Alan Vann Gardner

Alan’s mindfulness practices of meditation, Aikido and Tai Chi date back to the late 1970s. He is a somatic coach, certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and he chairs the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification (MMTCP) Alumni Association Board. Alan facilitates and supports numerous small sanghas serving mindfulness teachers, educators, and other dedicated practitioners. He works closely with Jill Satterfield, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, and others, integrating mindfulness and embodiment practices to support people in their contemplative practice and daily lives.   



Alan holds a 6th degree blackbelt in Aikido (a spiritual path encoded as a martial art), is a senior instructor at Two Rock Dojo in his hometown of Petaluma, CA, and is a guest instructor in many dojos across CA. He integrates somatic awareness and Dharma to the work he brings to his Aïkido classes, as well as to educational settings, residential treatment centers, mindfulness groups, and his leadership coaching practice. 



During the course of his 40+ year career in education, Alan served in roles of principal, superintendent, mentor, teacher, and university adjunct faculty member. During this time, he 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, supporting leaders and teams in redefining success; aligning vision and aspiration with skillful action; and being resilient, courageous, and kind to meet their individual and collective goals.