Wellness Programs

NAU Alliance for Neurodivergent Faculty and Staff (by Zoom)
First Wednesday of each month, February 4, March 4, and April 1, 2026, 12:30 – 1:30
Guided by Heather Nash, EAW Director, Shelby Rinke, School of Communication Assistant Professor of Practice, and Landi Morris, Assistant Professor of Accounting

The Alliance is NAU’s first collective for faculty and staff who identify as neurodivergent (including, but not limited to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar, etc.). We welcome individuals with medical diagnoses, self-diagnoses, and those who may be wondering if they are part of the neurodivergent (ND) community.

The goal of these meetings is to provide a space for ND folks to connect, educate, share information and resources, and build community. In this second meeting of the Alliance, we will be discussing one of the issues highlighted during our inaugural meeting.

All forms of participation are welcome; come and engage or sit back with your screen off and listen. The facilitators are neurodivergent (both medically and self-diagnosed). We will bring our own experience to meetings but are not there to offer formal therapeutic advice or prescribe action. We acknowledge that sharing information about disabilities may not feel safe for all, and participation in the group, and all meeting activity, will be private.

ND Alliance Zoom registration link

Foundations of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (in person)
Tuesdays, January 27 – February 17, 2026, 3 – 5 pm
Health and Learning Center, room TBA
Guided by Mike Bouck, LCSW, EAW Counselor and Qualified MBSR Teacher

Join us for this four-week, research-backed program based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s pioneering work. Through guided meditation, gentle movement, and practical tools, you’ll learn how to cultivate calm, clarity, and emotional balance in everyday life. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, this hands-on course offers a proven path to greater well-being. While open to beginners, this program is a natural next step to those wanting a more engaging course.

The course begins with an orientation session on January 20, 2026, 12 – 1 pm (via Zoom), then meets weekly and in-person for four weeks. There will be daily homework assignments that take about 15 minutes to complete.

A brief screening process is required to attend this program. For more information or to register, please contact Mike at Mike.Bouck@nau.edu or call 928-523-7522.

Men’s Growth Group (in-person)
Wednesdays, January 21, 2026, 4 – 5:30 pm
Mountain Campus location, room TBA

It’s that time again. Time to join our community and have real conversations. No BS. No sizing each other up. Men’s group is a place where we be ourselves in authentic and vulnerable ways. This group is focused on growth and will not involve any diagnosing or treating of mental health conditions. We will explore masculinity, discuss challenges, and find ways to help ourselves, and others, live more fully.

About this group: we will meet in person weekly, previous group experience is not required, and it is open to all who identify as male. The group is peer-facilitated by James Ingram and Andy Johns who have extensive experience with this group and have demonstrated the ability to ground themselves and others within the group. These men both carry wisdom born of life experience as well.

A brief screening process is required for new participants. For more information or to register please email Mike Bouck, LCSW, EAW Counselor at Mike.Bouck@nau.edu, who will be coordinating and supervising this group.

Weekly Drop-in Groups (registration required)

Mindful Self-Compassion for Stress and Burnout Group (by Zoom)
Wednesdays, January 28 – April 16, 2025, 8:30 – 9 am
Led by Mike Bouck, LCSW, EAW Counselor and Qualified MBSR Teacher

This semester we continue our exploration of the book Mindful Self Compassion for Burnout by Kristin Neff, PhD and Chris Germer, PhD, which focuses on how to utilize mindful self-compassion principles for long-term resilience and recovery from stress and burnout.

We will explore strategies for cultivating emotional resources and adaptive coping mechanisms to sustain well-being, enhance professional fulfillment, and prevent recurrence. More practically we’ll learn evidence-based exercises and reflective practices designed to help integrate self-compassion and kindness into such challenges as perfectionism, the inner critic, interpersonal boundaries, identifying our needs, motivating ourselves, and savoring the good.

Each session will provide a mini lesson on a principle from the book along with one self-compassion practice we’ll call a “tool.” Ideally, we ask you to participate in the class in its entirety because some skills build upon earlier ones, but you are free to drop in as often as you like and/or are able. All are welcome!

Self-Compassion for Burnout Group Zoom registration link

Pause and Presence (by Zoom)
Thursdays, January 22 – April 16, 2026, 12 – 12:30 pm
Led by Mike Bouck, LCSW, EAW Counselor and Qualified MBSR Teacher

Mindfulness meditation offers powerful benefits for both personal mental and emotional well-being, and professional effectiveness. It helps improve focus and self-awareness, allowing us to respond to challenges with clarity rather than react impulsively. It can also significantly enhance workplace effectiveness by improving clarity, allowing for more thoughtful decision-making and effective communication. Regular practice can reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation, and build resilience, fostering a greater sense of balance and empathy—skills that make a real difference in both your personal and professional life.

This class is a natural first step for those beginning a mindfulness journey or as a weekly drop in for those with regular mindfulness practice. Please come as often as you are able. All are welcome!

Pause and Presence Group Zoom registration link

Thursday Morning Happiness Club Explores Boundaries (by Zoom)
Thursdays, January 29 – March 5, 2026, 8:30 – 9 am
Led by Led by Heather Nash, PhD, EAW Director

Join Heather every Thursday for ideas about how to increase our happiness and resilience by exploring, setting, and maintaining boundaries for ourselves and others.  We will discuss concepts related to boundaries, including relevant research findings, and we will leave with at least one strategy to apply over the next week.

Thursday Morning Happiness Club Zoom registration link

Watch for more spring semester programs coming soon.