Melanie always wanted to be a doctor. She was going down that path, studying for hours and focusing all her energy on getting into that profession. But as life often does, she was thrown a few curve balls and her plans changed, setting her on a different path. And she's thankful it did.

She had been volunteering and doing placements in hospitals, and what really struck her was how stressed out and exhausted everyone was. Even though she knew this, she was seeing the results first hand and it triggered something inside her. From there, an interest in mindfulness, meditation and figuring out how the brain connects to happiness and healthy living began to take shape. She wanted to know how to help others live their best lives and stay mindful in a world that is often extremely chaotic. Realizing that no one is perfect, she works at creating experiences that are welcoming to everyone - whether you've meditated before or not.

As she focuses on completing schooling in a psychology based program, she gives talks to school kids, hospital practitioners and host meditative workshops at yoga studios. The desire to bring mindfulness education to the forefront of our everyday lives is what keeps her motivated.