"Mindfulness helps students manage stress and nurture well-being."
Denise Cesare is a published author, keynote speaker, and social emotional learning specialist focusing her efforts to serve the needs of schools, organizations, and communities.
Understanding the mental health crisis and subsequent issues that arise with limited resources to help, she quickly recognized the need for providing the tools and coping mechanisms to make fundamental changes starting at a young age.
Denise’s first book was born out of this very need. In 2020, she quickly recognized that many children were not coping well with the experience of being quarantined in a pandemic, and many craved guidance during this very confusing time. While working daily with them, her book “Moments in Motion with Love” poured out of her.
You can learn more about Denise here: https://www.denisecesare.com/
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Table of Contents
Before we begin, please share your origin story with us. We are so excited to speak with you!
Denise Cesare: Thank you for having me! My journey began in Brooklyn, NY, where I was born and raised.
With over 25 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist and Special Education/Social Emotional Specialist, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting schools, organizations, and communities.
In 2006, after a major car accident led to a condition called Spasmodic Dysphonia, I lost my voice. It was through faith and treatment that I regained it, and this life-altering experience profoundly shifted my perspective on life and the importance of emotional well-being.
My passion lies in helping others, especially children, navigate their emotions and find healing through love and mindfulness.
How did your personal experience of losing and regaining your voice shape your perspective on mental health and the importance of emotional regulation?
Denise Cesare: Losing my voice was incredibly challenging and isolating. It forced me into a period of deep introspection and made me acutely aware of the fragility of mental health.
Regaining my voice showed me the profound impact that emotional regulation and self-awareness can have. It underscored the importance of providing individuals, especially young ones, with the tools to cope with stress and anxiety.
This experience has driven my work in social emotional learning, emphasizing the need for mindfulness and emotional support.
Describe the emotional journey of losing and regaining your voice.
Denise Cesare: The emotional journey was one of profound highs and lows. Initially, losing my voice was a devastating blow, not only professionally but personally. It felt like a part of my identity was taken from me.
However, this adversity led to a deeper understanding of myself and life’s true essence. The process of regaining my voice was slow and filled with uncertainty, but it taught me resilience.
It highlighted the importance of being present and recognizing the beauty in every moment, a theme central to my book “Moments in Motion with Love.”
What did you learn in those moments of quiet introspection? Did the experience shape your perspective on “finding your voice?”
Denise Cesare: In those moments of quiet introspection, I learned the importance of patience, gratitude, and inner strength.
It was a period of self-discovery where I connected more deeply with my faith and understood the healing power of love and mindfulness.
This journey indeed shaped my perspective on “finding your voice.” It taught me that finding one’s voice is not just about speech but about expressing your true self and connecting with others authentically and compassionately.
Can you share the inspiration behind your book “Moments in Motion with Love” and how it has been received by both children and adults?
Denise Cesare: The inspiration for “Moments in Motion with Love” came during the pandemic when I noticed children struggling with the drastic changes and isolation.
The book aims to illustrate the beauty of every moment and celebrate children’s connections to our planet. It’s designed to start conversations between parents, educators, and children to heal the stress and confusion they feel.
Both children and adults have found comfort in the book; adults often use it as a resource to manage their own stress and reconnect with simple, profound moments of love and mindfulness.
Elaborate on the role of mindfulness education in schools and its impact on students’ well-being.
Denise Cesare: Mindfulness education plays a crucial role in schools by teaching students how to regulate their emotions, focus their attention, and develop empathy and resilience.
Implementing mindfulness exercises helps students manage stress, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being.
Programs like my “Mindful Moments with Love” are designed to incorporate these practices into daily routines, promoting a positive and nurturing environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
What are some key coping mechanisms or tools that you recommend for children and adults dealing with stress and anxiety?
Denise Cesare: For children and adults dealing with stress and anxiety, I recommend practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and physical activities like yoga.
Engaging in creative outlets such as art and music can also be therapeutic. My programs, including “Yoga Motion with Love” and “Healing Music Workshop,” provide structured ways to incorporate these practices into daily life, fostering a sense of calm and connection.
How has your background as a Speech Language Pathologist and Special Education Specialist influenced your approach to social emotional learning?
Denise Cesare: My background has given me a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs of students and the importance of tailored interventions.
As a Speech Language Pathologist, I’ve learned the value of communication skills in emotional regulation.
My work in special education has highlighted the necessity of individualized support plans. These experiences have shaped my holistic approach to social emotional learning, ensuring it is accessible, inclusive, and effective for all students.
Looking ahead, what are some of the goals or projects you are most excited about in your continued efforts to support mental health and emotional well-being?
Denise Cesare: Moving forward, I am excited to expand my educational programs, such as “Mindful Moments with Love” and integrate them into more school curricula.
I’m also looking forward to publishing more books and resources that promote mindfulness and emotional well-being.
Additionally, I’m eager to continue my work as a keynote speaker, sharing my journey and insights to inspire others and foster a culture of love, mindfulness, and healing. Being a part of collaborative projects and anthologies, like the “Magnificently Made Anthology,” also fuels my passion for spreading positivity and emotional resilience.
Brooke Young, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Denise Cesare for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Denise Cesare or her company, you can do it through her – Linkedin Page
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