Marcia Roman
MIEA Trainer
Valencia College
My name is Marcia Roman and I’ve lived in Central Florida for over 25 years (although I’m a Pennsylvania native and lived in California for about 7 years and in Belgium for a year as an undergraduate). I’ve been a MIEA teacher since 2017 and have offered all parts of the MIEA curriculum at Valencia College which is a large, multi-campus, commuter institution that was formerly part of the community college system in Florida. I am one of 14 counselors on the faculty.
What brought you to your mindfulness practice?
I was brought to my first practice of meditation through the Wisdom Tradition in which I was reared and I’m grateful for that formative influence. I was introduced to mindfulness in 2014 when I completed an MBSR program after a difficult, even traumatic, transition in my professional life. I’ve been so grateful for the practice in mending body and soul.
Why the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults?
The initial draw to MIEA was how accessible it was. I learned about it through a listserv of ACMHE (Association for the Contemplative Mind in Higher Education) and the more I learned, the more appealing it became. The curriculum was developed for emerging adults who are the primary demographic of the college where I work, the training abided by standards for teaching mindfulness, and it was both affordable and do-able within a reasonable amount of time.
What is your favorite part of teaching MIEA?
I think I love being involved in helping impart skills to MIEA participants in a supportive environment that make a real, positive difference in their lives. Whether it’s feeling stressed out, disconnected or aimless, the MIEA curriculum, and the experience of it, transforms people’s lives.
Why did you decide to become a MIEA trainer?
It’s seems a joyful avenue to continue to learn and look for ways to contribute!