Speaker Bio
Jonathan Filzen
Regional Director, Inner Explorer
Jonathan is a passionate advocate for whole-child education, bringing more than a decade of experience in PreK–12 partnerships and program strategy to his role as Regional Director for the Upper Midwest. Throughout his career, he has worked with districts and state leaders to implement evidence-based resources that support student well-being, engagement, and academic growth.
Jonathan started his career as a middle school teacher in Minneapolis. Before joining Inner Explorer, he led national partnerships at organizations such as World Savvy and EVERFI, where he built strong, lasting relationships with school systems across the United States. His work has focused on aligning innovative educational solutions with district goals to create meaningful and measurable impact.
Jonathan is proud to be part of Inner Explorer's mission to expand access to effective mindfulness resources that improve mental health and learning outcomes for all students. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with his wife, two daughters, and their dog, Mac, and enjoys family bike rides, exploring local parks, and finding moments of mindfulness in everyday life.
Breakout 4B
Biology Before Behavior: Daily Mindfulness as an Equity-Centered Mental Health Strategy for Minnesota Schools
Jonathan Filzen & Teyant Germa
School social workers across Minnesota face rising behavioral needs, growing caseloads, and widening inequities in access to mental health care, especially for Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color. At the same time, new state requirements for mental health instruction are increasing demands on schools. This session explores how addressing biology before behavior through brief daily mindfulness practices can reduce stress, strengthen regulation, and improve the effectiveness of school-based interventions. Participants will examine research, policy, and frontline implementation, including the expansion of Inner Explorer, a CASEL-approved mindfulness program supported by randomized controlled trials and a major equity-focused investment reaching schools across Minnesota.
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Learning Objectives:
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Explain the neurological connection between stress, emotional regulation, & behavior, & how daily mindfulness practices support executive functioning & intervention effectiveness.
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Examine research demonstrating the academic, behavioral, & equity impacts of mindfulness practices, particularly for students experiencing adversity & systemic barriers to mental health access.
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Experience & apply mindfulness strategies within Tier 1–3 supports, & develop plans to integrate daily mindfulness into MTSS, mental health instruction requirements, & staff well-being practices.
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CEUs: 1.5 BOSW Clinical, BOSW Culturally Responsiveness, PELSB PBIS, PELSB MH, PELSB Cultural Competency