About
Hello, I’m Lena,
I’m the creator of The Mindful Steps, working to empower children and adults through mindfulness and self-discovery.
I’m originally from Ukraine, living in York for 17 years now and a mother to my beatiful daughter.
My career began in the world of teaching and educational innovation, where I discovered a passion for making learning engaging for children through the power of fun.

After having my daughter, I realised how much I missed having direct contact with children, being energised by their spirits and motivated by their curiosity. That’s when I qualified to become an instructor with Children Inspired by Yoga – a beautiful experience that allowed me to see how intensely children can be engaged when there’s a physical element to their learning. Over 4 years, I found joy in observing how yoga and mindfulness can strengthen children’s bodies, empower their minds and make them happier and healthier.
I was inspired to dig deeper into how we can nurture healthy minds and spirits from very early childhood. Knowing on a personal level how mindfulness has brought peace and resilience to me and my family, I decided to dedicate myself to bringing this wonderful tool to children through The Mindful Steps.
The Beginning of
Soul Aligned Path
After 6 years of The Mindful Steps, I have expanded my offerings, out of which Soul-Aligned Path was born. While The Mindful Steps focussed on the mind and body, I am now able to offer a wider range of skills and expertise in tending to mind, body and soul.
Alongside my work with Soul-Aligned Path, I’m also one of the founders of Sunflowers Kids Club, which we created for Ukrainian refugee children and families living in York. Working on a cause so close to my heart has been deeply fulfilling, and a wonderful opportunity to help families thrive here and feel at home.
Education and Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts, Teaching English and Russian Languages and World Literature (1st)
Kherson State University - Kherson, Ukraine
Master of Science, Multimedia and e-Learning
The University of Huddersfield - Huddersfield, UK
Teacher of ‘Paws b’ Mindfulness Curriculum (7-11 year olds)
Mindfulness in Schools Project, UK
‘Mindfulness Now’ Teacher (adults and children)
The UK College of Mindfulness Meditation, UK
Soul Reading Method with Nikki Novo
Akashic Records Training with Ernesto Ortis
Testimonials
What They Say

“I loved working with Lena. She’s so so kind and thoughtful, and great with children. Her calm but fun demeanor worked really well to put my 7 year old son at ease. We took part in meditation sessions and some 1:1 sessions too. One of the things I really love about Lena is that she really listens, both to the needs of the child and the parent. An absolute superstar!”
“My eldest son (6) did a block of 6 meditations with Lena and he really enjoyed every singe one! The meditations inspired him so much that he created pictures to represent what he imagined during the meditations. My youngest, who is 4, chose not to join in, but he was curious about why people meditate so it sparkled a great discussion. We also use Lena’s recorded meditations to help settle the boys at bedtime.”
“I have had the privilege to meet with Lena on many occasions to explore her depth of knowledge and understanding of young children and how to reach them. With her gentle demeanour and soothing voice she can quieten the mind and bring joy to their hearts. Highly recommended for busy parents and schools. Mindfulness is a great alternative to any form of exclusion.”
© Lena Henderson 2021
(+44) 07701073750, York