Welcome
to
Mind Garden Institute


Mind Garden Institute
is Here to Serve You!

Live and asynchronous learning opportunities to meet the needs of your busy life.

One to one and group education and coaching sessions.  

Skills-based leadership and health education for adults and youth.


Courses

Discover Ikaria and the Blue Zone Lifestyle of Greece

Immerse yourself  in this exclusive cultural learning experience and learn the Ikarian mindset with the native islanders and one of the authors of the  Blue Zones® Advocate course during this exclusive 9 day excursion to Ikaria, Greece.  Spend each day practicing the blue zone lifestyle.  Learn to cook, think, and live like the island centenarians.  Our next trip is planned for August 2025, and the maximum number of learners is eight.

Social-Emotional  Leadership, Skills, and Professional Development Workshops

Serving educational institutions and businesses nationwide.
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Write your awesome label here.

Which Dimensions of Wellness Do You Wish to Improve?

Example Areas of Focus
  • Social-emotional leadership skills
  • Boundary setting 
  • Healthy sexuality
  • Stress management 
  • Abundance mindset and financial literacy 
  • Nutrition for healthy living
  • Physical fitness & wellness
  • Relationship skills

At Mind Garden Institute, we can help!

Meet the Experts

Dr. Shawn Hrncir, CHES®,
Certified Blue Zones® Advocate Course Author, C-HWC, C-HSMI
Doctorate in Health Education
Certified Health Education Specialists®
Certified Blue Zones® Advocate Course Author
Real Balance 360 Health and Wellness Coach
Holistic Stress Management Instructor
Dr. Hrncir,  (CHES®), is an award-winning master educator, health and wellness coach, and health education specialist with over 20 years of experience working with grades 1 to 20.  Her areas of expertise include stress management and emotional well-being, conflict management and mediation, sexual health education, body image and wellness, social emotional learning, behavior management, and Blue Zone lifestyles.  Dr. Hrncir has over twenty years of experience in education, program management, educational leadership, study abroad programming, research, and community service.
Dr. Liza Nagel
Doctorate of Higher Education & Health Education Specialist
With nearly 30 years of teaching, coaching, and leadership experience, Dr. Liza Nagel demonstrates her commitment to the personal and professional growth of those who aim to reach their full potential by modeling and coaching the fundamentals of success.  She will provide you direct and empathetic guidance as you challenge yourself to grow in ways that ensure your personal health goals.  “Walk in others’ shoes as you wear well-supported soles” is her motto for teaching personal health and delivering individualized coaching.
Dr. Nagel's areas of expertise include:
post-secondary academic leadership,
tenure track faculty mentoring,
conflict management & mediation,
and sexual health and wellness.


Jennifer Moreau, M.S., CHES®
Master of Science in Psychology
Certified Health Education Specialist®
Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Health Promotion

Mrs. Jennifer Moreau,  (CHES®) , is a highly adaptable and organized educator and CRM analyst. She loves working with her clients and is passionate about both
information technology and wellness. Throughout her career, Jennifer has been involved in various roles such as organizing and promoting community and
individual health and assisting others in achieving their behavioral change goals. Her skills and expertise include project management, psychology, health promotion, health advocacy, body image and
wellness, stress management, interpersonal collaboration, and customer relationship management. Jennifer has a wide range of experience in the field of health and fitness, as well as IT, having worked as a group fitness instructor, online health educator, and one-on-one coach.


Ashley Losacco
 BAE in Educational Studies and Personal Health
Ashley Losacco is an award-winning Starbucks Trainer and Store Manager with over a decade of experience in leadership.  Ashley supports learners of all ages in reaching their full potential: mind, body, and soul.  She is the co-lead for the Midwest Disability Advocacy Network, Ashley is an active Girl Scout Troop Leader and volunteer and has recently joined a committee to create mental health and mindfulness training for leaders of the Girls Scouts of the Greater Chicagoland Area and Northwest Indiana. She is currently finishing a 200-hour Wellness, Social-Emotional Learning, and Yoga Teacher Training program through Breathe for Change. Ashley’s areas of expertise include physical, mental, and emotional fitness and wellbeing.
Vanessa Brierty, CHES®
Certified Health Education Specialist®
BS in Health Education and Health Promotion
Master of Arts in Indigenous Education
Vanessa is a Certified Health Education Specialist  (CHES®) who has demonstrated health education skills throughout her life. Her strong cultural ties to the Pueblo of Laguna have provided her the foundation for viewing health through a holistic perspective, ensuring mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual balance in her instruction. Through various partnerships and volunteer efforts, Vanessa has engaged with numerous communities, providing prevention and early intervention health education programming. Her strengths lie in academic coaching, empathic communication, advocacy, culturally responsive care, and working alongside communities to provide equitable care. Her work has led her to be a TedX speaker and share her perspectives on how language and cultural practices are in fact prevention factors that can encourage individuals to engage in healthy behaviors.

Meagan Morton, CHES®
BS in Health Education and Health Promotion
Certified Health Education Specialist®
Meagan Morton is a Certified Health Education Specialist  (CHES®)  with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion. With over ten years of experience in hospitality and educational leadership, she takes pride in helping others achieve their health and wellness goals by providing tools and skills for personal development. She has taught numerous health and wellness topics including sexual health, personal well-being, and body image and wellness.
Ashlie Irvin, CHES®
BS in Health Education and Health Promotion
 Certified Health Education Specialist®
Ashlie Irvin is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion. She is passionate about physical and emotional health and well-being. Ashlie has nearly 20 years of experience as a care and service specialist. Her skills include health education, peer mentorship, body image and wellness, stress management, sexual health, program management, research and evaluation, sustainability, and online course design. Ashlie has experience teaching both children and adults in online and in-person settings. Ashlie is an advocate for providing evidenced-based drug and alcohol prevention programs to families within her community.
Edgar Jones
Keynote Speaker
Certified John Maxwell Coach®
NFL Professional Athlete

Edgar Jones is a former NFL player turned speaker and Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach®, offers a unique blend of personal experiences and professional insights  to inspire and motivate his audiences. With years of experience on and off the field, Edgar has developed a deep understanding of personal growth , teamwork, leadership, and the importance of mental toughness., Edgar is a dynamic and engaging speaker who can motivate and inspire your audience, His passion and experience make him the perfect choice to help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

Mind Garden Institute is Here to Help!

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