Educator. Facilitator. Advisor. Improvisor. Collaborator. Coach.
As founder and principal of Anima Learning, Ted DesMaisons designs and delivers dynamic, inspirational, and collaborative learning experiences for leaders, educators, and individuals. His guiding question: What teaching methods and learning conditions best support the flourishing of the whole, authentic self?
Until recently, Ted taught Religious Studies and Philosophy and coached varsity softball at Northfield Mount Hermon, a private boarding school along the banks of the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts.
A graduate of Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Harvard Divinity School, and One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, Ted has studied improv with Patricia Ryan of the Stanford Improvisors, the teachers and coaches of the award-winning Bay Area Theatersports, and Dennis Cahill and Shawn Kinley of the Loose Moose Theater Company in Calgary, Alberta. He has completed trainings in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and in TAGteach positive reinforcement methodology. He is also an active member of the Association for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education (ACMHE), the Applied Improvisation Network, and TAG Teach International. Ted currently serves as US Coordinator and teacher trainer for the UK-based Mindfulness in Schools Project.
He also is (or aims to be) a committed partner and playmate, warmhearted friend, and loving son and uncle.