Greetings!

As we embrace the new year, we are reflecting on the deep roots and lasting connections that allow mindfulness to flourish within our partner schools. This month, we invite you to step inside St. Martin de Porres (SMdP) in North Philadelphia.

Our weekly presence here is currently led by the talented Sheila Taylor, whose dedicated instruction continues to nurture the whole child in the same spirit of commitment that has defined this partnership for years. From the leadership of Principal Jessica Lopez to the historical legacy of the Heldring family, SMdP demonstrates the profound impact of a community committed to long-term growth.

Rooted in Community: How Principal Jessica Lopez and MTM Built a Culture of Calm

For Principal Jessica Lopez, St. Martin de Porres isn’t just a workplace, it’s home. Having spent her entire career at SMdP (!!!), starting as a second-grade teacher in 2013 before transitioning to leadership, she has a unique vantage point on how the school culture has evolved.

"Just like MTM, SMdP strives to help our students be the best human and student they can be," Principal Lopez shares. "The mission of MTM aligns with ours because it helps our students build their toolbox for any challenges they may face—academic, social, or emotional."

Principal Lopez notes that the longevity of MTM at the school has created a "culture of calm." By introducing movement and mindfulness to third graders, the school ensures students learn self-regulation early, carrying those skills into their middle school years.



"When students are more mindful, they are better able to regulate their emotions and remain engaged in their learning, which supports stronger academic outcomes. Staff members have also embraced the breathing exercises and shared language introduced through MTM, helping to create a consistent, supportive learning environment.”

The partnership between MTM and St. Martin de Porres is anchored by deep relationships and shared history. When MTM’s Peg Heldring first began teaching at the school in 2016, she discovered that the school’s journey was intertwined with her own family’s legacy.

The former principal, Sister Nancy, shared that Peg's father-in-law, Fred Heldring, had provided pivotal guidance and support during a critical period in the school’s history. Hearing this, Peg felt deeply humbled to join a community that had meant so much to him.



This partnership has flourished as leaders adapted the program to the school's changing landscape. Moving from upper-elementary sessions to the current third-grade focus, the program’s success is a testament to the collaboration between Principal Lopez, instructors Sheila Taylor and Peg Heldring, and the dedicated SMdP team, including Franklin Neblett, Dominique Fuller, and Megan Garner.

This long-term integration has allowed mindfulness to become a core part of the school's culture, even finding expression through student-led leadership initiatives like the 7th and 8th-grade Mindful Moment Mentors.

Finding Peace in a Fast-Paced World: Sheila’s Story

Sheila Taylor, our dedicated MTM instructor at SMdP and two other partner schools, sees the real-world impact of these "lifetime skills" every week. She recalls a second-grade student who initially resisted every practice, claiming he didn’t like anything.

"I watched him slowly join in," Sheila says. "After about three months, he finally decided to participate. When I had him again the second year, he gave me a big hug and said, 'I really like yoga and I missed you.' Once he began participating, he always wanted to sit right next to me."



Sheila believes that in today’s digital, fast-paced world, MTM provides a vital sanctuary. "Our children need a way to learn how to regulate their emotions," she explains. "This program offers the best tool for our children to go inward, finding peace and quiet during tough times."

We believe that the gift of mindfulness grows when it is shared. If you were inspired by the stories of resilience and community at St. Martin de Porres, we invite you to take a small but impactful step: Forward this newsletter to a friend, family member or colleague who would appreciate knowing about the mission and impact of Mindfulness Through Movement.

By helping us grow our community, you help us bring these vital "tools for life" to even more students and teachers across Philadelphia.

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Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087