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

Hi Alison, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I’m excited to share the journey of Uthrive Wellness Inc., a non-profit organization that embodies the principles of love and mindfulness in education.

It all began eight years ago when my youngest son’s kindergarten teacher approached me with an opportunity to teach mindfulness to the children. At the time, I was pursuing my certification in mindfulness and meditation, so it was a perfect fit for me.

As a former school counselor, I found great fulfillment in blending social and emotional practices, storytelling, and art modalities with mindfulness techniques. Working with the students enriched their experiences and allowed me to collaborate with teachers to gain valuable insights into the needs of the classroom environment.

I observed that teachers felt more relaxed and at ease with their students after our sessions that in turn created a more positive learning atmosphere. The students thrived from our interactions, and we noticed that reinforcing these practices with parents amplified the benefits.

Our goal at Uthrive is to support school communities, one small step at a time. While we serve the entire community, schools hold a special place in my heart because we are nurturing the next generation.

I’m passionate about continuing this work and expanding our reach to further enhance the well-being of students, teachers, and families within our community.

Alison, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a young child, I often struggled to express my feelings and emotions. I found that art became a vital outlet for processing what I was experiencing. This early connection to art ultimately inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in art therapy, child psychology, and school counseling. These studies were enhanced by my work in meditation and mindfulness, and other healing modalities. These fields not only deepened my understanding of emotional and psychological well-being but also laid the groundwork for the creation of Uthrive Wellness.

I began integrating social and emotional learning with art and mindfulness practices about eight years ago. This unique blend was driven by my passion for equipping students and teachers with essential tools to self-regulate and understand their emotions in a safe and empowering environment. I believe this holistic approach distinguishes our programs from more traditional mindfulness initiatives.

Mindfulness serves as the foundational piece of all our healing art programs, fostering a sense of presence and awareness that is crucial for emotional health. It enables individuals to navigate challenges more effectively. My ultimate goal is to create supportive spaces where both students and educators can thrive, contributing to a healthier and more connected school community.

What fills me with the most pride in our work is witnessing the transformations in students, teachers, and other clients. For instance, seeing a child advocate for their own needs rather than relying on an adult to intervene is incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to observe them regulating their emotions, holding space for themselves, and knowing they are in a safe environment to do so.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience, to me, is all about perseverance in the face of challenges. My vision for Uthrive has been in development for eight years, focusing on integrating unique programs into schools and providing essential self-care initiatives for staff and teachers who desperately need support.

I approach this journey one step at a time, refusing to give up because I believe deeply in the importance of raising awareness about mental health within our educational systems. By prioritizing the well-being of staff and teachers, we create a positive ripple effect that ultimately benefits students and their families.

I truly believe that together, we can cultivate school environments that not only survive but thrive. This commitment to resilience fuels my passion and drives me forward, no matter the obstacles we encounter.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2023, Uthrive transitioned from an LLC to a nonprofit organization, a pivotal moment for our mission. This shift was driven by a realization that to truly broaden our impact and reach within school organizations, especially in public school systems, we needed to operate as a nonprofit.

As a nonprofit, we are better positioned to collaborate with schools and community organizations, allowing us to offer our programs to a wider audience. This change not only aligns with our mission to promote emotional and psychological well-being through art and mindfulness but also enables us to secure funding and resources that would otherwise be unavailable.

This pivot reflects my commitment to ensuring that every student and educator has access to the tools they need to thrive. By becoming a nonprofit, we can further our mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://uthrivewellness.org
• Instagram: ungaroalison and uthrivewellnessinc
• Facebook: facebook.com/Palisadesmom. Ali Ungaro

Image Credits

Katherine Ross, Michelle Bombadardier, Erina Kwon (these people took pictures with my phone.)