J. Diane Kovanda, M.Ed.
has a Masters degree in Education with a specialty in Stress Management. She holds certificates in Body Mind Medicine, Wellness, Stress Resilience from Harvard Medical School, studying with Dr. Herbert Benson. Recently, Feb. 2025, she completed a Lifestyle medicine and wellness coaching certificate program at Harvard Medical School, with Dr. Beth Frates, author of Lifestyle Medicine Handbook.
Diane is a trained mediator, providing mediation in Barnstable, Orleans, Falmouth and Salem court systems. She participated and graduated from the Barnstable Citizens Police Academy in 2025 and is also a MA Justice of the Peace and MA Notary.
Diane is the founder and director of training at Kind Yoga and Meditation School in Centerville, MA. She has over 20 years experience in teaching the practical aspects of mindfulness and yoga to professionals in corporations such as Cape Cod Healthcare, local banks including Cape Cod Five, Sturgis High School, private businesses, and first responders. She offers seminars and individual sessions in Resilience and Wellness Consulting. She has the ability to apply specific stress management skills to the unique challenges faced in each workplace. Diane is a 500 hr. professional level yoga teacher registered with the National Yoga Alliance. Diane is a trusted consultant, and teacher, she holds confidentiality for any group or individual.
Advisory Team:
Jennifer Van Gelder, Lifelong Career in law enforcement, police officer, emergency dispatcher, specializing in Crime prevention, Elder affairs, community policing, Private Home Care, CPR and First Aid certified. Jenn’s education focused on criminal justice and criminal law. Born and Raised on Martha’s Vineyard, she currently lives on Cape Cod with her family, rescue dog and cat. In her spare time she volunteers in assisting sea mammal rescues on Cape Cod. Having been a homeowner for life, restoring 3 of her own homes, she understands the intricacies and importance of safety of home and property.
Tabitha L Carty, MA, CYT
Tabitha is a wife, mother, and educator with nearly 25 years of clinical experience as a school psychologist. She holds a Masters degree in psychology and a graduate certificate in Behavior Analysis. She has specialized training in crisis intervention, threat assessment and risk assessment. Tabitha recently earned her first degree Black Belt in Krav Maga and is passionate about teaching self defense to individuals of all ages. As a spouse of a retired police lieutenant, Tabitha has an intimate understanding of the stress first responders experience. Tabitha is a certified yoga teacher and graduate of Kind Yoga School. She holds additional training in meditation and SUP (stand up paddleboard) yoga.
Barry A. Pina,
CPR instructor with the American Heart Association. Certifying students in CPR since 1980.
Chuck began his law enforcement career in 1979. He is currently a Detective Sergeant on a municipal police department in the New England area. His primary assignments have included patrol, K-9, and investigations. Chuck spent 15 years as a detective working narcotics and major crimes before being promoted and assuming the supervisory duties for the detective unit. Chuck was one of the original members and a team leader on the regional SWAT team. He is a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center certified instructor and he instructs for the Municipal Police Training Committee, The Municipal Police Institute and his agency. As an instructor he has provided specialized training in drug investigations, search and seizure and related topics. During his career he has provided training to over 1000 police officers. Chuck holds a Bachelors Degree in Law Enforcement from Northeastern University and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria University.
Tracy L. Peterson
Tracy spent 7 years working in the fitness industry as a certified fitness instructor and health club manager. She worked over 18 years in the high stress mortgage industry at the management level. Tracy began practicing yoga several years ago to combat occupational stress, find balance in her life and delve into the connection between mind, body and spirit. She has received her yoga instructors certification through Kind Yoga. She has followed up this certification with specialized training and certifications in meditation and other related subject matter. She is the assistant manager at Kind Yoga and she currently assists with teacher trainings. She instructs at several yoga studios in the Cape Cod MA area and she is registered with the National Yoga Alliance.. Tracy has been with Chuck since 1986 and they have been married for over 20 years.