About
About Mindfulness Northwest
Mindfulness Northwest offers heartfelt, caring, evidence-based instruction to communities and organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Mindfulness is the simple yet powerful ability to attend more fully to present moment experience. Cultivating mindfulness can improve mental and physical health, deepen kindness and compassion, and incline the mind toward joy.
We offer courses, workshops, and presentations for both individual community members and organizations. Visit our PROGRAMS page for a complete schedule, or check out FOR ORGANIZATIONS to bring mindfulness to your workplace or group.
Our mission is to make top-quality mindfulness and compassion training accessible to communities and organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Internally, we strive to be true to the mindfulness principles of cultivating truth, inclusion, and compassion.
Founded in 2011, Mindfulness Northwest is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit. All donations to Mindfulness Northwest are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Our programs originate in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, home to the Coast Salish people since time immemorial. We humbly acknowledge that we are here as a result of colonialism. We are grateful to the Lhaq’te’mish (Lummi Nation), Nuxwsá7aq (Nooksack), Dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish), and our other native neighbors for their ongoing leadership and advocacy on behalf of our common home.
Staff & Board
Rev. Tim Burnett
Executive Director, Founder, Guiding Teacher
Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (MBSR)
Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
Teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) since 2010; meditator since 1986. Tim’s background in traditional Dharma practice informs his mindfulness work. Ordained as a Soto Zen priest in 2000, he apprenticed with Zen teacher Zoketsu Norman Fischer and is the Guiding Teacher of Red Cedar Zen Community in Bellingham. Former jobs include educator, carpenter, software developer, and scientist. When not in the classroom, you might find him hiking, paddling, or birding.
Teresa Johnson
Community Programs Coordinator, Teacher, Senior Administrator
Mindfulness Northwest (mindfulness, MBSR)
Dedicated to supporting youth and families, professionally and as a community volunteer. She holds a BA in Secondary Education and has educated parents and youth of all ages, from classrooms to summer camp. Facilitating and witnessing inner growth bring Teresa great joy, and she’s excited about the many opportunities to do this in her roles with Mindfulness Northwest.
MT Regan
Client Programs Coordinator
Mindfulness and meditation practitioner since 2009 with diverse practice experience including Vipassana (as taught by S.N. Goenka), Satipatthana and Anapanasati with Bhikkhu Analayo, and in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Currently pursuing MBSR teacher training. A trained librarian and teacher, MT is passionate about healing information disorder, cultivating curiosity, and making contemplative practices accessible to all.
Ellen Zocher
EVENTS COORDINATOR, OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Ellen is a MNW superfan with over 200 hours of experience in our programs, and backgrounds in political organizing, project coordination and small-business operations. She believes that cultivating fierce compassion for self and others is necessary for our collective liberation. She is thrilled to be in community with the incredible humans on this team who continue to teach her so much about how to be.
Carolyn McCarthy
Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, Teacher
Mindfulness Northwest (mindfulness, MBSR)
UCSD Center for Mindfulness (MSC)
A lifelong writer and performer who cultivates attentiveness and joy. With a degree in Latin American Studies and Women’s Studies, she uses mindfulness to support the work of social justice, turning toward the difficult within and without. Zest, warmth, and wit enliven her teaching. Core practices: sitting meditation, time outside, solo living room dance parties. Visit her online at www.carolynmcc.com.
Catherine Duffy
Newsletter Editor, Teacher
Mindfulness Northwest (mindfulness, MBSR)
UCSD Center for Mindfulness (MSC)
When a family member was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2012, Catherine began studying and practicing mindfulness. The mother of four grown children — one of whom lives with developmental disabilities — and a grandmother, Catherine continues to learn the value of pausing, taking a breath, and inviting quiet moments to reset and refresh. Her supportive teaching helps participants find a place of calm amid the challenges of everyday life.
Ed Wayt
Bookkeeper, Tech Wrangler
After disengaging from the tech industry, Ed traveled a winding path, eventually ordaining as a monk in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. After three years in that practice, he moved to Bellingham, where he explores a vibrant, authentic, communal urban life. He enjoys investigating the role of will and grace in everyday life, likes to dance and play, tends to be way too serious, and is an active community organizer.
Karen Schwisow
Senior Teacher, Director of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher Training (MBSR-TT)
Subtle Yoga (Therapeutic Yoga training)
Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (MBSR)
Teacher of yoga and meditation since 2005; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction courses since 2011. Studied with Jon Kabat-Zinn, creator of MBSR. Founder of Three Trees Yoga & Healing Arts Center in Federal Way, Karen continues to deepen her understanding of these ancient wisdom traditions and how they are relevant to our lives today. Through compassionate listening, authenticity, and humor she creates a welcoming container that empowers participants to experience their own innate ability to thrive.
Richard Johnson
Senior Teacher
Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (MBSR)
UCSD Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
Inspired by the way participants change and even transform their lives through their mindfulness and compassion practices. Taught university and community classes for over 50 years; has practiced meditation for over 40 years. Richard is a member of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing, a group of monastics and lay practitioners dedicated to mindfulness, compassion, and long-term social transformation.
Beth Glosten, M.D.
Teacher
Mindfulness Northwest (mindfulness, MBSR)
Attended the University of Washington School of Medicine and had an academic anesthesiology career until physical issues prompted her to step back from that hectic life. Studied pilates, and through this system embraced moving mindfully. She was drawn to meditation several years ago and found it meshed naturally with her approach to teaching movement: turn focus inward to listen to, and befriend, one’s self. From this place, growth and healing are possible.
Holly Bond
Teacher
Three Trees Yoga (registered yoga teacher)
UCSD Center for Mindfulness (MBSR)
Devoted to serving disenfranchised populations. She began her career in HIV education, then moved to advocacy for survivors of abuse and assault, followed by a brief stint in animal welfare. She holds a Master’s degree in Training, Coaching, and Development from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, dance, and archery.
Amandeep Jassal
Visiting Teacher
UCSD Center for Mindfulness (MBSR)
Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
A born, bred, and resident Canadian with family roots in the Punjab region of India. Amandeep discovered the benefits of meditation practice in 2015, eventually becoming teacher-trained in Mindful Self-Compassion and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Amandeep graduated from the University of British Columbia and holds his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and his Masters in Clinical Social Work. Amandeep is privileged to work in a helping role, providing compassionate and gentle therapy to adolescents, adults, and families in various settings including post-secondary institutions, government, non-profits, and private practice. Visit Amandeep here: www.mindclinic.ca
Annie Shull
Visiting Teacher
Certified Mindfulness Instructor (Mindfulness Northwest)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher (Mindfulness Northwest)
Endurance running and an impending surgery led Annie to explore mindfulness meditation. After self-study for 12 years, Annie launched into teacher training in 2017 with the goal of bringing mindfulness to others. She is a certified Mindfulness Meditation Instructor and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher-in-Training. After two decades of curriculum development and marketing experience in the tech sector and wine industry, Annie combines her passion for teaching and sharing the relief that can be found in the simplest of mindfulness practices, especially delighting in everyday mindfulness moments.
Robin Boudette, Ph.D.
Visiting Teacher
Center for Mindfulness (MBSR)
Mindsciences (Mindful Habit Change)
Spirit Rock (Community Dharma Leader)
A clinical psychologist and mindfulness instructor, Robin has practiced yoga and meditation for more than 20 years and has completed multiple training programs including the Community Dharma Leader Training (CDL 5) at Spirit Rock. She is a certified MBSR instructor for the past 10 years has been a member of the teaching team at Mindfulness Institute at Jefferson University Hospital. In 2016, she began working with Judson Brewer, MD, Ph.D., offering evidence-based mindfulness interventions for habit change. As the Training Coordinator at Mindsciences, she heads up the Behavior Change Facilitator Training Program. She also offers online courses, workshops, and retreats around the country. She is especially committed to the practice of life release and is engaged in animal rescue.
Board of Directors
CLAUDIA FINKELSTEIN, M.D.C.M.
TOI GEIL, PH.D.
GLENN HERLINGER
MICHAEL KELBERER
REV. TIM BURNETT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Policies & Program Info
Our COVID Policy
UPDATED June 1, 2022
Vaccination required: We expect participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance to CDC guidelines before arriving at any in-person event.
Stay home if you are ill: If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you should not attend. Should COVID-like symptoms begin during the event, we ask that you notify a training leader immediately.
Full social distancing isn’t always practical in the venues we use. We will spread out as reasonable. Look to your instructor for guidance.
Mask wearing: currently RECOMMENDED.
Masking requirements are based on CDC guidelines (current levels) and State and Country recommendations.
CDC guidelines which are responsive to current Community Covid Levels (High, Medium, or Low). Mask wearing is required when the Community Covid Level for that county becomes High. Currently (June 1st) CDC levels are Medium for the counties we work in and indoor masking is optional per CDC.
However the State of Washington Department of Health currently recommends masking when indoors in crowded spaces.
Masking by your teacher: At either optional or recommended masking level we do allow our teachers to be unmasked when speaking so that you can hear them better. When masking is required it is required for everyone, including the teacher.
Questions? If you have any questions about our COVID-19 policy, please contact us at office@mindfulnessnorthwest.com or (360) 830-6439 ext 0.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
We are honored to support each participant in their mindfulness practice. Mindfulness Northwest does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our staff, students, and clients.
Payment Plans & Sliding Scale Pricing
Payment Plans
You may pay your tuition with 4 monthly interest-free payments at Checkout. You will be redirected to Partial.ly, a 3rd party online payment plan service. Your first payment is made now, the remaining 3 are withdrawn on the same day of the month that you registered. Questions? Contact Partial.ly Support.
Sliding Scale Pricing
As part of our non-profit commitment to accessibility, we offer a sliding scale fee for most of our courses, workshops, retreats, and trainings. You may choose the fee that matches your budget; there is no application or screening process.
Our intention is to make our offerings affordable to all while allowing those who are more fortunate in their financial circumstances an opportunity to practice generosity. Generally, the middle "Our Cost" value on the sliding scale is the amount needed to fully cover the costs of your attending an offering.
There are 3 levels on our sliding scale fees in addition to scholarship options.
- Supporting Tuition: At this level, your registration fees somewhat exceed the costs of your attending the program. This is an offering to help subsidize the reduced fees paid by others who have more challenging financial circumstances.
- Our Cost Tuition: At this level, your registration fees fully cover the costs of your attending the program.
- Subsidized Tuition: At this level, your registration fees do not fully cover the costs of your attending the program. If you select this level, your registration will be subsidized by others, either via the general donations people offer or through the additional fees paid by those selecting a Supporting Level fee.
Donations
Donations are another way to support the accessibility provided by our sliding scale. Will you help?
Mindfulness Northwest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
QUESTIONS?
Please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Do you offer discounts or scholarships?
We do! Our mission is to make mindfulness accessible. To that end we offer a sliding scale for tuition which includes scholarship rates. No need to apply; simply choose the level that's the best fit for your budget. MNW alumni receive a discounted rate for some events. We also provide a 4-month interest-free payment plan option, available during registration.
Is there a way to make up a missed class?
Yes! We allow participants in MBSR, MSC, and MHP courses to attend another class in the same quarter (when possible). You may email us at office@mindfulnessnorthwest.com to make arrangements. Provide the name of your current class, location, day of the week, and the class you’ll be missing (e.g. MBSR, Online, Tuesday nights, class 6). You’ll be contacted by the Community Program Coordinator within one business day.
Registration Policies
By signing up for a Mindfulness Northwest event you agree to the following:
Event registrants are automatically signed up for our emails, including a monthly newsletter, upcoming program announcements, and other updates. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email.
ELIGIBILITY
Unless otherwise stated, our courses and retreats are designed for adults. If you (or an individual for whom you are registering) are less than 18 years of age, please contact the office before registering.
Registration is not complete until you have paid your registration fee or started your payment plan. You have 24 hours to do this. Please contact us if you need to request special arrangements.
We ask that people who are attending our programs together please register separately.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES
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All event registrations include a $30 non-refundable processing fee. Refunds for cancellation always have this fee deducted.
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Registrations are non-transferable, and we do not provide credit for cancelled registrations or missed classes.
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Refunds and cancellation from our programs:
- Cancel up to 1 month before the event begins: Receive a full refund less the $30 non-refundable processing fee.
- Cancel between 1 month and one week before the event begins: Receive a refund of 50% of the registration fee.
- Cancel under one week before the event begins: No refunds. To receive a refund, you must let us know at least one week before the event begins.
RECORDINGS & PHOTOGRAPHY
As a participant you agree not to take photos, audio recordings, or video recordings of our classes or other class participants.
Note that Mindfulness Northwest may make audio/video recordings of our instructors for certification and training purposes. These recordings are for internal use only.
What are our classes like?
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR 8-WEEK COURSES
Our teachers work hard to create a supportive, friendly, and safe classroom community for you and the other participants in our 8-week classes. Mindfulness and compassion training can be many things to many people at different points in their lives: supportive, exploratory, revealing, and at times challenging. The classes include both tools you can use every day and opportunities to take a deep dive into your mind, habits, and conditioning. This process has many benefits but it’s also important to consider if the time is right. Please read on and consider watching the 5-minute video below.
There are instances where a longer course like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction or Mindful Self-Compassion can be less helpful or even harmful.If you've recently experienced serious psychological challenges like schizophrenia or psychosis not responsive to medication, or you are experiencing severe depression with thoughts of suicide, class is probably not helpful at this time. We also suggest caution if you're recently in recovery, recently lost a close loved one, have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or have recently experienced significant trauma.
If you're unsure about registering for a course, please contact the Mindfulness Northwest office. We want to be sure there is sufficient support for you and that the timing is right for taking our courses.
We hope you enjoy this five-minute message from Executive Director Tim Burnett on what our classes look and feel like. We recommend you watch it before enrolling in an 8-week or residential MBSR or MSC.
Who takes our classes?
All adults (18+) are welcome! Our supportive, inclusive community celebrates participants from all backgrounds. Certain retreats are best suited for more experienced practitioners; details about prerequisites are included with each event description.
We ask that people who are attending our programs together please register separately.
Is an 8-week class right for you?
If you're unsure about registering for a course, please contact the Mindfulness Northwest office. We want to be sure there is sufficient support for you and that the timing is right for taking our courses.
Is a retreat right for you?
WHO OUR ONE DAY RETREATS ARE FOR
Our single day retreats are ideal for people with some mindfulness or meditation experience. Introductory information about mindfulness will not be provided at this session. Rather, we will dive right in to guided practice. If you are totally new to meditation this day may be a challenge; however, all are welcome. For some, “jumping in” is a great way to start.
WHO OUR MULTI-DAY RETREATS ARE FOR
Before sitting a multi-day retreat we recommend that you have teacher-led experience with mindfulness or related contemplative practices. Please contact us if you have questions about whether a given retreat will be appropriate for you.
Our multi-day retreats are appropriate for:
- Those who have taken a course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Self-Compassion, or Mindfulness for Healthcare Professionals.
- Established students of mindfulness interested in deepening and maintaining their practice.
- Mindfulness teachers and students who’d like to strengthen their understanding of the Buddhist roots of contemporary mindfulness.
- Those seeking to fulfill a required teacher-led silent retreat for a teacher training.
- Adults age 18 and over.
Donate
Our mission is to provide accessible mindfulness training as broadly as possible in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
To that end, we have established an Accessibility Fund and request your generous help! These funds help us bring mindfulness training to those who might not otherwise be able to access it. We offer sliding scale fees, individual scholarships, and discounted and pro-bono trainings for non-profit organizations. Thank you very much for your support.
Make a Donation
Mindfulness Northwest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN: 45-5363026). All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Our office address is 214 N. Commercial Street #103, Bellingham, WA 98225.