MTM & Holy Redeemer:

A New Partnership Already Making an Impact

This year, Mindfulness Through Movement (MTM) launched a new partnership with Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic School. MTM provides weekly classes to 90 students across grades 3 - 8, bringing consistent mindfulness practice to their vibrant learning community. Principal Susan Chan says the collaboration is already strengthening the school’s culture and student experience. Grounded in shared values of service and dignity, MTM’s programming complements Holy Redeemer’s mission to nurture the whole child.

Principal Chan sees clear benefits for both students and educators. She shared, “A more mindful student body positively transforms the entire school environment. When students are self-aware, reflective, and considerate of others, classrooms become calmer, more focused, and more respectful spaces. Teachers are able to spend more time on meaningful instruction rather than behavior management, which increases both engagement and academic growth. 

Mindfulness also strengthens empathy and emotional regulation. Students learn to pause before reacting, listen more attentively, and respond with kindness. This creates a stronger sense of community where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard. For educators, this kind of environment reduces stress and fosters deeper relationships with students. For students, it builds confidence, resilience, and a greater readiness to learn. Ultimately, a mindful student body supports a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility for a positive learning experience.”

Even in this first year, MTM’s presence is making a difference, helping Holy Redeemer foster a more compassionate and focused learning community. This success led to a program expansion in January, with MTM teacher, Lillian Mattis, launching new 3rd and 4th grade classes. Principal Chan views our partnership as the start of a long-term collaboration that will continue to enhance programming and opportunities for students and families for years to come.

Finding Calm in Motion: How Kirsten Youngren Empowers Students through Mindfulness

Kirsten Youngren teaches MTM's weekly program at three schools, including Holy Redeemer. She brings simple breath practices and gentle movement to the classroom, breaking exercises into breath, movement, and reflection. Those small, clear steps create “aha” moments when students realize these are tools they can use anytime to calm themselves and focus.

One student’s progress shows the power of this approach. Peter sometimes arrives unfocused and hesitant to participate in class; however, after attending regular MTM sessions, he began volunteering to lead the Sun Salutation and stayed on task more often. Consistent, engaging practices like a steady breath or a mindful movement have built his confidence and classroom engagement. Kirsten also uses journaling to give older students another channel to express feelings and reflect on self-care and emotional regulation.

Kirsten’s teaching is rooted in her own experience with movement as a path to healing after the loss of her stepfather. It offered her a warm, compassionate space to move through her grief. Given how instrumental it has been in her own life, she is deeply committed to making these practices accessible to every child. “Why doesn’t everyone have access?” she asks, pointing to barriers of cost, age-appropriate programming, and availability.

Kirsten finds so much joy in bringing the MTM program into schools: “I love that I can share this practice all the time. Even on hard days, showing up matters.” Her work at Holy Redeemer is planting seeds of stress management and emotional well-being that students will carry through school and life.

A Moment of Stillness

“There was a lot of sound distracting me today. What I do to calm down and focus is to take a deep breath when I get distracted a lot. I always calm down when I take a deep breath. It felt good." - Holy Redeemer & MTM student

We believe that the gift of mindfulness grows when it is shared. If you were inspired by the stories of resilience and community at Holy Redeemer, 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.

104 S. Wayne Ave., #28

Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087