Annemarie Rossi
Founder & Board President
In 2011, after more than 2 decades of mindfulness practice, AnneMarie founded the nonprofit organization Be Mindful. Our mission is to provide communities, regardless of their resources, with access to customized, highly qualified instructor-led, Applied Neuroscience and mindfulness courses, while contributing valuable research to the field.
AnneMarie has taught thousands of individuals of all ages and backgrounds the knowledge and tools necessary to transform their lives. From the world’s largest airline, Fortune 100 executives, first responder agencies across the United Stares, public school districts, Universities, homeless youth shelters, refugee centers, rescued sex trafficking victims and more. She is a sought after public speaker and has given much lauded Keynote addresses across the globe. Her TEDxMileHigh talk, “Why Aren’t We Teaching You Mindfulness,” has more than 400,000 views. In 2019, her collaboration with Colo. Sen. Rhonda Fields lead to the appropriation of $3 million for mental health services, including mindfulness training, in Colorado’s public schools.
AnneMarie is committed to engaging in rigorous scientific studies. She has served both as primary and co-investigator on multiple research projects in partnership with The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical school, The University of Denver, The University of Memphis, Eastern Virginia Medical School, The National Police Foundation, and The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre. Her most recent work, “The paradoxes of smartphone use: Understanding the user experience in today’s connected world” was published July 10, 2022 in the Journal of Consumer Affairs.
AnneMarie graduated with Distinction as the Outstanding Undergraduate from The University of Colorado with her BA in History with duel minors in Sociology and Educational Studies. She went on to obtain her Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Neuroscience with Distinction from King’s College London. She has completed both the Mindful Schools curriculum training and is a certified Mindfulness in School (.b) instructor. She is also the author of “First, Just Breathe: A Guide To Having Slightly Less Regret In Your Life.” which has received much praise from readers. Earlier in her career she was an award winning stock trader and financial advisor.
Jessica D. Ashdown
Board Member
Jessica D. Ashdown is an attorney and entrepreneur with a passion for empowering individuals and organizations through clarity, strategy, and service. As the founder of a boutique consulting firm, Jessica advises entrepreneurs and mission-driven organizations on legal operations, brand development, and strategic growth—with a special focus on intellectual property law.
With expertise in corporate contracts, intellectual property, and branding, she helps organizations protect the creative work that sets them apart. Jessica’s unique and multidisciplinary background brings a balanced, practical perspective to the board.
Jessica is deeply aligned with Be Mindful’s mission to promote mental wellness and intentional living. As a board member, she contributes to the organization’s strategic planning, legal compliance, and brand stewardship, all while championing values of compassion, mindfulness, and integrity.
Julie Seger
Board Member
Julie is originally from a small town in the “thumb” of Michigan. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Michigan State University. Her past work experience includes positions with CPA firms, self-employed accounting for various small businesses, serving as a township treasurer and working as an assistant controller. Julie has always loved working in accounting and is excited about working with nonprofit organizations.
Julie has two fantastic kids and currently lives in Canton, MI. In her free time, she enjoys music, reading, yoga, traveling, and spending time with her family.
