PATRICE THOMAS

Patrice Thomas is the Director of Mindful Connections - a practice that specialises in wellbeing for children, parents and professionals. Patrice was a teacher and university lecturer for over 30 years. She worked as a special education teacher with emotionally and behaviourally disordered children and those with disabilities and also in juvenile justice centres for many years. Patrice is the author of “The Magic of Relaxation” (2002) Pademelon Press- Sydney; “The Power of Relaxation” (2003) Redleaf Press-Minnesota; “Stress in Early Childhood: Helping Children and their Carers” (2006) and first author of “Nurturing the Spiritual Child: Compassion, Connection and a Sense of Self ” (2009) for Early Childhood Australia.

She has also written articles for a range of publications on children’s wellbeing and ways to bring calm and stillness into the lives of children and the people who care for them. Patrice is a pioneer in the promotion of holistic wellbeing through developing mindful movement and meditation strategies for adults and children. Her work inspires and supports professionals and parents in implementing these techniques on a regular basis to create health and happiness in life.

 Patrice is a consultant and mentor to early childhood, education, health, service and corporate groups. She presents workshops and training seminars on Stress Management; Mindful Wellbeing for Parents, Carers and Professionals; Communication Skills; Conflict Management; Bringing Stillness, Calm and Mindful Wellbeing into Children’s Lives; Nurturing Spirituality in Children’s Lives and Mindfulness Practices in Education Settings. Patrice has also has been an invited speaker to various cancer support groups and is committed to helping people find ways to experience peace and relaxation during serious illness. She teaches Mindful Movement and Meditation at a cancer support organisation in the Blue Mountains.

Patrice has co-produced a CD available through the NSW YWCA Encore Programme which provides breathing and relaxation techniques not only for cancer patients but for all people who need some peace and wellbeing in their lives. She has also developed a popular CD of relaxation stories for children called “Meditation for Children” (from Pademelon Press and also from New World Music) which complements her books “The Magic of Relaxation” and “The Power of Relaxation”. Patrice and her colleague, Qi Gong Master Simon Blow, developed further popular CDs in 2011 – Mediation for Children 3 years and over; Meditation for Children 8 years and over and Meditation for Teenagers (available from info@newworldmusic.com.au).

Patrice is committed to helping adults and children develop wellbeing, mindfulness and health through techniques that are holistic and simple to use in child care, school, work or home environments.

Patrice can be contacted by email: patrice@mindfulconnections.com.au or phone 0412 473 335 and offers weekly classes; individual support/coaching sessions for children, parents and professionals; staff seminars, training and mentoring at workplaces as well as presentations at conferences and events. Patrice is based at North Sydney and will travel to other venues as requested.