Vision Statement

We aim to be the global leader in self-compassion training and to offer the highest quality programs to diverse populations, based upon scientific research and established teaching methods. CMSC is committed to building an equitable, inclusive, and caring global community supporting the practice of self-compassion where each person matters and everyone belongs.

Mission & Values

Our Mission

Our purpose is to alleviate human suffering and improve the collective well-being of the planet through the practice of self-compassion. We will accomplish this mission by:

  • Providing resources and training opportunities to anyone wishing to learn and practice self-compassion
  • Disseminating Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and adaptations of MSC in an effective, accessible, flexible and affordable manner to the widest range of participants
  • Providing quality training and continuing professional support to teachers of CMSC programs
  • Supporting and extending diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all activities of the organization and through our partners around the world
  • Collaborating with other mindfulness and compassion-based organizations to pursue our common purpose of a more compassionate world through intentional practice
  • Actively engaging with systems (e.g., healthcare, education, business, government, military) that would benefit from self-compassion training
  • Fostering a worldwide community of practice to support everyone who wishes to be more self-compassionate
  • Encouraging scientific research to enhance our understanding of self-compassion and MSC

Our Values

  • We believe that mindfulness and self-compassion are basic human capacities that can be cultivated to support well-being and reduce suffering
  • CMSC is committed to upholding the integrity, quality, and consistency of the MSC program and adaptations, and to support the training and continuing education of MSC teachers
  • We believe that the foundation for effective teaching of MSC is the teacher’s regular personal practice of mindfulness and self-compassion in daily life
  • CMSC is committed to empirically supported training grounded in scientific evidence on mindfulness and self-compassion
  • We understand the centrality of community in our individual lives and the life of the organization and strive to encourage compassionate connections in all aspects of the organization
  • CMSC is determined to be an inclusive, caring, multi-cultural community, based on mindfulness and self-compassion, that respects and allows each individual to thrive

Financial Report 2022

  • Financial Statement including Accountant’s Compilation Report and Statement of Financial Position, Activities, Functional Expenses, and Cash Flow
  • 2022 Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax)

Board of Directors

Board Member

Marta Alanso

About Marta

Co-Founder, Board Member

Christopher Germer

About Chris

Board Member

Daniel Leiberman

About Daniel

Board President

Deirdre Maloney

About Deirdre

Board Vice President

Mark Rovner

About Mark

Board Member

Sharon Shelton

About Sharon

Board Member

Petri Pennanen

About Petri

Board Member

Hongbin Zhou

About Hongbin

CMSC Core Staff

Education Director

Lisa Baylis

About Lisa

Program Development director

Natalie Bell

About Natalie

Operations Director

Samira Bond

About Samira

Operation Manager

Courtney Howard

About Courtney

Communications Director

Mary Marcdante

About Mary

Programs Manager

Eliza Matheson

About Eliza

Educations Manager

Laura Stein

About Laura

Marketing Director

Kelin Welborn

About Kelin

Executive Director

Elijah Zimmerman

About Elijah

Our Founders

The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) was founded in 2012 by Dr. Chris Germer and Dr. Kristin Neff to be the global leader in self-compassion training and practice. The Center is a US-based nonprofit that serves students and certifies MSC teachers internationally. Through online and in-person public programs, workshops, and professional training, we create a world that is kinder, healthier and more enjoyable for all.