Richard (Rick) E. Berger, MD, Professor Emeritus in the Medical School at the University of Washington, is the primary teacher of Mindfulness NW. He received his undergraduate education and medical degree from The University of Chicago. He received his certification in the teaching of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness and received a Certification in Mindfulness Facilitation from the Mindful Awareness Research Center at the University of California in Los Angeles. Rick has taught Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPS) classes at the University of Washington Medical Center, the University of Washington Intramural Activities Center, and the UW Center for Child and Family Well-being. He also holds certificates to teach mindfulness to children and adolescents from Inner Kids and Mindful Schools and teaches mindfulness in the Seattle Public Schools. His ongoing practice includes daily meditation, yoga, silent retreats and continuing education in mindfulness and related areas.