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Laurel, Md. – Maryland University of Integrative Health announced today that Ali Smith, co-founder of the Holistic Life Foundation will serve as its 2020-2021 commencement speaker.
Mr. Smith has nearly 20 years’ experience teaching yoga, mindfulness, and meditation internationally to a broad demographic spectrum in settings that include schools, retreat centers, wellness centers, mental crisis facilities, detention centers, drug treatment centers, and corporations as well as in private one-on-one sessions. He co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation (HLF) in 2001. During his tenure as its Executive Director, his leadership helped guide HLF to grow into an organization that employed over 50 people and served communities worldwide. He is a published author and has written several curricula. He is a pioneer in the fields of yoga and mindfulness in education, as well as in trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness, developing best practices that are used around the world. Ali has taught in seven countries on three continents. His work has been featured on the CBS News, CNN, NBC Nightly News, PBS, as well as in Oprah Magazine and Forbes. Ali is also a co-host of the Look Again Podcast and Co-Owner of the Involution Group.
HLF seeks to improve social, community, educational and emotional outcomes in low-income, underserved communities by providing multi-faceted programming (including yoga, mindfulness, and human and environmental health) that empowers youth, families, and adults. It provides yoga and mindfulness education for underserved residents in the Baltimore community and beyond. Through a comprehensive approach that helps children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care, HLF demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment. Since its inception, HLF has facilitated yoga, mindfulness, and environmental-based programs for youth in schools, recreation centers, group homes, the Baltimore Juvenile Detention Center, and other venues. HLF has facilitated adult programs in many different settings, including drug treatment centers, mental illness facilities, colleges, senior centers, schools, and wellness centers across the nation. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality evidence-based programs and curriculum to improve community well-being. For more information, visit https://hlfinc.org/.
MUIH’s commencement ceremony will recognize graduates of the classes of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, and will be held on October 24, 2021, at the Lyric Theater in Baltimore, Maryland. “We are pleased to welcome Ali as our commencement speaker. He, the Holistic Life Foundation, and MUIH have a natural affinity in serving the community, and a focus on well-being and mindfulness. His work reflects the approach to integrative health that is at MUIH’s core”, notes Marc Levin, President and CEO of MUIH. MUIH offers doctoral and master’s degrees and graduate certificates in acupuncture, Ayurveda, cannabis science, health and wellness coaching, health promotion, herbal medicine, integrative health studies, nutrition, workplace wellness, and yoga therapy.
About Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH)
Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) is a leading academic institution focused on the study and practice of integrative health and wellness and one of the few universities in the U.S. dedicated solely to such practices. Deeply rooted in a holistic philosophy, its model for integrative health and wellness is grounded in whole-person, relationship-centered, evidence-informed care.
Since 1974, MUIH has been a values-driven community educating practitioners and professionals to become future health and wellness leaders through transformative programs grounded in traditional wisdom and contemporary science.
MUIH has more than 20 progressive graduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines, offered on-campus and online. In the on-campus Natural Care Center and community outreach settings, MUIH provides compassionate and affordable healthcare from student interns and professional practitioners, which delivers more than 20,000 clinical treatments and consultations each year.
For more information visit www.muih.edu
April Arnold,
Email: aarnold@muih.edu
