Maryland's Largest School District
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. It can support focus, emotional awareness, stress management, compassion, and positive relationships.
We now realize the fundamental role of social-emotional well-being as a direct link to academic outcomes. Learning to focus, maintaining motivation, handling the frustrations of sharing, learning, and communicating with peers are skills that depend on the student's ability to understand and manage their emotions. These are basic competencies that are crucial to the success of students as they progress through school and life. Mindfulness is highly beneficial to the well-being of students and staff...[Mindfulness tools] can make a huge difference to our mindset and to the quality of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Jeff Donald, Instructional Specialist for Mindfulness & Trauma Informed Care
Mariana Cruz, Mindfulness Specialist & Founder of SageSight WellnessBorn in Puerto Rico and based in Washington, D.C., Mariana is deeply committed to nurturing wellness, well-being, and inclusion in all aspects of life. With expertise in Wellness, Mindfulness, and DEl, Mariana has worn various hats over the years, particularly in education, spanning both higher education and K-12.
Her instructional portfolio includes teaching undergraduate courses in education, LatinX studies, and gender studies, as well as implementing mindfulness practices in K-12 classrooms and providing training to educators in mindfulness-based instruction and leadership, notably within MCPS through a multi-year grant partnership with Yogi Tea Co. and Y.O.G.A. for Youth. In addition to her instructional roles, Mariana has also held leadership positions in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in higher education, where she has made meaningful contributions to advancing inclusive and equitable programs and practices.
Mariana's educational background includes an M.S. in Education from Cornell University, an M.A. in Government & Women and Gender Studies from Texas Woman's University, and a B.A. from the University of Puerto Rico. Currently completing a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) with a focus on Health and Wellness, Mariana is driven by her passion for staying informed about the evolving research landscape in educational leadership.
Certified in yoga education, mindfulness-based stress reduction, organizational development, worksite wellness, and workplace mindfulness, among other areas, Mariana brings a comprehensive skill set to her collaboration with MCPS and her role as founder of SageSight Wellness.
