Meet Our Team

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Emily realized the potential mindfulness could have on children when she noticed the benefit it had on herself. She decided to study it further and made it her mission to help children find focus and self-awareness early, to support them in whichever direction they chose. She is honored to lead this team and experience the growing support of The Being Project's mission from the community of Cincinnati.

Co-Founder, Program Director

Before beginning this journey, I studied Elementary Education in undergrad and pursued a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.  I taught various grades for over a decade and utilized social emotional learning strategies for many years before leaving the classroom.  In 2020 I became certified to teach yoga through my 200 hour training.  Combining all of these structures of learning allowed me to join The Being Project and help create the lessons for our curriculums.

I enjoy being outdoors; traveling, kayaking, hiking, camping, or gardening. I am so grateful to be able to serve my community in a way that feels incredibly impactful and important with such a wonderful team by my side!

Curriculum Development

Mary began her work with children as a teen working for Cincinnati Recreation Commission pools; teaching swimming and lifeguarding for 18 years. She pursued these interests into her Bachelor of Arts studies at Northern Kentucky University where she studied High School Art Education. It was here that she learned of the Waldorf Educational philosophies and began studying yoga and alternative healing modalities, before she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Concentration in Literature. While homeschooling her children for 3 years, she dreamed of kids yoga curricula that were creative in expression and incorporated Emotional Intelligence topics for kids. All of this and more she is excited to integrate into her work with the Being Project.

President

Hello! I am a Cincinnati native who began my educational career in Oakland, California. I have worked in a variety of teaching and administrative positions in 3 public school districts in 2 states. Currently, I serve as a high school Principal in Cincinnati Public Schools and I witness daily just how crucial Social Emotional Learning is. This content is not supplemental, it is the core of educating young people.

Treasurer, Data Analyst

My name is Swati Saini, and I am from India. I have been a yoga professional and practitioner since 2014. I also have a degree in Education Studies and Policy and have worked for about 8 years to improve the education system in India. Witnessing the impactful work of the Being Project team in Ohio schools, I am thrilled to join this incredible team.

Secretary

I am an educator with over 25 years of experience in both rural and urban K-12 and post-secondary education. Recently, I completed my Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Instructional Leadership. As a mother of three and grandmother of two, I cherish my family and the time I spend with them.

I enjoy serving my community by volunteering on various advisory boards, reflecting my dedication to service and civic engagement. I am a lifelong learner, always up for a new adventure in my Jeep Wrangler, embracing the motto "Not all who wander are lost," and eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.