Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa Hutchinson-szekely. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

The Moment That Changed Everything

After nearly twenty years in public education, I thought I knew my path. Then the pandemic hit—and with it, a defining moment that reshaped everything.

During the 2020-2021 school year at SFUSD, students were forced into isolation as schools remained closed for an entire year. I saw firsthand how this disconnection took a toll—the loneliness, the anxiety, the struggle to engage through a screen. Trying to reach students over Zoom felt like shouting into the void, and I knew: education had to be about more than academics—it had to help kids reconnect with themselves, their bodies, and each other.

So, I pivoted. I studied, took the three required exams, and earned my physical education credential—not to just teach sports, but to bring movement, breathwork, and mindfulness into kids’ daily lives. PE became more than just running laps; it became a space for gratitude, resilience, and reconnection.

But I didn’t stop there. That same year, while teaching PE, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training and became an SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) facilitator. I saw how deeply students needed tools to manage stress, and I wanted to keep expanding my ability to support them. Since then, I’ve continued on this path, earning certifications in holistic health and wellness coaching, Reiki Level 1, and Physiology First.

Ultimately, this journey led me to launch my own mindfulness company, Big Belly Breathing, where I now teach meditation and create content that makes mindfulness accessible to modern, busy humans.

Had the pandemic not happened, I might have stayed on my original path. But sometimes, life shakes you awake and hands you a new direction. That moment taught me that education isn’t just about what we teach—it’s about how we help students (and ourselves) feel whole.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely—a meditation teacher, mindfulness educator, and content creator passionate about helping people integrate mindfulness into their daily lives in a way that actually fits their reality (not just an idealized version of it).

For nearly 25 years, I have worked in public education, teaching everything from math and science to PE while witnessing firsthand how stress, disconnection, and overwhelm were impacting students, educators, and families. Then, when the pandemic hit, I saw just how deeply these struggles ran—and I knew I had to do more than acknowledge the problem. I had to be part of the solution.

So, I pivoted my career toward holistic wellness. I earned certifications in yoga, social-emotional learning (SEL), holistic health and wellness coaching, Reiki, and breathwork. Then, I took everything I had learned from education, parenting and mindfulness and launched Big Belly Breathing, a company dedicated to making meditation and mindfulness fun, accessible, and relevant—for kids, teens, and busy adults.

What I Offer & The Problems I Solve:

I currently work as a middle school PE teacher in San Francisco, a yoga instructor at CorePower Yoga, and a meditation teacher offering online and in-person classes in 1:1, small-group, and large-group formats. In addition, I create engaging, real-world mindfulness content to help people integrate meditation and breathwork into their daily routines.

At Big Belly Breathing, I provide:
✅ Guided meditations & mindfulness resources (podcast episodes, printables, courses and journals)
✅ Live & virtual meditation workshops for schools, organizations, and individuals
✅ A fresh, modern take on mindfulness—approachable, playful, and effective
✅ Tools for stress management, focus, and emotional well-being—without the need for a three-hour morning routine or a mountaintop retreat

The problem I solve? I make mindfulness doable. So many people feel like they “should” meditate but think they don’t have the time, patience, or personality for it. I break down those barriers by showing that meditation can be quick, easy, and even accessible. My approach is designed for the modern, busy, slightly overcaffeinated human who wants more calm but doesn’t want it to feel like another thing on their to-do list. I emphasize how meditation is a powerful tool to increase your calm AND your creativity.

What Sets Me Apart:

I bring the heart of an educator, the curiosity of a lifelong learner, and the humor of parent of tweens. My work blends science-backed mindfulness practices with an engaging, down-to-earth style—because I believe meditation should feel welcoming, not intimidating.

I’m most proud of helping people realize that meditation is for them—whether they’re a teacher trying to stay present, a parent juggling a million responsibilities as they enter their “mid-life” era, a student managing anxiety, or an athlete looking for mental clarity.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: More people meditating. More joy in everyday life.

That’s what Big Belly Breathing is all about.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

The Power of Connection: Why Being Relatable Matters in Mindfulness

Other than training and knowledge, the most important factor for success in my field is being relatable and building real connections with people. Mindfulness, meditation, and wellness can sometimes feel inaccessible—wrapped in perfectionism, rigid traditions, or an unattainable “guru” image. But the reality is, mindfulness is for everyone, and the key to making it stick is feeling safe, seen, and supported in the process.

I think of myself as a modern-day Mr. Rogers—someone you’d want to sit with because you trust them, feel at ease in their presence, and connect with their energy and message. The work I do isn’t just about teaching techniques; it’s about creating a sense of belonging. It’s about reminding people that mindfulness isn’t about being “perfectly calm” but about showing up for yourself, however messy life may be.

Since the pandemic, the need for human connection has never been greater. We’re living in a time of digital overload, rising anxiety, and a deep sense of division—especially in today’s political climate. People don’t just need mindfulness tips; they need real, human connection. They need a community that helps them feel grounded, supported, and seen. That’s what I aim to create through my work.

At the end of the day, people don’t remember the technique as much as they remember the feeling. They remember the energy, the warmth, and the sense that they are not alone. That’s what makes mindfulness stick—not just the science behind it, but the feeling of being welcomed into a space where they can just be.

That’s why relatability is everything. Mindfulness isn’t just something I teach—it’s something I live, breathe, and share in a way that feels real.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Would I Choose Education Again? Absolutely.

Without a doubt, I would choose education again—it’s one of the most dynamic, creative, and impactful fields out there. At its core, education is about community and social justice, about equipping people with the tools to navigate the world with confidence, curiosity, and compassion. Being an educator isn’t just a job—it’s a way of engaging with the world, of lifting others up, and of ensuring that learning is a space where everyone feels seen and valued.

If I could redo my journey, I might choose to start in PE rather than arriving there 20 years in. Teaching physical education has been an incredible way to integrate mindfulness, movement, and emotional well-being into students’ daily lives—something I now see as essential. But every step of my career has shaped me, and I’m grateful for the path that led me here.

One of the most meaningful roles I’ve held was coordinating the new teacher support program. That experience gave me a unique perspective on how to best serve the next generation of educators—helping them navigate the challenges of the profession while staying true to their purpose. It reinforced something I’ve always believed: at the heart of great teaching is connection. Whether working with students, teachers, or the broader community, building relationships, truly listening, and making people feel heard is what makes all the difference.

And, let’s be honest—education is also the only profession in this country with built-in vacation time, which is an incredible gift! The rhythm of the school year, with its natural breaks, provides a rare and much-needed balance that allows educators to recharge, reflect, and return with renewed energy. That balance is something I deeply appreciate.

So yes, I’d absolutely choose this field again. Education is ever-evolving, deeply fulfilling, and, at its best, a force for real change. Plus, who doesn’t love summer break?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bigbellybreathing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbellybreathing/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-hutchinson-szekely-754a1288/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigbellybreathing
• Other: Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2126580

  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigbellybreathing

Image Credits

Photographer: Nicole Seguin