Together We Amplify Change
The MCF Team is committed to supporting mental wellness through practical, science-based tools. We focus on making these evidence-based resources accessible to schools and organizations that serve youth and the adults who support them. Our goal is to help build healthier, more resilient communities by integrating effective mental wellness practices into everyday environments.
Leadership and DEI Advisor
Meena Srinivasan
Meena Srinivasan is a renowned mindfulness trainer, author of Teach, Breathe, Learn, and a National Board Certified Teacher with over two decades of experience in education. Her TEDx talk, Unlocking the Secret Powers of Tenderness, has garnered over 2 million views, and she was named one of Mindful magazine’s “Ten Powerful Women in Mindfulness.” Meena advises MCF on curriculum development and serves as an expert trainer.
Co-Founder, Executive Director
David Sunshine
David Sunshine serves as the Executive Director of MCF and finds his greatest inspiration in empowering communities through mindfulness-based practices. He is the co-owner of Dallas Yoga Center, one of the first and most celebrated yoga studios in Dallas, and has studied mindfulness under many luminaries, including Sharon Salzberg and the Dalai Lama. Since 2016, David has helped lead initiatives that have brought mindfulness to thousands of individuals in schools and other organizations.
Science and Mental Wellness Advisor
Dr. Christopher Willard
Dr. Willard is a Harvard professor of mindfulness and psychology, a leading figure in impacting youth through mindfulness, and the author of over ten books, including Child's Mind, Growing Up Mindful, and Raising Resilience. He is also the chair of the Mindfulness in Education Network and serves on the board of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. Chris advises MCF on youth impact with science-backed and trauma-informed programming. In this photo, he is inspiring his son to envision a brighter future.
Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board
Charles Koetting
Charles Koetting leads MCF towards its vision of a more caring and compassionate world. He has successfully launched over 40 companies, and has found deep satisfaction in philanthropy, dedicating his life to making a positive impact. One of his primary inspirations is to elevate human consciousness, fostering a more compassionate and mindful global society. Charles has served on many boards including Children's Medical Center Foundation and brings his strategic business expertise and a genuine passion for positive change to help steer MCF towards large scale social impact.
Co-Founder, Mission Impact Advisor
Caroline Wilson
Caroline Wilson, a visionary philanthropist, comes from a lineage of female leaders committed to empowering youth. As a Co-Founder of MCF and MCF's Mission Impact Advisor, she amplifies MCF's influence by championing mindfulness programs in schools and non-profit organizations globally. Her primary goal is to forge significant connections between MCF and communities, sharing the transformative benefits of mindfulness to cultivate inner safety, empathy, and positive transformation among children and vulnerable populations. Caroline's deep commitment to helping others is inspired by the influential female role models in her life, all dedicated to providing safety, security and wellness for young people.
Organizational Strategy Advisor
Jamila Thomas
Jamila Thomas is a Presidential Leadership Scholar and currently serves as the Chief Development Officer at Volunteer Now. In this role, she forges alliances to amplify the impact of mission-driven organizations through volunteerism. Jamila's extensive background includes overseeing the African American Success Initiative for the Dallas Independent School District, aimed at improving outcomes for at-risk youth. Jamila is passionate about fostering a sense of community and shared humanity, frequently sharing her vision and message on the importance of empathy and mutual support in building a better society.
Co-Founder, President
Daniel Sunshine
Daniel Sunshine is a co-founder of MCF, inspired by a deep commitment to extending the transformative power of mindfulness to those in need. As a leader of MCF, he guides mission strategy, nurtures organizational relationships, and shapes programming. With an MBA from the George Washington University, mindfulness training from Brown University, and over two decades of mindfulness practice, Daniel also spearheaded the Mindfulness Certification Training, which has trained thousands of individuals from all walks of life to teach mindfulness to others. Daniel has brought mindfulness to a wealth of schools, corporations and non-profit organizations.
Lead Trainer and Curriculum Advisor
Sarah Sampson
Sarah Sampson is a lead trainer and curriculum advisor for the Mindful Communities Fund (MCF), where she delivers training programs centered on mindfulness, empathy, compassion and DEI for organizations that serve youth and at-risk populations. Sarah received advanced mindfulness training from UC San Diego Medical School. In her previous role as the Social-Emotional Learning and Mindfulness Facilitator for Keller ISD, Sarah led the district-wide implementation of SEL and mindfulness-based activities for over 35,000 students. Sarah is also certified in trauma informed restorative practices for youth.
Program and Curriculum Strategist
Dr. Kay Colbert
Dr. Kay Colbert has approximately 300 hours of professional training in mindfulness-based programs through the University of San Diego Medical School Center for Mindfulness and has been teaching mindfulness for over a decade. She is trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression and Mindful Self-Compassion. Kay has a doctorate in social work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, with her dissertation research focusing on using mindfulness interventions with addictions.
Development Manager
Hilary Arai
Hilary Arai serves as the Manager of Development for Mindful Communities Fund, bringing over a decade of experience in building meaningful connections and fostering impactful programs. Passionate about mindfulness and community well-being, Hilary focuses on nurturing collaborative relationships with schools, nonprofits, and corporations. Through these partnerships, she helps deliver transformative mindfulness initiatives that empower and uplift underserved populations.
Educational Impact Advisor
Shelley Jeoffroy
Shelley Jeoffroy, honored as the 2023 Texas Teacher of the Year, is a 5th grade math and science teacher at Irving ISD and has been in the field of education for nearly two-decades. Shelley's educational journey is enriched by her passion for global exploration, which has reinforced her belief in the transformational impact of quality education. She sees mindfulness and emotional intelligence as pivotal in honoring the wellbeing of teachers and helps guide MCF's vision for large scale impact on the education system.
Legal and Governance Advisor
Robin Minick
Robin's extensive legal experience, spanning over three decades in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, uniquely positions her to guide MCF in matters of law and governance. Her background encompasses law firms, corporations, grant-making foundations, and community development financial institutions, which equips her with the diverse knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of a growing non-profit. Robin's commitment to effective governance and leadership ensures that the MCF mission receives the strategic guidance it requires.