About The Mindful Mantis

At The Mindful Mantis, we believe in nurturing children’s inner strength, imagination, and emotional well-being through mindfulness, manifestation, and meaningful storytelling. Mindfulness isn’t just about stillness, it’s about embracing emotions, building confidence, and shaping the life they dream of. Our mission is to empower children with the tools to navigate life with clarity, resilience, and joy.

Founders Mariana and Sondra, both homeschool moms, are passionate about blending ancient wisdom with modern insights, creating tools that support children in developing self-awareness, emotional balance, and a belief in their limitless potential. Our resources, including blog posts, workbooks, and upcoming courses, help children manage emotions, build self-awareness, practice gratitude, and faith in themselves and the world around them. Through meditation, breathwork, and the power of positive affirmations, we teach children that manifestation is not just an idea—it’s their birthright. We strive to create a community where families thrive, finding joy, calm, and connection in everyday moments. Join us on this mindful journey and discover the transformative power of The Mindful Mantis.

Meet the Founders

About Sondra

Sondra Bakinde is a celebrated figure known for her roles as a mother, writer, artist, and interior designer. Drawing inspiration from the realms of visual communication and multidimensional artistry, she weaves together a tapestry of creativity that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. Influenced by the works of renowned artists such as Rene Magritte, Giorgio de Chirico, Salvador Dali, and Christian Reiss Lassen, Sondra infuses her stories with a surreal atmospheric magic that captivates readers of all ages.

In her storytelling, Sondra integrates insights from Buddhism, Stoicism, and mindfulness to craft tales that not only entertain but also impart invaluable life lessons. Drawing upon the teachings of influential figures like Marcus Aurelius, Sadguru, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Gregg Braden and Abraham Hicks, she infuses her narratives with the rhythmic rhyming of Dr. Seuss, the clever cadence of Robert Louis Stevenson, and the profound narration of Shel Silverstein. Additionally, Sondra incorporates cutting-edge facts on nutrition, crystals, and health while emphasizing moral practicality through themes of prayer and gratitude.

A native of New York, Sondra received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Tulane University, Christie’s Auction House, and The National Academy of Fine Arts. Her passion for learning and exploration has taken her on extensive travels, ultimately leading her to settle in Palm Beach County, Florida, with her husband Simon and their two children, Phoenix and Axelle. As a homeschooling mother and a lifelong student of ancient wisdom, Sondra felt compelled to create a captivating methodology to introduce important topics to children, drawing upon her own childhood memories filled with magic, wonder, and nature to inspire her storytelling.

With a deep love for God, nature, children, learning, poetry, health, and metaphysics, Sondra uses her profound creativity to share important messages that transcend traditional educational content. In a world dominated by instant gratification, compelled consumerism, and social media influence, she believes it is crucial to equip children with the tools and resilience necessary to navigate these challenges. Sondra is committed to empowering children to become smarter, balanced, and healthier individuals who will shape a better tomorrow for generations to come.

About Mariana

Mariana Gordon is a passionate visionary in mindfulness and holistic healing, dedicated to helping children and adults find inner peace and emotional balance. As a Certified Crystal Energy Healer, Reiki Master, Breathwork/Meditation Practitioner, and Sound Healer, she empowers others to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and calm. Her journey began with a deep passion for working with children, one that has shaped her life’s work.

As a school psychologist, she spent years helping children navigate emotions, build confidence, and develop self-regulation skills. Yet, she felt something was missing, tools that would empower children not just in the moment but for a lifetime. This led her to energy healing, sound therapy, and breathwork, witnessing firsthand how these practices transform emotional well-being by helping children and adults release stress, reconnect with their emotions, and find deep inner peace.

Believing that emotional awareness and self-regulation should begin at a young age, Mariana made it her mission to teach children these powerful tools early, setting them up for a lifetime of resilience and well-being. Writing a book and building a mindfulness brand for children has been a lifelong dream and mission. Through books, courses, healing sessions, and mindfulness tools, we hope to create a world where children trust their hearts, calm their minds, and embrace their full potential one breath at a time.

FAQ’S

  • Mindfulness is simply paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It's about being aware of your thoughts and feelings as they happen, right now.

  • It reduces stress, improves focus, helps manage emotions, and builds empathy. Kids learn to calm down, pay attention, and understand their feelings better.

  • Our content is for any age! You can read our books to your little ones and older ones. The concepts are great for any age, including parents!

  • Then try simple things like mindful breathing, sensory games, or slow movement. You can also purchase our book or download our free guide.