Jean Vitrano, Mindfulness Facilitator

Jean Vitrano is a mindfulness facilitator and teacher based in Maplewood, New Jersey. She leads mindfulness groups, meditation classes, workshops, retreats and private sessions from her studio and online, supporting people in developing greater presence, awareness, compassion and acceptance. Her approach rests on a listening presence and curiosity, and on the idea that if we practice meeting ourselves with kindness, we can change the world.

Jean draws on 30 years of training in mindfulness and meditation practices, along with a 20-year private practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist and work in somatic modalities. Her background also includes movement awareness and a career as a professional contemporary dancer. She holds a BA from NYU and is a graduate of the Feldenkrais Method Training Program. She has studied with the late Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, has been influenced by the teachings of Tara Brach, Sharon Salzberg and Pema Chodron and the work of Eugene Gendlin, and has studied mindful communication and Nonviolent Communication with Oren Jay Sofer.

Her best-known offering is A Mindful Life, a group that typically runs in 8-week segments. Each session weaves together meditation, gratitude and self-kindness practices, reflective exercises and mindful communication, in a small community. The groups are intended for people who already have some meditation experience. She also offers drop-in meditations, which welcome beginners, in the studio and live on Zoom. She leads workshops as well, and her guided meditations and talks are available on her website and on Insight Timer.

Jean helps people find their own insight and wisdom, creating safe communities where they can explore, listen and share in deeper ways than everyday interactions usually allow. She lives in Morristown, New Jersey, with her partner Michael and their kids.