I have been teaching empowerment-based violence prevention since 2012. I'm especially skilled and experienced in working with children, youth, and teens, and with the trans community. I've been teaching kids of all ages since 2014, and have been involved in adult education—both curriculum development and implementation—since 2005. I have extensive background in meditation and mindfulness-based techniques. I've been practicing meditation and mindfulness since the 90s and have been teaching it in various forms for many years. I often introduce short guided meditations into self-defense workshops as a way of helping students re-regulate their nervous systems. Research shows that different mindfulness and meditation techniques have different results; finding the practice(s) that work best for each individual is an important part of my process. I additionally teach meditation as part of the Samatha Foundation of North America (which is my personal practice). I prioritize cultural humility in all of my practices. My experience as a researcher living in South Asia enables me to better understand, support, and create safer spaces for people who may not feel at “home” where they live, whether they are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants, or people made to feel like outsiders by the dominant culture. I strive to meet clients and participants where they are to help them feel safer, stronger, and more respected in ways which feel culturally, socially, and emotionally meaningful to them. CREDENTIALS:• PhD, MA in South Asian Languages and Civilizations (Focus in Buddhist Literature, Religions and Cultures of India and Tibet); MA in Divinity (Focus in Buddhism and Hinduism)• 2nd Degree Black Belt in Seido karate (9+ years of training); 2-3 years of experience in a variety of other martial styles: Tai Chi, Kickboxing, Fencing, Aikido• Certified in Self-Defense Instruction through the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF)• Certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Red Cross• Certified in Mental Health First Aid USA (Adult and Youth ages 12-18) through the National Council for Behavioral HealthCONTACT ME IF YOU:• are looking to support youth who struggle with assertiveness and may be at risk for being the target of bullying behavior• are looking for ways to incorporate mindfulness and meditation in your school, organization, or workplace• are looking for LGBTQIA+-affirming programming for the youth in your livesEmail me at e.epperson@cultureofsafetychi.com