The mindfulness-based executive functioning skills training <strong>(mbX)</strong> is a behavior change program designed to establish long-lasting, healthy habits in thinking and acting. The program is empirically-based following principles of neuroscience and Eastern philosophies -that seemingly polar opposites support each other, exist in nature in harmony, and can create meaningful balance in our lives (e.g., thrill-seeking and fear, work and play, being distracted or mindless versus being focused or mindful). mbX provides individuals with simple tools to master the push and pull of these contrary motivations so that they can become more aware, motivated, connected, and balanced in their lives -childhood to adulthood.
The mbX programs all involve working with one’s hands to create beautiful and functional things. Participants build things and engage in science, technology, engineering, the “art” of effective social skills, and mathematics (STEAM), movement activities (yoga, tai chi, parkour) and mindfulness meditation to develop character and practical life skills in fun, safe and highly stimulating growth-oriented environments.
Child and Adolescent Programs
5-week Summer Intensive Program
Students will learn the following:
- STEM (e.g., robotics, coding, renewable energy, space exploration, 3D printing projects, etc.)
- “A” in STEAM – the “art” of effective social skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Improvisational theater techniques
- Critical response process skills
- Leadership skills
- Working memory skills
- Body awareness and flexibility
- Discipline, responsibility and reliability
- Time management and organization skills
- Tolerating uncertainty
- Managing fear of failure
- Creativity and mental flexibility
- Emotion and behavioral regulation
- Zen koans or parables
- Meditation practices
- Present moment awareness, concentration and focus skills
Umm…okay. This sounds enormously amazing but what does my child actually do?
Each class is structured with the following: check-in (hello), mindfulness meditation, 1st STEAM lesson+build, physical movement (yoga, tai chi, parkour), 2nd STEAM lesson+build, check-out (shavasana) all interspersed with formal and informal zen teachings, EF skills training, improv, and the always popular impromptu student-run flashmob dance party.
What kind of learning environment is provided for my child?
Calm, chill and accepting. Students enjoy practicing problems solving and mindfulness techniques working in pairs or in small groups. The program offers a 1:5 instructor to teacher:child ratio.
How long is the program?
Intensive summer program: 5 weeks, 5 days per week for 3 hours each day (~75 hours contact time)
Who will be working with my child?
No one who is ordinary, boring, mean or otherwise uninterested and distracted from what is going on right in front of him or her (e.g., texting, Facebook-ing, Twitter-ing, Instagram-ing, Snapchat-ting, flipping water bottles, etc. at the expense of students). The program is organized and supervised by a doctorate level clinical neuropsychologist with colleagues offering advanced certification or expertise in special education, mindfulness, science, technology, drama/improv, yoga, tai chi and/or parkour. Instructors will strive to maintain a welcoming, peaceful environment that is conducive to learning for all students.
Where is the mbX program located?
The administrative offices are in the beautiful and relaxed atmosphere of Meadowmont Village in Chapel Hill, NC. We offer programs for students in intensive summer programs. The 5-week summer intensive program is offered at The Hill Center in Durham, NC for 5 weeks in June and July.
We also offer training workshops for educators, parents, and professionals. For inquiries about scheduling for workshops contact Dr. Bart Brigidi at bbrigidi@ncnba.com or 919.246.9502 extension 3.
What will be provided for my child?
Students are provided with all materials for STEAM projects and other activities. Your child may bring a drink and nut-free lunch and snack that can be at room-temperature or contained within a lunch box. Wearing comfy clothes is suggested.
Many of the STEM kits created by NCNbA that are used in our programs are available for purchase. For example, the STEM modern birdhouse kit with 3D printed roof is available for $275. The birdhouses are hand-made from sustainably harvested teak wood certified with the Rainforest Alliance’s Smartwood program. Each birdhouse housing is finished with teak oil to protect against water, mildew, and UV rays. The roofs are constructed of 3D wood- 1.75 mm printer filament. Please contact us at info@ncnba.com for more information about individual or bulk purchases of the STEM modern birdhouse kit.
My child has motor or language special needs or he or she has severe behavior problems, so can he or she still participate in the program?
The mbX summer intensive program is designed for children age 6 to 10 years old who can complete mental and physical exercises at or just below their appropriate grade/age level with group-based supervision and instruction. The program is not designed for children with severe behavioral or emotional problems. If you have questions about whether your child is able to participate fully in the mbX program, please contact Dr. Bart Brigidi at bbrigidi@ncnba.com or 919.246.9502 extension 3.
This is totally cool! How do I sign my child up?
Apply here for the summer intensive program at The Hill Center in Durham, NC.
For further questions contact Dr. Bart Brigidi at bbrigidi@ncnba.com or 919.246.9502 extension 3.
Evaluation
NCNbA offers clinical and forensic evaluation and assessment services for a wide range of neurocognitive, neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders across the lifespan.
Psychotherapy & Coaching
Empirically-based therapy techniques to help individuals, couples, and families and executive function (EF) Coaching for individuals with motivation and EIQ skills issues