I was lucky – as an athlete I trained with sport psychologists. I learned how to be in tune with my mind and overcome difficulties. Later as a gymnastics coach, I knew the benefits and integrated mental skills into my team’s training. It was powerful. But when I heard the term “mental health” and athletes began publicly sharing personal struggles – I realized we’re not going deep enough. Young people were suffering, and still are. So I immersed myself – I found there’s a lack of addressing mental health in youth sports, and Zen Tiger Mind (ZTM) was born.

I launched ZTM in 2022 at the USAG National Conference in Florida with our first product, the Mental Power Station. It was fresh and innovative and people loved the small mats with mental exercises. Coaches had tools. Kids loved Zen Tiger and repeating the words on the mats, “I am strong inside and out. I will achieve my goals!” Boom, we were on the map.

In 2023, we partnered with Quatro Gymnastics, and designed and launched the beautiful Zen leotard; it represents nature, inner peace, focus, and mental health. Parents and coaches cheered for this partnership and the kids felt focused and powerful wearing the leotard.

2024 came and I created Zola, a brown girl with vibrant hair, and added her to the four ZTM animal characters. She learns mental health exercises from Zen Tiger and friends and people relate to her. I also presented a talk on Youth Mental Health in Puerto Rico at IACDP International Conference which invoked interest, questions, and lively conversation. I gained a partnership with 3rd Level Consulting, and we shifted our energy to online education and training materials. 

I’ve been in a creative space and here in 2025, we just launched a fantastic exercise program, Resilience! I designed it specifically for mental fitness & mental health in the sports environment – kids and coaches practice in 5-minute intervals. It’s so important to make habits in positivity, self-kindness, positive body image, and self-compassion in the sports environment. 

The fact is, mental health exercises enhance brain development, emotional wellness and physical performance!  Our  programs elevate staff and serve businesses and the wider community. Zen Tiger Mind is evolving and excited to support you!