WHO WE ARE
Natalie Gendron and Julie Middleton, PhD, are educators, practitioners and co-founders of BeKOA.
As educators, we have spent years supporting children, families and colleagues through stress, challenging situations and limited resources.
We know what it feels like to be the person others depend on while trying to manage your own stress at the same time.
And we learned something important along the way: to create calm, connected environments for others, we first need the tools to regulate and care for ourselves. That realization shaped BeKOA.
Today, we bring our lived experience as educators together with evidence-informed practices to give compassionate leaders practical tools to manage stress, pause under pressure and respond with greater awareness, intention and care.
We support the people who support others.
Because when the people doing the caring feel supported, that support ripples outward—strengthening relationships, building capacity and creating environments where people can flourish.
MEET THE CO-FOUNDERS
Two educators. Decades of experience. One shared commitment to helping people and communities flourish.
Natalie Gendron is a seasoned educator with over 25 years nurturing the minds of learners.
She is also a certified Yoga Instructor and a Creative Mindfulness Practitioner who specializes in trauma-informed practices for children and teens. Living by the principles of KOA, Natalie brings a touch of mindfulness to everything she does.
Julie Middleton is an educator with a career spanning 30 years, including an elementary school teacher, a private school principal, and a consultant.
Julie is a lifelong learner, with a PhD. in education and Yoga and Mindfulness certifications. Julie is deeply passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.
GROUNDED IN EXPERTISE
Our work is shaped by practical experience and strengthened by our advisors who have expertise in trauma-informed practices, mental health, education and research.
Beverley Anderson
M.S.W., RSW, CPF Trauma-Informed Practice Advisor
Beverley is a Registered Social Worker with 28 years of counseling experience. She ensures BeKOA’s offerings are trauma-informed, responsive and grounded in compassionate practice.
Suzanne Molitor
PhD Researcher and Educational Advisor
Suzanne is an educational researcher, consultant and writer with more than 30 years of experience in education. She supports BekOA’s research, evaluation and evidence-informed development.
What Makes BeKOA Different?
“BeKOA does a really good job of blending theory with practice. BeKOA was able to work with us to figure out a plan that met our needs and our budget, as well. That’s something not everyone is willing to do. Your care and compassion for young people really shows through which is what resonates with us. ”
Erin Greybiel, BBBS Niagara
How Mindful Moments Show Up in Our Work
Mindful moments are more than slowing down or taking a breath. They are opportunities to notice what is happening within and around us, create space before we react, and choose how we want to respond. Over time, these small moments build self-awareness and regulation, strengthen relationships and influence the environments we create together.
