being, and explore how these tools can impact individuals, classrooms, and the culture at FIU.

