About the Director

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Norma Neumann-Johnson created the Breakthrough Training Institute (BTI) to share the powerful tools of mindfulness and brain science with parents, teachers, schools and communities.

As the founder and leader of two groundbreaking magnet schools in Hartford, Connecticut, Neumann-Johnson began introducing mindfulness to her students and staff in 2006.  Her background includes several decades founding, designing, and being the principal of one of two "Global Schools for Students of Character." Her school achieved national recognition in 2015 when it was selected as the "Number 1 Magnet School" in the U.S. by Magnet Schools of America and "A National School to Learn From" by Teach for America due to its unique Character Curriculum and student instruction in Mindfulness.  Ms Neumann-Johnson consulted with, did staff training, and launched the Tracey Elementary Magnet School in Norwalk, CT into becoming a Character Education themed School in 2016 & 17. It was named a National School of Character in 2019 by Character.org, the Washington D.C. non-profit. 

She is certified as a Mindfulness Instructor by Mindful Schools in Oakland CA, and focuses on supporting school leaders, staff, parents and communities in developing emotional intelligence in students through a character curriculum and mindfulness instruction.. Her study and training show how the environment provided by parents and teachers alters the brain. Neumann-Johnson is currently studying Schoolwide Implementation Planning with M.S. to consult with school leaders on introducing and planning for the growth of mindfulness skills for all, over time, in a school community.  The strategies contained in BTI courses address the need for positive, encouraging discipline approaches to be used with children throughout their developing years.  Ms. Neumann-Johnson received her 2nd Covid vaccine shot March 10, 2021.

BTI courses can be offered in schools or community settings. Contact us to check for availability.

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