On May 11–14, 99 DSUSD staff participated in a Dynamic Mindfulness (DMind) professional development training provided by the Niroga Institute, supported through a Child Youth Behavioral Health Initiative grant. This grant enables Desert Sands Unified School District to expand evidence based, trauma-informed training for school mental health and support staff.

The training focused on integrating Dynamic Mindfulness as a complementary approach within Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed practice. Staff explored the neuroscience of stress and trauma and how these experiences impact learning, behavior, and emotional regulation. DMind practices were introduced as tools to help build and strengthen neural pathways that support a greater sense of safety, self-awareness, social awareness, physical health awareness, and self-regulation skills.

Participants engaged in experiential learning, including opportunities to practice teaching DMind activities and collaborate on implementation planning. Staff also discussed potential barriers to implementation and identified practical solutions to support consistent use across school settings. Specialized sessions were provided to address the needs of students in foster and homeless situations, early childhood programs, and students with exceptional needs, strengthening the district’s capacity to deliver equitable, responsive support.