We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bridget Danielle Sisney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bridget Danielle, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
My journey into the world as a wellness professional and entrepreneur truly began in the classroom as a middle school science teacher. It was my students and fellow teachers who showed me the positive impact yoga and mindfulness meditation can have.
One particular moment stands out: during our end-of-year meeting, the principal and I sat down to discuss my plans for the next school year. I had just completed my yoga teacher certification a few months earlier and was eager to share my idea of incorporating mindfulness and yoga into the school day—something I envisioned as an enrichment class alongside PE or band.
When I pitched my idea, the principal laughed. Honestly, it was a bit deflating. After her laughter subsided, she said, “Ms. Sisney, you’re a great science teacher. We’ll stick with that, and you can keep running your afterschool yoga club.”
That moment could have easily discouraged me, but instead, it ignited a fire within me. That summer, I decided to explore other opportunities and interviewed at several middle schools. I shared my vision with different leaders, and to my delight, I received offers from two schools. I ultimately chose to work with a principal who was starting a new school and was open to innovative ideas. Under his guidance, I developed a mindfulness class and curriculum for middle school students. He became one of the best leaders I’ve ever had—supportive, inspiring, and genuinely invested in my success.
Fast forward eight years, and I’m still thriving, bringing my wellness curriculum to multiple schools and have expanded to offer services to adults as professional services. I’ve learned that believing in your vision, even in the face of skepticism, can lead to incredible opportunities. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the chance to make a positive impact on my students’ lives.
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?
Hello! I’m Bridget Danielle Sisney and I’m passionate about promoting wellness and mindfulness for individuals of all ages, from students in schools to working adults in corporate environments. My journey began in the classroom as a middle school science teacher, where I quickly realized the profound impact that mental and emotional well-being has on students’ learning and development. Inspired by my students and fellow educators, I pursued my yoga teacher certification and began integrating mindfulness practices into my teaching.
As my passion for wellness grew, I expanded my services to reach a broader audience. Today, I offer a diverse range of wellness programs, including tailored mindfulness workshops and curricula for middle school students. These programs focus on yoga, emotional regulation, and stress management, helping students cultivate awareness and resilience.
Recognizing the need for wellness in the workplace, I also provide professional wellness coaching for corporate clients and working adults. Through personalized coaching sessions, I help individuals enhance their well-being, manage stress, and achieve a better work-life balance. Additionally, I offer private sessions for those seeking individualized support on their wellness journey.
I believe that wellness should be accessible to everyone, which is why I invest back into the community by offering classes in yoga, Pilates, and sound bath meditation. These community classes create a welcoming space for individuals to connect, relax, and recharge, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
What truly sets me apart is my holistic approach that blends educational experience with wellness expertise. I understand the unique challenges faced by both students and professionals, and I tailor my programs to meet their specific needs. My background in science education enables me to present wellness concepts in a relatable and engaging way, making them accessible to diverse audiences.
Through my work, I address several critical issues. Many individuals and students grapple with significant pressures, and my programs equip them with practical tools to manage stress effectively. Mindfulness practices enhance concentration and engagement, whether in a classroom or a corporate setting. I also help participants develop strategies for understanding and managing their emotions, leading to healthier relationships and improved communication.
I take great pride in the positive feedback I receive from both students and professionals. Witnessing individuals develop greater self-awareness and confidence through my programs is incredibly rewarding. I’ve seen how mindfulness can transform lives, creating positive shifts in both classroom and workplace environments.
At the heart of my work is a belief in the transformative power of wellness as a way of life. My mission is to empower individuals—whether students, educators, or corporate professionals—to embrace mental health and well-being as integral to their daily lives. I’m dedicated to building a community where everyone feels supported and valued.
Whether you’re an educator looking to enhance your classroom or a corporate leader aiming to improve employee wellness, I invite you to explore how we can work together. Let’s create spaces that nurture both the mind and body, fostering resilience and joy in every aspect of life.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
There are so many resources that have significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial philosophy, but two stand out: The 10 Commitments of Conscious Leadership and The Four Agreements.
Every year, I revisit The 10 Commitments of Conscious Leadership because it offers profound insights into how leaders can operate with greater awareness and intention. This book emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility, fostering trust, and creating a culture of collaboration. As a wellness leader, these commitments resonate deeply with my approach to promoting well-being in both educational and corporate environments. I strive to embody these principles, encouraging my clients and students to be fully present, embrace vulnerability, and focus on the bigger picture. This perspective reminds me that effective leadership in wellness is not just about achieving results but also about nurturing relationships and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Similarly, The Four Agreements has had a lasting impact on my personal and professional life. This book presents four principles—Be Impeccable with Your Word, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best—that serve as guiding values. These agreements have helped me cultivate a mindset of integrity and authenticity in my interactions with clients and colleagues. In my role as a professional wellness coach, I emphasize the importance of open communication and understanding, which are crucial for building trust and rapport. By applying these principles, I’ve been able to navigate challenges with grace and foster a culture of mutual respect and support, both in my coaching sessions and community classes.
In addition to these books, I also explore articles, podcasts, and videos that delve into topics like emotional intelligence, social-emotional health, and innovative management practices. Engaging with thought leaders in these areas helps me stay current and inspired, allowing me to continually refine my approach to wellness coaching and community engagement.
Overall, these resources have not only impacted my thinking but have also provided practical frameworks that I apply daily in my work. They remind me of the importance of conscious leadership and the power of principles that promote a healthy, productive workplace culture. By integrating these lessons into my practice, I strive to create environments where individuals can grow, collaborate, and achieve their potential together. This commitment to wellness extends beyond individual coaching; it influences the way I design community classes and programs, ensuring that they foster connection, resilience, and holistic well-being.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One important lesson I had to unlearn in my journey as a wellness professional is the idea that I’m the best fit for every student or client. When I first started, I believed that my knowledge and skills could help everyone. I thought that if I just shared the right tools and insights, everyone would thrive under my coaching.
But over time, I realized that each person is unique, with their own needs and experiences. I had moments with students and clients who didn’t resonate with my methods, and it hit me: wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Everyone is searching for something different—whether it’s stress relief, emotional support, or a deeper sense of purpose. I learned that I might not always be the right person to help them find what they need.
This realization was a bit humbling, but it changed everything for me. I started to shift my mindset from being the “expert” to being a partner in the journey. I began to listen more closely to my clients and students, asking questions to understand their unique goals and challenges. This approach created a more inclusive and supportive environment, where individuals felt empowered to explore their own paths to wellness.
I also came to appreciate the importance of referring clients and opportunities to other professionals who might be a better fit. This not only built a sense of community among wellness practitioners but reinforced the idea that the ultimate goal is to support individuals in finding the right resources for their personal journeys.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that being an effective leader means being adaptable and open to the diverse realities of those I work with. Acknowledging that I’m not the best fit for everyone allows me to focus on building meaningful connections and creating personalized experiences that truly resonate. It’s a reminder that the journey of learning and growth is a shared experience, where both the teacher and the student have valuable insights to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellnesswithbridget.com
- Instagram: @wellnesswithbridget_ and @iambridgetdanielle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetsisney
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wellnesswithbridget/
Image Credits
Credit: LondonEyez