In this workshop, you will learn about the impact IAHV Prison Breathing-Meditation Program has on people incarcerated through a before & after photo project and  testimonies. Through this lens, we will explore the value of providing this meditation and stress management to women in the US corrections system. This workshop will also lead attendees through some of the breathing and meditation techniques IAHV teaches incarcerated women.

International Association for Human Values Prison Program

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) Prison Program became a Bureau of Prisons evidence-based program in 2015. It teaches both correction's staff and incarcerated people powerful breathing and meditation techniques used to manage emotions more effectively as well as reduce stress and anger. Since the program's inception in 1993, it has spread to 56 countries worldwide, and recently data has shown that it's graduates in their Indiana program had a 61% less recidivism rate.

Gabriella Savelli, International Director - IAHV Prison Program

Gabriella began teaching in prisons during 2006 as part of IAHV’s Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, and became Director of the IAHV Prison Program (Stress Management & Rehabilitation Training) in 2009. In 2012, she became a prison silence course pioneer, and has taught IAHV courses to both staff and residents in over 50 correctional facilities nationwide, as well as internationally. In 2016, she won the Washington DC DOC "Making a Difference" George Strawn Award. She served on the Board of SELA Red Cross, and is a graduate of the Office of Victim's Assistance Leadership Program. Prior to working with IAHV, Gabriella served as a Department of Public Welfare caseworker for 10 years.