Transforming Lives in Philadelphia

One Child and Community at a Time

🌟Spotlight On: Liz Nicastro🌟

MTM Director of Operations

Since joining Mindfulness Through Movement in 2019, Liz Nicastro has shared her passion for yoga and mindfulness with students across Philadelphia. In February 2023, she stepped into the role of Director of Operations—a role that places her at the heart of MTM’s work. Liz is the steady force behind the scenes, especially this time of year as she ensures that each partner school is staffed with a trained teacher ready to welcome students every fall.

Registered Yoga Teacher (200-RYT) with additional training in children’s yoga and mindfulness, Liz has studied at Clearlight Meditation Institute and taught at Sojourn Yoga and Villanova University. She holds a Master’s in Education from Villanova and brings nearly 30 years of experience in sports television production to her leadership at MTM. A strong believer in the transformative power of yoga and meditation, Liz loves guiding grade school students to discover awareness, calm, and connection through movement and breath.

When asked what MTM means to her, Liz says, "MTM means empowering our students with confidence, strength and focus through the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness. It means teaching kids how to find peace and calm in their mind, body and spirit while also learning resilience and determination when life gets hard, as it inevitably will. It means teaching them that they are mentally and physically stronger than they think they are. Finally, and maybe most importantly, it's as simple as just showing up for them, being present for them, caring for them and showing them love, kindness and respect."

We are deeply grateful for Liz’s many contributions to MTM—her steady leadership, dedication, and heart-centered teaching continue to strengthen our program and inspire our community.

The new school year is almost here!!!

“When I take long, deep breaths, I feel calm and relaxed like everything is right in the world. It really calms me down. And when I take short, quick breaths, I don’t feel calm at all—in fact, I start to get anxious, and it reminds me of when I’m going to take a test or something. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that how I breathe is an indication of what is going on inside of my body. If I change my breath, I can change how I feel.”

— 4th grade MTM Student

At Mindfulness Through Movement, students are discovering simple but powerful tools to manage stress, focus their minds, and connect more positively with others.

And it’s working:

77% of students say they act kinder to others after MTM classes
74% feel calmer after class
67% use breathing techniques when stressed or nervous

As we get ready for the upcoming school year, your gift makes our programming possible:

$5,000 sponsors 20 weeks of classes for 25 students
$1,500 provides professional development for teachers and staff
$400 equips a school with mats and supplies
$200 funds 20 weeks of MTM programming for one student

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Move Into Your Morning with the 6 Directions of the Spine

As the new school year begins, it can be tough for students (and teachers!) to feel energized and ready to learn in the mornings. A simple way to wake up the body and focus the mind is through the 6 directions of the spine: forward bend, backbend, side stretch (right and left), and twist (right and left). This gentle sequence can be done sitting or standing and helps loosen tension, improve circulation, and bring awareness to the breath. Starting the day with these mindful movements sets a tone of balance, calm, and readiness—helping students enter the classroom with focus and energy for the day ahead.

104 S. Wayne Ave., #28

Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087

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