FALL RIVER - William S. Greene Elementary Public School has begun a new program to help youth, by practicing silent mantra meditation.

The program, which has been in the works since October 2018, officially started Jan. 14,  and aims to combat the rising stress rates reported by students in the city, along with boosting academic performance, self-confidence and overall well-being. The holistic approach focuses on implementing healthy and empowering habits at an early age, which have been scientifically proven to instill better coping mechanisms for handling life’s challenges, as well as leading to stronger academic and professional performances. After the passing of a Fall River middle school student, special attention has been placed on the program in hopes of making positive strides forward in the mental health of Greene School students, as well as improve their overall well-being.

Greene School Guidance Counselor Amanda Santos, together with her principal, Dr. Joann Pereira, reached out to renowned meditation expert and Fall River native, Madeline Correia, to start a new program to teach their students the beneficial practice of meditation, in an effort to improve their students’ personal well-being, as well as Greene school’s overall atmosphere.

“More and more people are learning the importance of meditation, and it has been proven that starting a meditation practice as early as 4 years old will directly result in many positive benefits,” said Correia. Correia a former corporate executive with degrees in both finance and organizational leadership, first began her career as a behavioral expert and personal development specialist, after she herself succumbed to the stress of a demanding corporate career, which many professionals face today.

Determined to solve her problems naturally, she studied directly with world renowned Dr. Deepak Chopra and soon after became certified to teach meditation and yoga. Chopra may be best known for teaming up with Oprah Winfrey a few times every year, in an effort to reach his goal of teaching a billion people to meditate. Correia is honored to be able to do her part, to help Chopra reach his goal.

Correia normally works with top executives throughout the country, however, she was both honored and excited when she was asked to lead Greene School’s meditation initiative. And although this is a dramatic change in her client base of busy professionals and entrepreneurs, she knew that her work was cut out for her and looked forward to the challenge.

“When the opportunity to share my passion with the next generation was presented to me, I immediately accepted!" Correia said. "I was so happy to be able to give back to the Fall River community I grew up in. Explaining these healthy and empowering ways of thinking to a CEO or account executive can be challenging, so I knew that keeping a classroom full of young students engaged would bring with it some challenges; but it has been a wonderful process. Learning to meditate has been the best gift I have ever received in my life. I am honored to be able to share the amazing gift of meditation with these beautiful children.”

Correia is scheduled to follow up with Greene Elementary School in the coming weeks and throughout the remainder of the school year - to expand their knowledge and support their new meditation practice, as well as check in on the program’s success rate.

Greene Elementary School is the first in Fall River to initiate and launch such a program that empowers their students with skills to positively impact their own well-being; and should be applauded for their forward thinking. Madeline has also noted that she has been in touch with other school districts including Rhode Island as well.