Dr. Natalie Gruber holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Innovation (EdD,
Arizona State University), a master’s degree in clinical social work (LCSW, University of Michigan) and a bachelor’s degree in psychology (University of Michigan). She is a certified mindfulness teacher (University of California Los Angeles) and art therapist (Northwestern University). Over the last few years, Dr. Gruber’s research, teaching, and program development has focused on mindfulness for the promotion of emotional health and relational connection, addressing a variety of issues connected to the mental health crisis and loneliness epidemic within elementary and higher education. She has received multiple awards and recognition for her research and teaching on the role of mindfulness in supporting parent and child emotion regulation and the parent-child relationship. To support this and other related work, she has received grants from the Teachers Colleges at Arizona State University and Columbia University and the John Templeton Foundation.
As a licensed clinical social worker, Natalie is experienced in working with children, adolescents, and parents on a variety of emotional, behavioral,and relational challenges. Dr. Gruber has co-authored several publications in peer-reviewed academic journals and book chapters, on mindfulness and arts-based methods for healing as conduits for mental and relational health and flourishing. Many of these publications, including a forthcoming book chapter, have focused on aspects of mindfulness practice and implementation within the Balsz School District.
Natalie’s website: https://nataliegruber.com/