Michele Topel
Co-Founder, Mindful Life

 Michele is an EMDR psychotherapist in Washington DC, and has an interest in mindfulness-based treatment of trauma and addiction. She is a graduate of the 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification program facilitated by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, and is the founding member of Mindful Life DC.

Michele has been practicing insight meditation since 2011 with many teachers from the US and Asia including monastics from the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah, as well as Sharon Salzburg, and Joseph Goldstein. A lifelong Washingtonian, Michele has lead classes, retreats and workshops in DC as well as in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2019, she spent a year of intensive practice in Asia that included extended silent retreats, as well as residence as a lay guest at monasteries in Thailand.

When not working, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as reading, biking and kayaking.

Valca Valentine
Co-Founder, Mindful Life

Valca is a longtime meditation practitioner and lifestyle coach. A former journalist bound by tight deadlines, she now eases the pace through mindful meditation and contemplative reflection as a gateway to holistic well-being. Her approach is influenced by a late Southern great-grand – a holy woman and healer who practiced the power of lovingkindness.

Valca’s 10-year daily breath and meditation practice has been advanced by her study of mindfulness since 2015 guided by Gina Sharpe, Ruth King, Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein. She is enrolled in a 2-year professional training program for Mindfulness Meditation under the guidance of renowned teachers Jack Kornfield, Ph.D. and Tara Brach, Ph.D.

Valca leads groups, facilitates workshops and guides beginners and experienced private clients on the applications of mindfulness. and self-compassion to relationships, conflict, trauma, organizational wisdom and social justice.