Who We Are
Community Mindfulness Project is a nonprofit dedicated to delivering accessible mindfulness training in under-resourced communities to promote a healthier Fairfield County.
Guiding the Mission
Our team of staff, founders, and facilitators are trained in evidence-based mindfulness programs, making mindfulness accessible and empowering communities with tools for well-being.
"I feel unbelievably lucky to sit in circles with people from all walks of life - a teen parent, a person returning to society after incarceration, a case worker, a teacher, a parent of someone struggling with addiction, a first generation college student, someone who has just lost a loved one, another who has a life-changing illness - and watch them start out curious, learn new information about how their brains and nervous systems work, and then get to experience how meditation and mindfulness can help them lead healthy, joyful lives. I wish everyone could witness those moments!"
- Erika Long, Co-Founder
Certified. Compassionate. Credible.
The CMP team brings deep expertise in mindfulness and mental well-being, with specialized training to support individuals facing stress, trauma, and emotional challenges.
In recognition of this commitment, CMP was honored in 2024 as the first workplace in New Canaan to be designated “Recovery Friendly” by Governor Lamont and CT HUB. This distinction—awarded in partnership with Connecticut’s Departments of Labor, Public Health, and Mental Health and Addiction Services—reflects CMP’s dedication to fostering a safe, stigma-free environment where employees, partners, and clients can seek support without fear or judgment.
Our Team
Trained in MBSR, Mindful Schools, and more, CMP’s program facilitators bring mindfulness into schools, hospitals, and communities—guiding inclusive, accessible practices for all.
Our Board of Directors
Our Advisory Board
CMP’s Founding Advisory Board provides strategic guidance to expand access to mindfulness, supporting our mission to address the mental health crisis and build resilient communities.
Our Founders
Our Founding Story
Community Mindfulness Project (CMP) co-founders, Will Heins, Erika Long and Michelle and Nick Seaver may have met by chance, but certainly not without purpose.
In 2007, Nick and Michelle participated in The Shamatha Project, the first major scientific study on meditation and later highlighted in his 2015 TED Talk. Nick and Will first met in 2009 at one of the earliest Mindfulness in Education conferences. Known as “a master connector,” Will later introduced Erika and Nick and Michelle, recognizing that all four of them believed meditation had dramatically improved their quality of life.
Together, their unique experiences and aligned values laid the foundation for CMP.
“We had each experienced the profound benefits of meditation and began a regular practice of sitting in meditation together with others in the community and valued the strength that comes from being together. We were inspired to make mindfulness training accessible to increase the health of local, more vulnerable communities.”
– Michelle Seaver, Co-Founder
2021
CMP embarked on a data-driven strategic planning process, resulting in the decision to focus energy and resources in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford, the 3 communities in Fairfield County with the highest unmet health needs. Board members David Smith and Lucy Ball were nominated as Vice Chair and Chair.
2014
CMP became a registered nonprofit 501c3 run by a group of dedicated volunteers and facilitators bringing mindfulness to libraries, schools and organizations in Fairfield County, CT.
2023
Having established its reputation as a trusted partner and resource in the communities it served, CMP hired its first full-time employee, Executive Director, Ella Crivello, in order to meet increased demand for its programming.
2024
Continuing to evolve through strategic planning and in response to continued increased demands for programs, the CMP team expanded further to include a full-time Program Manager, Julia Hepfer, and expanded its partnership model providing training for nonprofit organizations and schools.
2025
CMP’s commitment to community and measurable impact results in an evolved mission: “We deliver accessible mindfulness training in under-resourced communities for a healthy Fairfield County.” Chrissy Cacace Mahanna was nominated as Vice Chair and Kathy Hodge joined the board.
Mindfulness isn't a luxury, it can transform lives.
In Fairfield County, access to tools that support mental well-being isn’t readily available for all. Your support helps bridge the gap—ensuring everyone has the tools to heal, connect, and thrive. It’s a simple yet powerful investment in community well-being.