Life & Work with Debbie Chamberlain of Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Chamberlain.

Hi Debbie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into elementary education began long before I ever entered the profession. Although I grew up with a strong support system, I struggled with depression and anxiety from a young age and didn’t yet have the tools to understand or support my own mental health. That gap stayed with me and shaped a quiet promise to become the person I needed when I was younger. I went on to spend 20 years as a classroom teacher, continually deepening my understanding of how to support the whole child. Along the way, I earned a Master’s Degree from Arizona State University and pursued extensive training: yoga certification through Breathe for Change; mindfulness training with Mindful Schools and Mindfulness First; education in health, wellness, yoga nidra, and yoga body psychology through the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts; Brain Health through Amen University; and trauma-informed training in Adverse Childhood Experiences with the Arizona ACES Consortium. Each step reflects my commitment to giving young people the understanding, resilience, and tools I wish I had been given.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the struggles that shaped my path came from recognizing the patterns I carried within myself and learning how to gently reshape them. Along the way, I discovered the power of understanding my nervous system, my brain, and the ways thoughts and emotions work together. I learned to reframe my thinking, to see emotions as information rather than flaws, and to accept that there was never anything “wrong” with me—only so much that was strong within me waiting to be understood. That shift became one of my greatest teachers. The journey itself has become the destination, and I continue to work every day on learning, growing, and becoming more aligned with my own healing, wholeness, and purpose.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve written 11 published children’s books designed to help young readers build their own mindful toolbox—practical, comforting skills they can use anytime they need support. These stories are used in classrooms, counseling settings, and with children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses through Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. Each book includes thoughtful activities for teachers, caregivers, or families to help children practice the mindfulness skill woven into the story. The books are thematically connected, and all the characters interact across the series, creating a familiar and supportive world where children can learn, grow, and feel empowered. The collection includes *Gus the Grumpy Grasshopper Finds Gratitude* (gratitude and perspective-shifting), *Lilly the Lovable Ladybug* (self-love and kindness), *Busy Bee Learns to Be* (being present in the moment), *Sammy Spider Speaks* (mindful communication), *Colby Caterpillar Creates Calm* (building a calm corner), *Nana Ant and Annie* (finding calm in nature), *Freddy Fly’s Feelings* (emotional awareness), *Willy Worm Wiggles* (mindful movement and self-acceptance), *Mindful Myllie* (breathing skills), *Mylie’s Magical Mind* (brain science and nervous system regulation), and *My Mindfulness Matters* (mindfulness foundations).

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My inspiration draws deeply from leaders whose work has shaped both my personal healing and my professional path. Brené Brown’s *Atlas of the Heart* helped me understand the complexity and language of emotions, while *The Gifts of Imperfection* taught me to embrace myself with wholeheartedness. Dr. Daniel Amen’s research opened my eyes to the profound impact of the brain on mental health; reading many of his books—including *The Brain Is Always Listening*—and receiving a brain scan through his clinic gave me tools to strengthen and support my own brain health. I’ve also been deeply influenced by Dr. Bruce Perry’s *What Happened to You* and Steven Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, which expanded my understanding of trauma, safety, and the nervous system. The work of Dr. Lori Desautels in schools and Peter Levine’s somatic experiencing methods helped me integrate these concepts into practical, body-based approaches for children. Additionally, exploring implicit bias through Dolly Chugh’s *The Person You Mean to Be* and the wisdom in Resmaa Menakem’s *My Grandmother’s Hands* has enriched my understanding of identity, healing, and how we show up for one another.

Pricing:

• Books are 11.11 on Amazon

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myndfulnessmatters.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myndfulness_matters/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myndfulnessmatters/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-chamberlain-44b6a8218/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@myndfulnessmatters7587