Hola, I’m Criss!

Supporting understanding and belonging through science, storytelling and strategic partnerships through my work at the Greater Good Science Center and my book Pertenæcer©

I was born in Venezuela to Colombian parents. We migrated to the US when I was 15 years old, and I have spent most of my adult life living around the US, LatAm, and Spain. My husband and I currently reside in Dallas. Professionally, I spent over a decade in corporate America working in hispanic television sales, production, and operations. In 2016, after much inner work and reflection, I fully transitioned into a career that allowed me to spread culturally-attuned mindfulness around the world – initially through running AlmaYEspiritu as a volunteer-led organization and consulting hub. Currently, I serve as the Bridging Differences Program Coordinator at the Greater Good Science Center

In addition to having a Master’s Degree in Mindfulness Studies from Lesley University, I am a certified facilitator for the renown program Search Inside Yourself, a leadership program developed at Google. I am also a self-published author of “PERTENÆCER: Eight-Week Mindfulness and Meditation Training and Practices for Latinx Immigrants in the United States ©”, and co-author

of “Building a more Diverse and Inclusive Science: Mindfulness-based Approaches for Latinx Individuals,” which was published in the Mindfulness Journal. I am also a Mindfulness Mentor having been trained by the renowned teachers Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.

In my offline time, I enjoy practicing meditation, reading, traveling, walking in nature, doing yoga, rollerblading, and playing tennis.

TEAMS WE HAVE WORKED WITH

“Criss, my cohort, and this program were a true blessing when I needed it the most. They taught me about empathy, leadership, self-compassion and how to be wholeheartedly present. I learned and was inspired by them and other women that paved the road for change, I felt comfortable sharing my story and will forever cherish the memories and the knowledge shared in every session.”

“Criss radiates kindness and authenticity. Throughout the program, I felt comfortable and seen, which made the program even richer and more enjoyable for me. I would recommend working with Criss to anyone!”

Her sharing of personal experiences, humbleness, proactive listening, compassion when analyzing somebody’s personal situation, and try providing potential remedies.

Criss was a compassionate, kind, and responsive facilitator. She shared with our team meditation and mindfulness techniques that brought us closer and helped us do our work with greater ease. I’d highly recommender her as a facilitator to other teams looking strengthen their relationships and learn how to do their work more effectively!

The calmness and openness with all the participants. Criss made us feel all welcome and nurtured. The examples of personal and professional life are always great to make the experience more vivid. The mix between the 2 teachers was great. Criss availability to stay longer to answer our questions/doubts.

Being facilitated by Criss Cuervo was such a treat! She masterfully held the balance of providing incredibly informative content while also ensuring participants had the necessary space to make meaning of what was being shared. Criss is warm, knowledgeable, approachable, dependable, and clear-sighted in her facilitation. I hope to be able to learn from her again in the future!

Understanding of BIPOC experiences and yet not making white students feel excluded from the learning experience. Sharing personal stories and vulnerabilities. Did not sound like a guest lecturer like at workshops in companies. Sounded like “one of us.” Listening, empathy, compassion, love.

It opened my eyes to more ways Latin culture views impact mental health work and ways to weave culture into mindfulness activities.

Criss provided me with careful and patient guidance as I embarked on my career transition. Thanks to her support, I now feel more confident and empowered to make a positive impact on the mental and emotional well-being of my Latine community.

I thoroughly enjoyed each class, almost as if it were face-to-face. I congratulate you and, above all, I thank you for your love and dedication.