“Working with Adam is nothing short of insightful, illuminating, and deeply introspective. He is both a talented, open-hearted teacher and a curious student who is always seeking to learn and support others. Adam’s teachings led me to great insight and huge emotional openings, that led to refreshed energy and inspiration work and relationships. I left each session feeling more open, aware, and gentle. I would highly recommend working with Adam; he’s a teacher who walks his talk with compassion, open-heartedness, and a desire to serve. ”

“Adam has a talent for truly hearing a person, and offering guidance or acknowledgement in a way that is very effective and affirming. I have gained an ability to just be in the present more than I have in a very long time, if not ever. My work with Adam has given me tools and language which have helped me immensely.”

“Adam is a kind, vulnerable teacher who openly shares his expertise with a sincere and gentle approach to the practice of mindfulness. His powerful sensitivity and clear and compassionate insight contribute to a beautifully held container. The lens through which Adam reveals these simple and profound teachings is clear. Adam’s effort and dedication to his own practice informs and deepens his presence. I noticed that through my work with Adam, my approach to sitting practice transformed from a more dutiful or avoidant approach to becoming something I feel more drawn to. During an eight-week course with Adam there were particularly difficult and turbulent life situations happening at the same time and I believe it was the skills and practice we were developing together that supported me to move through these challenges with more ease, grace, and peace. I continue to feel supported by the skills we practiced together. Thank you for offering this opportunity to collectively experience and witness together the transformation that is possible when we open ourselves to kindly attend to each moment. I am deeply grateful to receive instruction from Adam and I cannot recommend an experience more highly than this.”

“Adam’s leadership and facilitation skills are of the highest standard. While he is studious, creative, a masterful storyteller, and well-planned, it is his ability to actually practice mindfulness as he delivers content which sets him apart. He’s able to hone in on the present moment and bring awareness and meaning to educators with humor, and a seemingly endless well of encouragement and nurturing presence to anchor the practice.”

“Adam is one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. When he speaks to you he is authentic and vulnerable, when he listens he is present, thoughtful, and non-judgmental. As a teacher, he seamlessly blends humor and love with rigor and insight. He is adored by all of his students and fellow staff members. He approaches mindfulness from a deep level of knowledge and with an understanding of the practicality of incorporating this beautiful, ancient practice into our modern, hectic lives. Personally, Adam has taught me how to be resilient and focused in the face of the inevitable challenges a teacher comes across. He is a role model not only to me, but to all our our staff and community. I further know from personal observation, that Adam touched and changed the life of every single student he taught.”

“I first came to mindfulness with a lot of skepticism. Prior to working with Adam, mindfulness seemed like a waste of time and too “mushy” for a type-A personality like myself. However, Adam’s patience and thoughtful explanation coupled with his effective professional development changed my opinion completely! His rationale grounded in observation and academic research presents a compelling benefit to mindfulness in the school setting, especially, where students are dealing with trauma, anxiety, and stress. Adam reaches out to all stakeholders (teachers, parents, students, administration), to get buy in and scaffolds mindfulness practice in a way that yield concrete results in kids and adults. His impact on student learning is immeasurable, because mindfulness works so well with restorative practice. Allowing students the space and breath to pause and identify what they’re feeling often helps teachers and students center and ground themselves before engaging in difficult tasks, conversations, or working hard. I began to use mindfulness at the beginning of my last period class and saw huge results in performance and culture. I have never changed my opinion about a topic so strongly, but now I am one of the strongest advocates of mindfulness in ALL schools for ALL students, thanks to Adam!”

“I had been practicing meditation with Adam for about a year prior to attending the 8-week course, so I was already familiar with his patient, attentive nature. Adam is a natural teacher, meeting his students exactly where they are, and always bringing a kind, welcoming energy to the room (in person or virtual). I especially appreciate the way in which Adam listens deeply to his students, bringing a spacious, thoughtful response to their questions and comments.”

“I’ve known Adam for 6 years through our shared work at KIPP Summit Academy. Adam’s impact as the mindfulness teacher over his 6 years at KSA is impossible to fit in to one short testimonial. Every year, Adam brought reflection and thoughtfulness to his own practice, his teaching of students, and sharing mindfulness techniques with staff as well. When I think about how Adam brought mindfulness, the word “offer” comes to mind. His approach to mindfulness was authentic and an offering, never forced. I still remember one morning practicing a few mindful minutes with him before the school day and he said “it’s fascinating how the breath is not past nor future, always now”. It was so simple, and yet exactly what I needed in that moment to tune in and be present.”

“I wish everyone could experience the magic Adam created in a classroom of middle school kids. To see a room full of middle schoolers (some of the toughest years), breathing together, sharing deep reflections, enjoying Adam’s always funny and thoughtful metaphors, is truly a sight to see. I started working with teachers to help them develop their mindfulness in the classroom, and Adam was the first person I thought of to help me with that. One of the tricky things in finding someone great to do this is that they have to both understand how to facilitate the practice, but also understand the very unique experiences of being a teacher. Adam understands both these aspects deeply. I once attended a day-long retreat he hosted at his school where teachers and parents came to participate in a day of rejuvenation and connection. To see and hear how much the experience affected these parents and teachers reinforced the need for the work Adam is doing.”

“I consider myself lucky to have worked with Adam for the last five years in a school setting. Adam has done an incredible job leading teachers and students in mindfulness practices on our campus. His warmth has been a consistent source of support for teachers and students on even the most challenging of days. Not only has led mindfulness practices in my classroom, he has also helped me and other teachers on campus develop skills to facilitate mindfulness practices when he is not around. My students have internalized several of the skills and habits that Adam shared with them, and even use these skills and habits when they are at home. Several students have told me that what they have learned from Adam has helped them manage their own emotions, attend more carefully to academic tasks, and improve their own performance in an academic setting. My students have increased their own self-awareness as a direct result of Adam’s teaching, modeling, and leadership. I am so grateful!”

“Working with Adam was a great privilege. Initially we worked together to facilitate mindfulness in my classroom. Each week, Adam came into my room and facilitated some mindfulness for my students. I was always impressed by his ability to meet people where they are. He noticed when kids were struggling to sink into themselves and made accommodations for them. His presence was extremely centering, kind, and patient. Adam is a dynamic person—he (gently) pushed teachers at my school to consider how our own practice of mindfulness impacted our students and ourselves. When I expressed interest in mindfulness Adam supported me in beginning the journey of my own practice. He created a space for teachers to practice each week. No matter how we showed up, Adam created a space free of judgment, which allowed me to be curious and present in my practice. Even though we no longer work together I still hear his instructions when I practice mindfulness on my own. When I’m stressed, I often think, how would Adam coach me right now? And that simple question causes me to notice my breath, notice my posture, and feel more present. I am exceedingly grateful that I had the opportunity to connect with him.”

“I decided to attend Adam’s day-long mindfulness retreat. To this day, I have never felt more at peace! For 8 hours we meditated, reflected, ate, and walked in silence. Teachers, parents, and administrators all came out on a Saturday to partake in this retreat. There was a level of humility that I felt Adam exhibited that truly allowed for all participants to focus on being mindful. The retreat was structured in a way that truly allowed participants to engage in a meaningful mindful routine. By the end, we had grown use to ‘being.’ It was beautiful!”

“Adam built the mindfulness program at our middle school and I am so grateful for his leadership. Previously, I did not have any experience with mindfulness personally or in the classroom. Thanks to Adam, our staff participated in a series of engaging professional development designed and led by Adam which spurred not only classroom practices but also fostered many adults on campus to initiate or cultivate their own personal practices. Adam offered safe spaces for adults and students alike to practice mindfulness. He modeled mindfulness scripts for students and teachers. His guiding instruction gave me the confidence to lead mindfulness sessions with my 8th graders. Thanks to Adam, students also felt empowered to not only develop their own practices but also in some instances lead mindfulness sessions for their peers, which speaks to the power of Adam’s mentorship.
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“Adam’s facilitation skills enabled myself and other staff at our school to immerse ourselves into the practice. Adam created a space where he wanted everyone to feel comfortable in their practice. He recognized that many of us were at different places in our practice, and met each of us individually where we were. My regular practice of mindfulness under Adam’s guidance culminated in spending a day long mindfulness retreat for adults that was put on for staff and parents. Although I was initially hesitant to commit, Adam facilitated a day where I was able to push and grow in my practice of mindfulness. It is direct result of Adam’s work that I continue to practice mindfulness, and he is an excellent facilitator.”