The Mind Body Spirit Institute
Our Team
Our Vision
To be a leader in teaching individuals to live more balanced, productive, healthier, and meaningful lives.
Our Mission
The Jung Center's Mind Body Spirit Institute teaches individuals and organizations to achieve their potential by reducing stress and burnout, improving health and resilience, and nourishing the human spirit.
Our Leadership
Chris Becker
chrisbecker@junghouston.org
ext. 110
MBSI Operations Manager
Chris Becker is a composer, writer, and lecturer. His book, Freedom of Expression: Interviews With Women in Jazz is available at The Jung Center Bookstore.
Alejandro Chaoul, PhD
Mind Body Spirit Institute Scholar and Founding Director
Adjunct Faculty, UT Medical School and MD Anderson Cancer Center; Fellow of the Mind & Life Institute
Ale is a scholar, researcher, author, teacher, and educator, with a PhD from Rice University focusing on Tibetan mind-body practices and applications in contemporary health environments. For over twenty years, Ale has researched and taught mind-body techniques to help relieve stress and support wellbeing throughout the community, including at MD Anderson’s Integrative Medicine Program and other educational, health care, and nonprofit organizations. He teaches in English and in Spanish.
He is the author of over 20 articles and three books, including Tibetan Yoga for Health & Wellbeing.
Rachel Connelly
rconnelly@junghouston.org
ext. 114
MBSI Associate
Rachel is an editor of fantasy novels and a community theatre actor with a deep passion for spiritual exploration and finding miracles in the little things. She was born and raised in Houston and is honored to work with MBSI and the Jung Center to give back to the community she calls home. If you run into her, please show her pictures of your pets.
Ann Friedman, PhD
afriedman@junghouston.org
ext. 107
Director of Curriculum for MBSI
Psychologist/Mindfulness Facilitator
Psychologist Ann Friedman is a Certified Mindfulness Facilitator from the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center and a Certified Compassion Trainer from Emory University's Center for Contemplative Sciences and Compassion-Based Ethics.
Ann teaches mindfulness for schools, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. She particularly enjoys working with children, teens, and young adults.
Jasmine Shah
MBSI Director
Jasmine Shah holds an M.A. in Psychology with a focus on Spirituality, Mind, and Body Medicine from Columbia University, specializing in spirituality, consciousness, and transpersonal psychology. She works with organizations to help with workplace wellness and burnout through coaching and consulting, and continues to facilitate workshops in professional and private settings.
She is passionate about restorative justice and finds joy in writing poetry and dancing.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
- Eduardo Bruera, MD, FACP - chair of Palliative Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Thomas Cole, PhD - former (and founding) director of the Center for Humanities and Ethics at McGovern Medical School; Professor Emeritus
- Becky Dodds, MS, LPC - psychotherapist in the Houston area and certified practitioner with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine; Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. and RYT 200 Certified
- Mila Golovine - president and CEO of MasterWord Services, Inc.; trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention therapy and Trauma Informed Care; member of the United Against Human Trafficking Coalition
- K.I. King - former V.P. of Public Relations and Community Engagement for Goodwill Houston; content creator for brands including PBS, ABC/Disney, Walmart, iHeartMedia, and Google
- Suzy LaForge - founder and Principal of LaForge Consulting Group; former adjunct professor of advertising at the University of Houston; board member of various non-profit organization
- C.C. Lee - owner of STOA International Architects; founder of Feng Shui Institute of Houston; adjunct instructor at Rice University
- Kati Neidig - negotiator, strategist, and manager of a Fortune 500 company; entrepreneur in government and educational settings
- William Parsons, PhD - Harry and Hazel Chavanne Department of Religion professor and chair member at Rice University
- Lidia Ramirez - Gestalt psychotherapist; member of the MBSI faculty and Compassionate Houston Board of Directors; Principal Transformation Advisor for the oil and gas and energy transition industries
- Lois Ramondetta, MD - gynecologic oncologist and adjunct professor with the Department of Integrative Medicine at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center; American College of Lifestyle Medicine Diplomate; RYT 500 certified
- Juanita Rasmus - Pastor Emerita at St. John’s Church in Downtown Houston; transformational coach, author, and speaker
- Claire Villarreal, PhD - online meditation and Buddhism educator; former adjunct professor at University of Houston; PhD in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Rice University
For more information, email mbsi@junghouston.org or call us 713-524-8253 ext 110.