Enriching Immersive Learning Experiences in Nature

Tricia Markovitz joined the 1440 team in 2017 and has been in the health and wellness field for over three decades. She is certified through the Chopra Center as a yoga and Ayurvedic Perfect Health instructor, is a Masters of Wisdom and Meditation instructor, and is also a business and communication coach. Tricia is driven by her belief in, and experience with, the importance of a healthy body creating a sharp mind and soulful spirit. Through her positive and compassionate nature, she guides people to their stillness and personal power. Tricia's highest value is making deep connections with people, and an important part of her life is singing in the Threshold Choir, which brings ease and comfort to the dying. Tricia loves traveling, cooking gourmet meals, hiking, and anything else where she can move her body outside.

Jason Gant is a global learning designer and facilitator who supports healthy and inclusive communities while helping them thrive. With degrees in Public Health, Behavioral Health (MS), and Global Entrepreneurial Management (MA), Jason has worked with clients all over the world and focused his career on mindfulness to inspire and support overall wellbeing, leadership, happiness and graceful aging. In addition to his involvement with the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI) and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) supporting healthy aging and cognitive fitness, he is also a trained wellness coach and teacher, training Neuro-divergent youth from TK through High School, college athletes and corporate professionals.

Dion's yoga journey began in 2000 when she sought movement practices that focused on inner awareness rather than outward aesthetics. While her personal practice is still shaped by dance, Pilates, and functional movement conditioning, Dion's approach has evolved to embrace more self-compassion and embodiment. She completed her 200-RYT training in 2013 and has since been committed to staying informed about the body-brain connection in healing and recovery from adverse life experiences.

In 2018, Dion completed the Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Facilitator training at the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute. She continues to collaborate closely with her mentors, David Emerson and Jenn Turner, in this methodology.

Dion has had the privilege of supporting clinicians and physicians dedicated to trauma stewardship, working with students and faculty at UC Davis, and serving first responders, cancer fighters, survivors, and their care providers.

MaryTheresa Capriles is a dancer at heart and has studied classical ballet since the age of three. She discovered qigong in 2013 and went on to earn her qigong certifications through Holden Qigong in Santa Cruz and Shelton Qigong in San Jose. MaryTheresa loves the gentle flowing movements of qigong, focused on the internal energies of the body, in part because they are reminiscent of ballet (without having to be perfect). MaryTheresa has been a part of the 1440 team since our doors opened in May 2017. She teaches qigong, Tao Yin, slow motion toning and dance. She also loves welcoming guests to campus and guiding tours of the property whenever possible. She lives in Mountain View and relishes any time she can spend with one or more of her three children.