Bio & Background
“Not only did I learn skills that will help improve my own state of mind, I now feel that I can bring that inner joy out into the world.” Julia, Student at St. Michael’s College in VT
JENNIFER MATHEWS is the founder and director of Optimystic Institute. In her experience, social transformation work is most effective when incorporating strategies of joy, compassion, truth and love – even in the face of apparent opposition.
For over two decades, Jennifer has been supporting others as they make positive contributions to the world. Her interactive workshops and presentations have been well-received by diverse populations such as: U.S. and state legislators, religious leaders, educators, holistic health practitioners, student activists, civic employees, mothers on welfare, businesspeople, non-profit board members, union members, and the LGBT community.
She has spent much of her professional life in leadership roles at non-profit organizations, including the Associate Director of Chittenden Community Action in VT; Director of the Vermont Livable Wage Campaign; and Administrative Director of the Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center in CA.
Jennifer has been active as a founding member of grassroots projects such as the Interfaith Economic Justice Coalition in VT, as well as a volunteer organizer and community educator with national groups including the Center for Community Change in D.C. and United for a Fair Economy in MA. As a facilitator and consultant, she enjoys encouraging people to bring more awareness, compassion, and amusement into their lives.
With a B.A. in Psychology (1993), and an interdisciplinary M.A. graduate degree focused on social class and the underlying belief systems of economic policy (2001), Jennifer has an understanding of how personal values and experiences affect culture and community in significant ways.
She is a graduate of the Advanced Healers’ Apprenticeship program (2006) with world-renown spiritual teacher Michael Tamura, with whom she continues to study and develop her skills to serve herself and others. She has become a Certified Laughter Teacher and Trainer from the Dr. Kataria School of Laughter Yoga (2008) and is thrilled to add this innovative dimension to her life and work.
Jennifer’s focus on personal and social transformation, optimism, and joy bring depth and refreshing lightness to her facilitation and training style.
“I tapped into a delightful part of myself I haven’t seen for a long time. Jen is an outstanding teacher.” Susan, Nurse & Midwife in CA
“During the training, Jennifer’s passion and enthusiasm for making the world a better place was clearly evident.” M.D., Life Coach Professional in VT