Wendy Cook

Founder and Executive Director

Inquiries: 501-436-9689 or info@mindfulnessconnection.org

Last Updated
September 10, 2023

Wendy Cook is one of four Founders and the Executive Director of Mindfulness Connection. MC’s innovative approach to solve community level social and economic problems is founded on Wendy’s combined experience in corporate project management, international mindfulness-based yoga education, and evidence-based program development.

Wendy earned an MPS from the Clinton School of Public Service following a BA in Business from Hendrix College, and subsequently held project management positions in telecommunications, raised three children, and launched three mindfulness-based organizations as an entrepreneur.

Wendy weaves real life stories and research data together to develop and execute evidence-based programs for private, nonprofit, and government entities. Her experience includes the development of a higher education program based on empirical studies for the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.

Wendy leads mindfulness-based yoga teacher trainings through an international alliance accredited certification program she developed in 2014. (She has certified 250+ teachers over the last decade) As a mindfulness professional, her experience includes the development of evidence-based mindfulness programs for corporate leadership, human resources, addiction, adult psychiatry, adolescent sex trafficking, and outpatient for the military.

Highlights of Wendy’s teaching career include roles as a co-facilitator for a yoga teacher training in Kenya, a member of Chris Beard’s coaching team as the Director of Yoga for the 2015-2016 UALR Trojan Mens Basketball team (final 32!), and a facilitator at the 2015 Yoga Journal Conference in Estes Park.

As a respected corporate executive project and public program director, Wendy has extensive experience leading operations, projects, and staff in private and nonprofit organizations. She has a proven track record in guiding sizable, interdisciplinary teams in the development, redesign, and launching of leading-edge business solutions driving an increase in efficiencies, stakeholder engagement, and client experiences.

In addition, Wendy is an expert facilitator. She has led public dialogues for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation on Policing in Arkansas and for the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. Her facilitation experience also includes leading racial healing circles, such as The Dehumanization and Disposability of Black Women for Coming to the Table.

Wendy is a native Arkansan and currently lives in Fayetteville, AR with her husband, Smokey. She can frequently be found spending time with her family and friends at local restaurants, music events, outdoor events, or her kitchen table. Wendy enjoys time on her yoga mat, cycling, hiking, cooking, and travel adventures.