Mindfulness 101:

Accessible Wellbeing for Corporate Leaders

Open Up’s Accessible Wellbeing for Corporate Leaders Course was built to normalize the fact that mindfulness is a universal human ability that we all possess and can learn to use more effectively when given the tools and point of access that is right for the individual. This training is beneficial for all and considers accessibility and inclusivity needs for everyone.

Our training highlights the fact that individuals have different identities, backgrounds, and learning styles and our facilitators are trained to meet each participant where they are and help them best access the resources through multimodal means. We center this so those living with disabilities and those who do not benefit together.


These are the learning objectives: 

  • Key mindfulness concepts and practices that support the ability to use attention in an enhanced way.

  • Concepts and practices that deepen the understanding of the mind/body connection, and highlight ways that the body is a direct portal to presence.

  • Guidance for enhancing resilience, with specific regard to opening to and accepting a wide range of emotions.

  • How to take the benefits that come from regular meditation and integrate them into daily life, as well as establishing a regular meditation routine.

Facilitators

Advocacy Specialist, April Jackson possesses a unique ability to ignite purpose and passion into spaces and people, organizations, and communities. With over 20 years of experience in education, administration, and leadership, April brings a wealth of knowledge to what she does. April's lens of mindfulness shapes her approach, placing a strong emphasis on supporting the humanity of those she engages with. Her deep experience in providing holistic support brings immeasurable value to the program and its participants. She is committed to creating equitable pathways and empowering individuals to navigate their personal and professional spaces on their own terms. 

April is a graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in History. Her graduate studies in education administration and leadership are from California State University, Dominguez Hills and the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a 500 RYT yoga teacher, holds many certifications in  mindfulness. She is also an ICF certified executive leadership coach.

April currently lives in Pennsylvania with her family.  She is a beach devotee, who loves to read, travel and soak in the sun.

Megan Sicheri centers inclusive community in everything she does. Her wholehearted commitment to equity and wellbeing for all is evident in her work and way of living. She is a Co-Founder and Community Specialist of Open Up.

Megan is a graduate of The University of Pittsburgh with a BA Marketing and a BA in Creative Writing. Megan is a 500 hour RYT and the lead teacher of Open Up’s Inclusive Yoga Teacher Training which empowers participants with and without disabilities by teaching them to become yoga facilitators and leaders in wellness spaces. She is Accessible Yoga certified, a certified Personal Trainer and Crossfit Coach, and holds several certifications in mindfulness.  Her passion and ability to connect with people by meeting them where they are is her superpower. 

Megan is located in Pittsburgh and loves to travel, cook, and have dance parties with her toddler.

Annie Lapidus is an advocate for inclusion and accessibility, whose approach is collaborative and community-oriented. In partnership with Creative Citizen Studios, she has served as a consultant and trainer for organizations such as the Carnegie Museums, the Children’s Museum, and Attack Theater, where she has worked to systemically break down barriers to access and to create authentic welcoming strategies. Annie is the board Vice-President of the Bricolage Production Company and is the chair of their Inclusion and Accessibility Committee.


Annie earned RYT200 Yoga Teacher Certification through Open Up Pittsburgh. She also holds a specialized certification in  Accessible Yoga. These programs of adaptive and accommodating yoga practice are in alignment with her belief that meeting people where they are and using open communication are the best methods for allowing people to feel welcomed, wanted, and included.

Annie’s favorite things include summer sunshine; kissing her guide dog, Cindy; throwing pots; getting ice cream with friends; and singing little tunes that she composes throughout her day.