Teach children to press the pause button in life.
the journey
Karen is a career educator with 30 years of classroom experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Juniata College, a Master’s in Early Literacy/Creative Teaching Methods and is a Certified Reading Specialist. She is also a certified yoga instructor for children and adults. For the past 14 years, Karen has taught mindfulness and yoga in schools as a classroom integration, in summer school programs, for health and wellness initiatives, and as a support for staff members. In addition, Karen has advised others in the implementation and integration of mindfulness and yoga programs.
Karen is passionate about helping others empower students to independently draw upon their own strengths and unique abilities. Karen launched Mindful Roots Yoga in 2019, with the main focus of her work being the development of the M.Y. (Mindfulness and Yoga) Time Program ™. Her training (virtual live or on-site), comprehensive instructor’s guide, and instructional video libraries equip others as they implement this program to elementary aged children.
what people are saying
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My daughter has anxiety and directly benefited academically and socially from the yoga that Karen led in her classroom morning routine. The yoga and mindfulness that Karen taught the students helped my daughter learn to ease her anxieties and gave her the tools to cope with stressful situations. From Karen and the daily yoga, my daughter has gained confidence, coping skills, has learned how to calm her mind when it is full of worry, and she loves yoga. She even taught us the poses at home, which speaks volumes to her assurance. Years have passed and she is still using those tools!
— Sara, parent
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We know about the benefits of mindfulness and yoga as it supports social and emotional health in children. Miss Karen provided inservice instruction for our teachers and her passion for doing so was very evident. Her training provided us with the chance to see how yoga/mindfulness for adults differs from delivering these skills to children. We were fortunate to secure her for our summer program and further develop our understanding of mindfulness and yoga as a classroom integration. Our staff and students are now hooked on these practices and the children proudly show off their yoga poses for all who arrive in our classrooms.
— Kelly, educational director
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Our trained teachers began seeing positive changes after four months of implementation. Overall, the teachers were happier, the students were becoming more capable, and they were building a stronger community of learners. In addition, there was a huge decrease in behavior problems, which led to an increase in learning time.
— Dawn, kindergarten M.Y. Time Instructor
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I loved this training! I loved the balance of listening, moving, and chatting. I especially liked that the instructor’s guide provides things that an administrator can do to foster a school-wide culture based on social and emotional learning. This program gives kids tools to know themselves, know their mind/body connection and self regulate!
— Amy, M.Y. Time Instructor
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Karen Tripolitis provides a child-centered, engaging, and developmentally appropriate approach to yoga for children of all ages. The children enjoy practicing with her while developing their balance, coordination, and focus. Karen's calm and gentle approach encourages even the most reluctant participant to take a breath and give it a try. In a world where we are always on the go, Mindful Roots Children provides us with an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and have fun doing it.
— Michele, school director
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I liked that you reminded us to keep it simple and to only add the pieces of the program as you become comfortable. I loved how you wove in your own experiences as a teacher - you get this world which makes you very authentic!
Beth, elementary principal