Simone Figueroa is the Co-Founder and President of U-Thrive Educational Services, an organization that brings mental and emotional wellness programs to college students to help them manage stress, become more resilient, and thrive throughout their undergraduate experience and beyond. Simone graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Finance and concentration in Spirituality and Health. She also graduated top of her class from Columbia University with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology in Education with an emphasis on Mind-Body Medicine. During her studies at Columbia University, Simone took a year long practicum in Positive Psychology and became fascinated with and quickly saw a need for Positive Education, which led to the start of U-Thrive Educational Services. Simone’s professional journey began at Canyon Ranch, a premier Health & Wellness Resort in Tucson, AZ where she held various positions ranging from Operations Manager of Health, Healing & Spiritual Wellness to Director of Guest Experience. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.UThriveEducation.com Most Influential Person My Parents Michael A. Singer, Author of The Untethered Soul Effect on Emotions Mindfulness has dampened my emotions when they need to be dampened and heightened them when they need to be heightened. They help me ride out the negative emotions in life and also help me appreciate and savour the positive ones. Thoughts on Breathing Breathing is the greatest gift. If we're breathing, we're alive. It is the tool we have with us everywhere we go. It's the easiest, quickest way we can drop into the present moment, by taking a few quick, deep breaths. Suggested Resources Book: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Book: Living in Flow by Catherine Krame App: Calm / Headspace / Insight Timer Bullying Story In sixth grade I was bullied. When I think back to it now, I feel like I tried to compartmentalize and maybe put away some of the feelings that I felt. I feel like I knew that I was just chronically sad. I would eat lunch alone until I took it upon myself to find a new group. I had a group of friends and they decided one day that they didn't want to be my friend anymore. One of those individuals was my best friend in the world, who still is my best friend today and that's the only rift or argument we ever had in twenty-two years. Related Episodes 185 Better Leaders, Better Schools, Principal Daniel Bauer 014 Hans Hageman; The US Senate To A Harlem Middle School 331 Become An Empowered Educator; Jen Molitor Free Gift Do you want to improve the focus, drive, and productivity of your employees? If so, you can learn how by downloading, '10 Simple & Effective Ways to Increase Mindfulness in the Workplace Now', a free PDF at MindfulnessMode.com/workplacep.