Elaine Berrena got her start in prevention research over 25 years ago when she began working on the Fast Track project in 1991. Before that, she worked as a teacher. She is especially interested in improving the well-being and reducing suffering for children, youth, families, and aging adults. During her time at the Center, Elaine combined her love for meeting new people and improving the lives of students and teachers through projects such as FAST Track, PROSPER, Head Start-REDI, PATHS®, MSFP, CARE, and Learning to BREATHE, among others.  She has published several peer-reviewed journal articles.

When she isn’t teaching mindfulness, Elaine enjoys cooking, visiting her grandchildren and traveling with her husband, Mike.