Space Between

Space Between envisions thriving, healing-centered school communities which practice awareness and compassion. Our mission is to bring the research-based practices of yoga, breathing, and mindfulness to children, teens, educators, and families in Washington. When implemented with a community approach, mindfulness tools promote attention, regulation, compassion, stress reduction, well-being, and resilience.

Space Between was founded in late 2016 to address the growing stress and complexity in our school communities. School communities have become increasingly complex, stressful environments for both students and educators. Recent studies clearly show that children and teens are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. Youth mental health issues and disorders are rising, and these issues affect children across socio-economic classes, race, environment, and other factors, although people who are marginalized because of their identity or have experienced trauma are more at risk. One alarming statistic is that 8% of eighth graders in Seattle Public Schools have attempted suicide. We know that poor well-being during childhood is directly linked to physical and mental health issues, substance abuse, and incarceration.

At the same time, our teachers are experiencing high levels of stress. Teachers today are expected to do more than teach academic lessons; they support students with emotional and social needs and address challenging behaviors more than ever before. A recent study from the University of Missouri reported that 93 percent of elementary school teachers indicate a high degree of stress in their jobs and approximately 50 percent of teachers leave the profession within their first five years of teaching. When teacher stress is high, student well-being and achievement declines, according to numerous studies. Almost forty years of research indicates that the practices of mindfulness, breathing and intentional movement, when practiced with rhythm and repetition, over time create a relaxation response in the nervous system. We essentially re-wire our brains to dampen the stress response and increase well-being - these differences can be seen with an MRI machine. The pause and awareness creates a space between the stressor and our response, giving more agency for wise choices for much needed change in our systems and institutions. In addition to stress reduction, this means that teachers are able to be more effective in their relationships with students and students are better able to learn, develop friendships, and remain an integral part of the school community. Mindfulness is a foundation for creating systemic support for the mental health and well-being of our students, teachers, and families in our school communities.

Space Between brings mindfulness practices to school communities to help them thrive. Our programs teach children, teens, educators and families practices that reduce stress, improve their ability to self-regulate and to focus mentally, as well increase compassion toward themselves and others. Our key programs are 1) school-based professional development for teachers/staff, classroom mindfulness lessons for students and teachers, and family education; and 2) community-wide retreats and professional development for educators, including offerings specifically for educators of color.