Our Mission

Jan is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience working with nonprofits on both the east and west coasts. Her passion for mindfulness education has led her to teach in diverse urban and rural settings, where she has touched countless lives with her compassionate approach.

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sustainability in Education at Prescott College, Jan's research focuses on the study of grief with our animal companions. As the executive director of Open Minds, Inc., she has been instrumental in facilitating contemplative groups since 2014, utilizing a trauma-informed lens and incorporating mindfulness, somatic practices, yoga, creative arts, and nature-based activities to foster healing and growth in Western and Central MD communities.

Jan's dedication to holistic care extends to her role as a certified End of Life Doula. She holds a Masters Degree in Contemplative Education from Naropa University. Beyond her professional pursuits, you can often find Jan enjoying quality time with her family and friends, or immersing herself in creative endeavors, reading, or hiking. With a steadfast commitment to advocacy since 2001, Jan remains deeply connected to her community and is always ready to lend a supportive hand to those in need.

Emma is a student of life and strives to live a life in question. She is most curious about self development, inner work, and the body — and she brings her knowledge and experience in all of her formal and self studies to her teaching. Formally, she is trained in Dharma Yoga and holds a graduate degree in International Development from Gallaudet University, where she became fluent in ASL. She is putting her graduate studies to use by writing grants for Open Minds, Inc.!     Emma lives in Washington, DC with her three children and her husband.   

Antonette coordinates, organizes and teaches our Little Sprouts Preschool Gardening program. She is an Advanced Certified Permaculture Designer, studied under Andrew Millison through Oregon State University and a Member of Permaculture Institute of North America.  She is the owner and designer at Rooted & Wild Design. Her deep connection with nature began at a young age when she could be found playing in the forest or climbing apple trees. Antonette lives tucked along the Potomac River in Brunswick. She can be found barefoot in her garden, playing with her four children, or drinking coffee with her husband.

Bonnie Ramsburg has eight years of experience teaching Yoga, Art and the Natural Sciences to both children and adults.  Currently, she works as a Yoga and Mindfulness instructor in recovery programs for adults, as well as preschool and elementary school classes around Washington County,  Maryland for non-profit organizations Open Minds and Justice Recovery Advocates.  Bonnie has also taught Gardening classes at Headstart Preschool.  She is a Maryland Master Naturalist at the Catoctin Creek Nature Center, where she works as an animal caretaker and teaches Nature based classes as well as public Yoga classes for adults.  Bonnie is also a Hood college alumni holding a B.A. in Art History with a minor in Studio Art. She is a life-long learner with an adventurous spirit and loves to travel and spend time on the Appalachian Trail with her husband an son. She enjoys creating art, reading books and writing stories.  

Dawn Valentine, the founder of Blossoming Bodhi Tree, is an environmental health advocate, evaluation consultant, and yoga therapist. She believes the ancient tools of yoga can guide anyone on a quest for health and vitality; spiritual evolution; and deeper intimacy with ourselves and in relationships. Dawn weaves the tenets of phenomenology and yoga philosophy, along with current research into her teaching yoga as a reflexive practice, where connection to the breath becomes the entry-point into self-study. Dawn is thrilled and honored with the opportunity to support Open Minds as we collectively hold space for community transformation.