About Us

Supporting the research, design, and community access that prove media can be a tool for family wellbeing, not a threat to it.

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Meet Our Team

Our Story

In a screen-dominated world, children are growing up immersed in content shaped more by algorithms than by empathy. As screen time increases, so do rates of anxiety, disconnection, and attention challenges, especially among children ages 0–12.

The Mindful Media Foundation was founded on a simple belief: design is the intervention. Not filters. Not time limits. Not another app that monitors what went wrong. The way media is designed, from the first interaction to the last screen of the night, determines whether a child's time with technology strengthens their wellbeing or erodes it.

What began as a focus on early childhood media and co-viewing has evolved into a system-based model supporting the mental, behavioral, and emotional health of entire family systems, from early childhood to postpartum care, trauma recovery, and neurodiversity. We believe the most scalable path to prevention is ethically designed media and technology working together, built on evidence, not engagement metrics.

Today, the Foundation serves as the philanthropic engine of the Mindful Media ecosystem, funding the research, design, and community access that ensure emotionally intelligent content is accessible, measurable, and built for real-world impact.

What We Do

Building the future of family-centered mental health - through innovation across media, research, and technology.

Mindful Media Foundation supports the Mindful Media Network

The Mindful Media Foundation supports the Mindful Media Network — a new public media platform designed to support mental wellness, emotional growth, and healthier screen habits for children and families.

We use a venture philanthropy model to fund high-impact media projects and build scalable tools that support emotional resilience and co-regulation. Our work is anchored in three core pillars:

  • Research: Clinical partnerships that guide content development and measure real-world outcomes.

  • Content: Emotionally intelligent programming designed for co-viewing, play, and reflection.

  • Technology: Ethical, interactive tools that make media engaging, safe, and developmentally supportive.

Together, these pillars form a system that turns screen time into a shared, healing experience — starting in early childhood and scaling across schools, clinics, and homes.

Explore Our Approach

Ways We Drive Impact

  • We collaborate with educators, nonprofits, media broadcasters, government agencies, and healthcare providers to ensure our tools and content meet the needs of real families.

  • We fund pilots and evaluations that measure media’s impact on mental and behavioral health, emotional resilience, co-regulation, family connection, and more.

  • We invest in original media and co-production initiatives that advance the mission of the Mindful Media Network and expand access to emotionally intelligent content.

  • We bring together thought leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and innovators through workshops, conferences, and forums — elevating new standards for mindful, emotionally intelligent digital experiences.

Meet The Team

Our team includes educators, technologists, award-winning storytellers, and healthcare experts committed to building a healthier digital future for families.

We come from institutions like Harvard, UCLA, YouTube, Nickelodeon, Disney, AppleTV, and the American Academy of Pediatrics — unified by a belief that media can do more than entertain. It can heal, connect, and inspire.

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Learn About Some of Our Team Members

  • A smiling man with a bald head and light skin, wearing a pink button-up shirt, against a blue background.

    Bobby Alexis | Executive Director

    A digital wellness entrepreneur with 15+ years of experience across immersive media, AI, and children’s entertainment. He has led initiatives at The VOID, Digital Domain, and The Walt Disney Company, earning Fast Company’s World Changing Idea recognition for strengthening family bonds through emotionally intelligent digital experiences.

    A dyslexic thinker and creative leader, Bobby brings a unique lens to problem-solving—merging storytelling with technology to build scalable, mission-driven solutions. At MMF, he’s focused on creating a healthier, more mindful digital future for families everywhere.

  • Dr. Wizdom Powell Headshot

    Dr. Wizdom Powell | Advisor

    Dr. Wizdom Powell is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, equity strategist, and public health leader advancing mental wellness for youth—particularly boys and men of color. As CEO of Unified Youth and former Chief Purpose Officer at Headspace, she has led public-private partnerships that scale mindfulness and belonging in cities across the U.S. With deep expertise in population health, culturally responsive care, and digital mental health, Dr. Powell brings a systems-change lens to MMF’s mission of transforming children’s well-being through media, research, and technology.

  • Close-up of a man with brown hair and a beard, looking directly at the camera with sunlight on his face, outdoors with a beach and buildings in the background.

    Michael Sammaciccia | Advisor

    With over 25 years in kids and family entertainment, Michael was a founding member of Walden Media, shaping iconic films like Holes and The Chronicles of Narnia. He’s a former SVP at Nickelodeon and now leads Afterglow Pictures, producing innovative content across film, animation, and unscripted series. At MMF, Michael provides creative leadership to ensure our initiatives inspire and engage families worldwide

  • A smiling young woman with light brown hair tied back, wearing a white lab coat.

    Dr. Lisa Medalie, Psy.D., RPSGT, DBSM | Advisor

    A Harvard-trained sleep researcher and founder of DrLullaby, Lisa is a leading expert in behavioral sleep medicine with over a decade directing pediatric and adult insomnia programs. She brings her clinical expertise into digital formats, making sleep science accessible to families. At MMF, Lisa helps embed sleep-friendly habits into entertainment to improve rest, reduce conflict, and strengthen family well-being.

  • A woman with long black hair and makeup resting her chin on her hand, outdoors with blurred natural background.

    Cam Kashani | Advisor

    Cam Kashani, known as “The Spiritual Surgeon,” is an expert in empowering women and children through spiritual development and authentic self-discovery. With a Doctorate in Spirituality and extensive experience coaching and inspiring women and youth, she brings a passion for fostering authentic self-discovery. At MMF, Cam advises on programming that nurtures spiritual growth and empowerment in children, helping us create transformative content for families.

  • Grace Lovret | Advisor

    Grace Lovret, Managing Director and CIO of Franger LLC, champions impact-focused ventures and youth empowerment. Her work spans finance, entertainment, and educational reform, emphasizing philanthropy as a cornerstone for meaningful change. At MMF, Grace helps shape our mission-driven strategy, bridging impactful investments with transformative solutions for families.

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