Blog Posts
Norwalk Celebrates Mental Health Awareness with Walk, Fair, and Festivities
We're grateful to be recognized in Nancy on Norwalk for our role in the Fourth Annual “NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair.” As part of the Community Mindfulness Project, we’re proud to support events that bring awareness, connection, and healing to our community.
You’re Invited: 5 Minutes a Day in the Month of May
Join us this May to practice 5 minutes a day all month.
Two local change catalysts join Community Mindfulness Board, Will Heins retires after 10 years of service, joins as Advisor.
The Community Mindfulness Project (CMP) is proud to announce the appointment of Chrissy Cacace Mahanna and Kathy Hodge to its Board of Directors. These two dynamic community leaders bring a rich blend of nonprofit leadership and board expertise, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to well-being and equity. As CMP welcomes this exciting new chapter, it also celebrates a bittersweet milestone: Co-Founder Will Heins, who has served on CMP’s Board since its founding, is transitioning into a new role as Strategic Advisor after a remarkable 10 years of service.
Case Study: Jackie’s Story
Jackie Carizzo (top right), is a doula, CMP program participant turned Facilitator. Read her story.
Case Study: Chrissy’s Story
Chrissy Cacace Mahanna, LCSW is Vice Chair of Community Mindfulness Project’s board.
![Case Study: Marjorie’s Story [Video]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5936f34620099eda1a463a06/1744990490281-4LN6PJDXRZQHKZ4C5G8F/Principal+Marjorie+Coble.png)
Case Study: Marjorie’s Story [Video]
Children learn from the adults around them, so when we give adults tools to handle anxiety, stress and difficult emotions, they pass those tools along to the children in their lives.
![Case Study: Mary’s Story [Video]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5936f34620099eda1a463a06/1744989684148-C5CGCB79REX91U00JKFD/Mary.png)
Case Study: Mary’s Story [Video]
Mary is a Senior Care Coordinator leading the Project Longevity program partnership at Career Resources. As a justice-impacted member of the recovery community, she is proof that individuals can change and find a way out of the systems that inequitably marginalize many. Through our training and sessions over more than a year, she has witnessed her clients' lives transform, as has her own.
Thought Leaders: New Caanan Residents Create Community Mindfulness For All
We're honored to be featured in Moffley Media, highlighting how our work brings mindfulness tools to underserved communities across Fairfield County.
A Letter from CMP's Executive Director
From community partners to personal breakthroughs, 2024 proved the power of mindfulness. See how we're showing up in 2025—and how you can too.
What's my move here?
What does a summer in 1990s Leningrad have to do with mindfulness today? CMP co-founder Erika Long shares how a deeply personal story of surveillance, restriction, and resilience resurfaced during a recent wave of national unease—and how Appreciation Meditation became a powerful, practical response.
![Case Study: Alex’s Story [Video]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5936f34620099eda1a463a06/1744989275124-4CHUS1O1N01MLFS6M1JI/Meet+Alex+Video+Thumbnail+Dec+19+2024.PNG.PNG)
Case Study: Alex’s Story [Video]
Children learn from the adults around them, so when we give adults tools to handle anxiety, stress and difficult emotions, they pass those tools along to the children in their lives.
![Meet Alex & Lynn [Videos], Two Champions for Change](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5936f34620099eda1a463a06/fb5226cf-9544-4271-8815-f1a9c9377d72/Alex+and+Lynn.png)
Meet Alex & Lynn [Videos], Two Champions for Change
Between back-to-back bugs and holiday chaos, it’s easy to forget who’s holding it all together for our kids—teachers. This post shares how two educators, Alex and Lynn, bring mindfulness to their classrooms and why training adults is the key to helping students thrive. Don’t miss their inspiring stories.
![Case Study: Lynn’s Story [Video]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5936f34620099eda1a463a06/1744989295376-YUPXJ7W1HAHL4FM3GWO6/Meet+Lynn+Video+Thumbnail+Dec+19+2024.PNG)
Case Study: Lynn’s Story [Video]
Children learn from the adults around them, so when we give adults tools to handle anxiety, stress and difficult emotions, they pass those tools along to the children in their lives.
Mindfulness Books Ella is Reading This Winter Break
December is a whirlwind for parents—especially with two little ones under five and a to-do list a mile long. Here are a few books to turn to for rest, resilience, and a little cookie-fueled joy this winter break.
Julia's Top 10 Practices for Mindfulness and Meditation
From morning walks to spinal surgery recovery, CMP’s Julia Hepfer shares her Top 10 ways mindfulness has transformed her life—with humor, heart, and wisdom. This list is part Letterman, part life manual—don’t miss it.
The Trail Not Taken... and the Unexpected Joy that Followed
When a hike didn’t go as planned, one mom found unexpected beauty in stillness—and a reminder that sometimes the detour holds more joy than the destination. Erika Long shares this heartfelt story and the quiet power of simply being.
Live on WICC: Melissa in the Morning interview's Community Mindfulness Project ED, Ella Crivello (2024)
What does mindfulness have to do with public schools, chronic illness, and even Alzheimer’s prevention? CMP Executive Director Ella Crivello breaks it down on Melissa in the Morning. Listen in as she shares how Community Mindfulness Project is expanding access to mental health tools across Connecticut—and why now is the time to give.
A list that gives back TO YOU❣️
This season, skip the stress and add something meaningful to your list. From quick gratitude practices to deeper mindfulness tools (and even gift ideas!), we’ve got resources to support your peace and presence through the holidays.
