Who We Are

The 7-year-old girl having a total meltdown outside the door of Sunday school class, clinging for dear life to mom, refusing to go in, while concerned children looked on from inside the room?

That was me - Mira.

While I can’t go back and help my mom with the self-regulation tools I needed back then, I can help you and your kids.

I've been deeply curious about the human mind since I was in high school.  When I was a teenager, I began reading books by Ram Dass like Be Here Now, Journey of Awakening and Grist for the Mill. This led me on a life-long study of human awareness and our amazing minds. It was also at this time that I began volunteering at a school for children with disabilities.

My passion to help children live their best lives led me to a degree in Child Development from the University of Minnesota, specializing in communication disorders. Go Golden Gophers! During this time, I worked as a developmental therapist at a center for children with autism.

Then, while traveling through India, my two interests – human psychology and child development – merged when an ‘aha’ moment changed the course of my professional work. I discovered the practice of Yoga to be an exquisite way for both children and adults to integrate their sensory experiences while cultivating awareness, balance and openness in both body and mind. This initial insight sparked a passion that continues to burn brightly as I share the timeless teachings of these holistic principles with students of all ages and abilities.

How I’m qualified to help you and your family:

• Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). This is equivalent to a master’s degree in social work, counseling or occupational therapy.
• Certified iRest Yoga Nidra teacher. This is a deep, guided relaxation protocol that has been approved as a complimentary medicine practice by the U.S. Army Surgeon General. It’s been shown in scientific clinical trials to be effective for chronic pain, sleep problems, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We’ve adapted this practice to be accessible, safe and engaging for all ages. Kids LOVE it!
• Certified Essential Oil Specialist. I’ve had extensive training and experience in the safe and effective use of essential oils (aromatic compounds from plants) to support physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. I’m passionate about educating families on safer, more natural options that don’t come with addictions or side-effects.

I was an anxious, dysregulated kid and sometimes still am as an adult. But I’ve got tools and a lifestyle that helps me handle it with grace. That’s what I can teach you. I’ve learned from my own experience, as well as many years of formal study,  what a child needs to feel balance on all levels and how to develop a strong sense of self.

The A to A Team

I am a child and family therapist. My mom and sis’ do the million other things it takes to keep this ship on course and deliver world-class, professional and fun resources to help everyone in your family feel less anxious and more awesome.

Besides being The Mom (you know the description - family pillar, source of unending strength and support, provider of unconditional love and encouragement - every business should have one), Cheryl Binzen has an impressive background in business management. She makes sure we cross our “T”s and dot our “I”s – literally and figuratively. She has a huge heart for humanity and is very civic minded. If any country anywhere in the world is looking for a diplomat, we nominate her. For the last several decades she has committed her time to various not-for-profit peace initiatives. Her warm heart and giving spirit are a privilege to share. Just ask those who have enjoyed tea and conversation with her at one of our many retreats.

Sister Stephanie Schmit holds the title, “Princess of Everything.” Whatever it is, she can do it. She most recently proved this by becoming a self-taught publisher of our new book – Anxious to Awesome: A Practical Guide for the Whole Family. She comes from the world of new business and product development. She knows how to bring things to life from scratch and make them shine. In fact, she holds three US Patents for her work in the performance improvement industry. She’s a people person who highly values family and friends. She couldn't be more thrilled to be nurturing a business that in turn nurtures children, their families and the global community. This sister team has complimentary skills to deliver quality and professionalism – with just the right amount of fun – like no one else.

We hail from the land of 10,000 lakes (Minnesota) so it’s no surprise we love water – paddling, swimming, floating and boating. We also love extended travel together as a family. Stephanie taught Mira to ride a bike, a skill she has an irrational love and pride of…it’s how she starts the book. This is why you’ll find references and analogies to water, travel and bike riding, along with snow and ice hockey, throughout our content.

What We Believe

Children are pure beings of unlimited potential and remarkable sensitivity. As adults, it’s our sacred responsibility to help them open to who they truly are and to stay open, grounded, connected and confident – for life.

When children feel empowered, clear about who they are and confident to step into the world with the unique gifts only they have, we all prosper.

While we don’t believe you can wave a magic wand and wish worries away (though we must admit to a love of all things magic and sparkly) we do believe – based on science – that you can significantly improve your quality of life when you understand how and use the right tools at the right time.

We’re here to help your child shine with sparkling mental health.