The PennZone

PHILADELPHIA - PennZone -- Inner Strength Education (ISE) is thrilled to announce the addition of four highly qualified instructors to its team for the 2024-2025 academic  year. Each brings a unique blend of expertise, further enhancing ISE's mission of empowering Philadelphia students through innovative mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) programs.

"We're excited to welcome such talented individuals to our growing team," said Amy Edelstein, Founder and Executive Director of ISE. "Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to education will enrich our programs, ensuring that students have the tools they need to thrive both academically and emotionally."

The new instructors include:

Heather Stapleton: A certified yoga and barre instructor, Heather transitioned to wellness after a distinguished 15-year career as a federal attorney. Holding degrees from Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, she brings her intellectual curiosity and dedication to mindfulness into the classroom, creating a space where students can grow and reflect.

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Eliza Taylor: Eliza started her career as a classroom teacher in Denver before earning her Master's in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University. With 10 years of experience as a school counselor in North Philadelphia, Eliza specializes in SEL, using mindfulness techniques to help students connect with themselves and others.

Gaby Marquez: With degrees in history and psychology, Gaby completed ISE's Level 1 and 2 mindfulness teacher training programs. She has extensive experience in education, creating nurturing environments for student growth and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning.

Christina Smith: A former high school teacher, certified yoga instructor, and chef, Christina blends her passions in her "A Taste of Yoga" program. She teaches mindfulness and resilience through yoga and plant-based cooking, offering a holistic approach to student well-being.

ISE continues to grow its impact in Philadelphia schools by providing SEL and mindfulness programs that help students build resilience, focus, and emotional intelligence. These new additions to the team further the organization's commitment to empowering the next generation through innovative, student-centered education.

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About Inner Strength Education

Inner Strength Education is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization whose mission is to uplift the minds, hearts, and actions of youth through mindful, contemplative awareness and developmental thinking to help them realize their higher potentials.

Inner Strength Education has received the coveted designation from CASEL (Collaborative for Academic Social Emotional Learning) as an approved social-emotional learning (SEL) program. ISE provides educational tools including mindful awareness, focus, and compassion techniques to improve psychological, behavioral, and physical health and well-being.

For all inquiries, please contact Alyson Showell LaPorta, Communication & Grant Proposal Manager at alyson@innerstrengtheducation.org or  215.278.9162. To learn more visit: www.innerstrengtheducation.org

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