Our mission is to produce leaders who embody pragmatic wisdom, skillful action and grounded compassion.

We propose a different approach to learning – embodied learning. We begin with the claim that learning is the ability to take actions that were previously unavailable to us. Secondly, we offer a new interpretation of the body that is fundamental to learning. This interpretation challenges the rationalistic tradition, the dualism of mind and body that our educational system has maintained over the past three hundred years. In contrast to this tradition we say that learning is the result of new practices that we commit our body to, not in gathering and understanding information. In the words of William Shakespeare, “By my actions teach my mind.” We challenge the notion that cognitive understanding produces the ability to take effective action. We are not suggesting abandoning cognitive learning. We are saying it is only one aspect of learning. We do see, however, that learning happens in our bodies. When we understand, for example, the power of making grounded assessments, requests, offers, and leading those we manage, but find ourselves incompetent to do so, we see it is necessary to design practices that train our bodies for these actions.

Strozzi Institute

Richard Strozzi-Heckler

Sandra Mobley

Sally Jones

Eizabeth B. Day

Tyler Grillo

Susan Nichols

Staci Haines

Pete Hamill

Jo Manton

Manu Henrard

Cari Caldwell (she/her)

B Stepp

Beth Greenland

Stephanie Meux

Maggie Williams

Lise Melvin

Katina Bishop

Denise M. Maes

A.J. Pape (he/him)

The Somatic Coaching and Teaching team at Strozzi Institute focuses on developing and delivering embodied learning practices. They train individuals and leaders to integrate body-based techniques to enhance their ability to take effective action, grounded in pragmatic wisdom and compassion. By challenging the cognitive-centric learning tradition, this team employs methodologies that commit the body to new practices, fostering both personal and professional growth through physical and experiential learning.

Somatic Coaching and Teaching

Coaching Team

Coordination and Management

Somatic Coaching and Teaching

About

Team members

Other teams at Strozzi Institute

Coaching Team

Coordination and Management