Two local change catalysts join Community Mindfulness Board, Will Heins retires after 10 years of service, joins as Advisor.
Two Local Change Catalysts Join Community Mindfulness Project Board;
Will Heins Transitions from Board After a Decade of Impact
April 30, 2025
Fairfield County, CT – The Community Mindfulness Project (CMP) is proud to announce the appointment of Chrissy Cacace Mahanna and Kathy Hodge to its Board of Directors. These two dynamic community leaders bring a rich blend of nonprofit leadership and board expertise, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to well-being and equity. As CMP welcomes this exciting new chapter, it also celebrates a bittersweet milestone: Co-Founder Will Heins, who has served on CMP’s Board since its founding, is transitioning into a new role as Strategic Advisor after a remarkable 10 years of service.
“It is with deep joy and gratitude that I welcome Chrissy Mahanna and Kathy Hodge to the Community Mindfulness Project Board. Having had the privilege of working with both of them for over a decade, I have witnessed their leadership, dedication, and compassion.
Chrissy brings a deep and valuable background in the nonprofit world, while Kathy offers tremendous leadership experience from her service on numerous boards across Connecticut.
Their commitment to mindfulness and community service inspires me and gives me great hope for the road ahead. Their expertise and spirit will be invaluable as we continue to grow and work to meet the increasing needs of our community.” – Lucy Ball, Chair
Honoring a Founding Spirit: Will Heins
Will’s decade-long journey with CMP has helped shape the organization’s inclusive and accessible approach to mindfulness. His calm presence, unwavering support, and joyful sense of curiosity are woven into the culture of CMP.
“I credit Will with instilling a sense of play and exploration in the CMP culture,” said Erika Long, Co-Founder. “He reminded us that we can have a sense of humor when we practice, and that each of us might practice mindfulness differently. Participants tell us these attitudes make CMP’s programs accessible, welcoming and empowering.”
David, a fellow board member, reflected: “What has always struck me about Will is his calm, kind presence that makes you feel truly heard… like someone who’s fully awake to the moment, always with a gentle smile.”
Will’s reflections mirror his own impact: “What’s really been meaningful for me has been the opportunity to be with people willing to share their experiences in group gatherings… It's so unusual to sit in silence with strangers and have the courage to reflect. Wisdom shows up on a regular basis.”
Welcoming New Energy: Chrissy Mahanna and Kathy Hodge
CMP’s mission to deliver accessible mindfulness training in under-resourced communities for a healthy Fairfield County, deeply resonated with both new board members.
For Chrissy Mahanna, the connection is both personal and professional:
“As a social worker, I’ve supported many people through trauma—and experienced vicarious trauma myself. Mindfulness became a cornerstone of my own healing. CMP’s mission lives at the intersection of my personal transformation and professional purpose: ensuring that meditation is equitably accessible, not hidden behind paywalls or only offered in retreat settings.”
Kathy Hodge also brings a powerful blend of professional insight and personal conviction. After a decade on a trading floor, she began immersing herself in meditation. “I realized meditation could help people—especially those raising children in challenging environments—reclaim some sense of agency. It’s not about controlling circumstances, but about how we respond to them.”
Their combined experience is already bringing new hope to CMP’s leadership. “Chrissy’s nonprofit management and Kathy’s governance expertise—paired with their passion for meditation—will ensure that we serve the community in the most powerful way possible,” said Erika.
A Collective Vision for the Future
Chrissy summed up the collective hope beautifully:
“The passion of CMP’s team is incredibly energizing. Just sharing space with them brings me joy. These practices are powerful, secular, and easy to integrate into daily life—no matter who you are or what you’ve experienced.”
Will, reflecting on what lies ahead, said:
“Is there anybody that’s not feeling stressed in the world as it is at this moment? That’s a huge opportunity for CMP to make its mark in helping people lead healthy lives.”
“This is a moment of growth and gratitude,” shared Ella, CMP’s Executive Director.
“When I realized I get to show up to work every day and collaborate with compassionate, thoughtful colleagues—people who are just as energized by a deep connection with a community member as they are by the latest neuroscience research—I knew I was in the right place.
Chrissy and Kathy joining the board, and Will continuing his service as an advisor, are testaments to the purpose behind this work and the shared opportunity we have to create meaningful change.”
As a final parting comment, Will already is settled into his new role as advisor and shared : “Be careful of "always" and "never". Everything changes!”
About the New Board Members
Chrissy Cacace Mahanna is the founder of Compass Consulting + Coaching and an Affiliate Consultant with Support Center. With nearly 20 years in nonprofit leadership, she currently also serves on the Board of Norwalk ACTS and volunteers with Impact Fairfield County and Social Impact Partners for Connecticut. Chrissy is a certified yoga teacher, nature enthusiast, and lifelong learner. Full bio available here.
Kathy Hodge is the president of Sage Design and previously worked in foreign exchange trading at JP Morgan and in private practice as a marriage and family therapist. She has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including Horizons at Greens Farms Academy, 4-CT, and the Kreitler Scholarship Fund. She holds a degree from Princeton University and a Master’s from Fairfield University. Full bio available here.
Meet the Advisory Board and Will Heins here.
About the Community Mindfulness Project
Community Mindfulness Project is a nonprofit organization that offers free, secular, evidence-based mindfulness and meditation sessions to support well-being, resilience, and social connection. CMP’s mission is to deliver accessible mindfulness training in under-resourced communities for a healthy Fairfield County.
For more information, visitwww.communitymindfulnessproject.org or contact:
welcome@communitymindfulnessproject.org