Alan Vann Gardner

Alan’s mindfulness practices include meditation, Aikido, and tai chi, and date back to the late 1970s. He is a somatic coach and certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and he also chairs the MMTCP (Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification) Alumni Association Board and facilitates and supports numerous small saṅghas—serving mindfulness teachers, educators, and other dedicated practitioners.

Alan holds a 6th degree blackbelt in Aikido, is a senior instructor at Two Rock Dojo in his hometown of Petaluma, CA, and is guest instructor in many dojos across CA. Alan integrates somatic awareness, embodiment practices, and Dharma to the work he brings to martial arts studios as well as educational settings, residential treatment centers, mindfulness groups, and his coaching practice.

During the course of his 40-year career in education—fulfilling roles as principal, superintendent, mentor teacher, and USF adjunct faculty member—Alan has introduced thousands of students, staff, and community members to mindfulness and centering principles and practices to promote a sense of embodied presence, well-being, and a culture of radical kindness, belonging, and care.

Alan continues offering his signature presentations: “Power of Kindness” and “Get a CLUE (Center, Line Up, Engage)” at educational conferences. In doing so, he incorporates embodied mindfulness practices as a core component to support leaders and teams to redefine success; align vision and aspiration with skillful action; and be resilient, courageous, and kind in meeting their goals.