The Collaboratory was founded by Pratt faculty Rhonda Schaller, MPS, MBSR and Esmilda Abreu, Ph.D., each with over four decades of teaching, studying, and meditation within a framework of contemplative practices (link to contemplative tree). The Collaboratory conducts research, builds communities of practice, offers peer mentorship and support, and teaches programs nationally and internationally. Our evidence-based programs and services encourage sustainable community, organizational, and personal leadership that enhance creativity and focus, lower stress and burnout, and cultivate mindfulness based self-care as world care. We believe inner peace is the ground upon which we stand and lead.
“I am so grateful for the Collaboratory, a model the world needs to hear more about and be inspired to support artists with” – Michelle Knapik, president of the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation.
What we offer
- Pre-built opportunities through our existing menu of evidence-based curriculums offered as workshops, retreats, courses, and one on one consultant services.
- Resilience, wellness and well-being programs tailored to organizational needs and populations, co designed with our clients.
- Strategic planning consultations to create a culture of well-being, care and creativity for organizations
- Offerings include:
- A library of audio meditation and visualization recordings
- Recommended reading list and planning worksheets
- Digital Reflection journal and Reflection meditations card deck
Who can participate
The Collaboratory is grant funded serving youth and adults, no prior meditation or leadership experience is needed. Public programs have a yearly recruiting cycle. Registration dates, waiting lists and application forms are linked below.
Through the Project I found the courage to implement more of my own practices into my teaching and into my community of artists and friends – to great benefit of all. — 2023/2024 Leading by Intention Participant
Current Research Projects / Programs open to the public
Leading with Intention
Focuses on developing contemplative leadership skills, beginning with setting mindful, creative and resilient intentions. The goal of this program is to create strong communities of practice amongst national and international artists and administrators through providing research, step by step instruction guides, training, peer mentor support groups, and meditation instruction for contemplative / mindful leadership. Participants meet monthly. Our next program registration begins in Fall 2026. To join the waiting list click here.
Enlightened Women’s Leadership
The curriculum is designed for women of all ages, with a focus on inclusive origin stories. It centers the four foundations of mindfulness and contemplative practices as core leadership skills. The goal of this program is to create communities of women leaders, with a contemplative foundation so they may cultivate and apply resilience, wellness and insight in times of acute and chronic stress as leaders at home and at work. Participants meet for 3 workshops. Registration begins in 2026. To join the waiting list click here.
Wellness and Well-being Retreats
Designed as immersive experiences for your organization, our retreats offer a sanctuary for rest, reflection, and renewal. Through guided meditation, visualization, journaling, and contemplative dialogue, participants explore the foundations of mindful self-care as world care. We tailor retreats for each company and organization offered as half day or full day programs. Designed to be open to all staff or a sub group you choose, no prior experience in meditation needed. Our retreats are tailored to support both personal growth and professional resilience. Contact us for scheduling options at mindful-collab@pratt.edu.
Facilitator Certification Program
Our Facilitator Certification Program trains individuals to lead mindfulness-based workshops and retreats with confidence, compassion, and clarity. Rooted in contemplative practices and evidence-based methodologies, this program equips facilitators with the tools to cultivate resilience, creativity, and well-being in diverse communities. Participants receive mentorship, instructional guides, and access to our digital resource library. Certification cohorts begin annually—join the waitlist for Fall 2026. To join the waiting list click here.
Our Impact
Get in touch
Are you interested in cultivating wholeness and wonder in the world through contemplative practices in your life? In your organization? Contact us to learn more at mindful-collab@pratt.edu. You can also fill out this interest form and we’ll follow up with you.
We look forward to working with you.
Dr. Esmilda Abreu-Hornbostel and Rhonda Schaller,
Directors, Mindfulness Collaboratory & Principal Investigators
Pratt News Article: Read more about how we place self care at the center of creative success.
The Mindfulness Collaboratory is funded by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, with additional support from the Frederick Lenz Foundation and prior funding from the Pratt Institute Faculty Development Fund