Mindful Mentoring
Give your child the tools to manage big emotions, build confidence, and thrive — through yoga, mindfulness, and evidence-based skills delivered right at their school. Free for all families.
Building Resilience in Young Minds
Mindful Mentoring is a transformative group mentoring program delivered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island. Launched in October 2023, it guides children ages 8–12 toward self-care, emotional well-being, and a stronger sense of self.
Delivered during school hours in partnership with School District 68, the program removes transportation and financial barriers — making it accessible to every child, regardless of background. Originally launched at Rock City Elementary in Nanaimo, the program is actively expanding to serve children across our Central Vancouver Island service area.
Mindful Mentoring was a proud component of the City of Nanaimo Youth Resilience Strategy, a federally funded initiative to empower youth and prevent violence. As we grow, we are actively pursuing new funding partnerships to sustain and expand this vital program.
The program is facilitated by Luisa Correa Quezada, a certified yoga instructor (200 E-RYT, YACEP, RPYT), who brings expertise, compassion, and creativity to every session.
Four Pillars of Well-Being
Every session is designed to build on these core foundations, giving children practical tools they carry with them long after the program ends.
Self-Care
Acquiring valuable skills to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges through breathwork, movement, and mindfulness.
Self-Concept
Nurturing a positive self-image and building a strong sense of self-worth through affirmations and reflective activities.
Positive Thinking
Learning the power of optimism and positivity in shaping our outlook on life and how we respond to challenges.
Attachment
Understanding the roots of our emotions and how our connections with others shape our well-being and resilience.
A Structured Journey of Growth
Each week builds on the last, guiding children through a carefully sequenced curriculum developed by certified instructor Luisa Correa Quezada. The program integrates two primary modules: Yoga & Mindfulness and Therapeutic Cognitive Tools.
Introduction to Emotions & Breath
Belly breathing, "feelings weather chart," Calm Balloon visualization.
Building Strength & Confidence
Mountain Pose, Warrior I & II, Lion's Breath, strength affirmations.
Finding Balance in Emotions
Tree Pose, Eagle Pose, Alternate Nostril Breathing, emotion stones.
Expressing & Releasing Emotions
Bee Breath, emotion mandala, guided cloud visualization.
Cultivating Gratitude & Connection
Partner yoga, Heart Breathing, gratitude tree group activity.
Calming the Mind & Body
Restorative poses, Ocean Breath (Ujjayi), body scan meditation.
Managing Stress & Challenges
Warrior sequence, Four-Part Breathing, personal coping cards.
Empowerment & Celebration
Favourite poses, Sunshine Breath, keepsake mindfulness journal.
60-Minute Class Structure
Every class follows a consistent, nurturing structure that helps children feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn.
See the Program Come to Life
Students participating in Mindful Mentoring sessions — outdoors and in the classroom at Rock City Elementary in Nanaimo, where the program was first launched.
What People Are Saying
I have witnessed firsthand how participants develop greater confidence, improved emotional regulation, and an increased ability to manage stress through mindfulness and movement.
Students returned to class calmer and more focused. Their ability to self-regulate noticeably improved. We have seen shy and hesitant students develop leadership skills.
My child came home proud of the breathing and mindfulness tools they learned and is using them daily.
Two initially shy girls grew to take leadership roles in activities, transforming group morale.
Proven Results, Real Change
Since launching in October 2023, Mindful Mentoring has grown from a 7-student pilot into an established, community-embedded program with measurable outcomes. The program is now actively expanding beyond its original home at Rock City Elementary to reach children across Central Vancouver Island.
- Over 66 students served in 2025 across three groups at Rock City Elementary
- 92% average attendance and consistently positive teacher feedback
- Documented improvements in emotional regulation, confidence, and peer connection
- Delivered at no cost to families during school hours, eliminating all access barriers
- Trauma-informed and culturally responsive — welcoming all children regardless of background
- Multiple SD68 schools have expressed interest in hosting the program, demonstrating strong community demand
- Actively expanding to reach children across Central Vancouver Island
Our Funding Journey
Mindful Mentoring has been built on strong community partnerships. All programming is provided free of charge to participating families, and we are committed to keeping it that way.
City of Nanaimo — Building Safer Communities Fund
Mindful Mentoring was proudly funded through City of Nanaimo Agreement #3519 as part of the City's Youth Resilience Strategy — a federally funded initiative to empower youth, build resilience, and prevent violence. This foundational support allowed us to launch, grow, and demonstrate the program's lasting impact.
As this funding chapter concludes, we are actively pursuing new funding partnerships to sustain and expand Mindful Mentoring across Central Vancouver Island. If your organization is interested in supporting this program, we would love to hear from you.
Ready to Register?
Mindful Mentoring is free for all families and delivered during school hours at partner schools across Central Vancouver Island. Spaces are limited — register today to secure your child's spot in the next cohort.
Fill Out the Application Form