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  • ABOUT
  • Events
    • Collabs
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    • Workshops & Panels
    • CARE Initiative
  • Podcast
    • Blog
    • Listen
    • Be a guest
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Mental fitness Events

"Now Is the Time to Rethink What Matters Most."

Initiatives with a Purpose

 Connection, kindness, compassion, self-care, and resilience are just a few of the topics OTB Founder Janeane Bernstein, EdD explores in her impactful workshops and events. Her goal is to promote long-term mental health and wellbeing, raise awareness to end mental health stigma, and help people of all ages access the resources they need to thrive personally, socially, and professionally. 

Bringing Connection, Creativity, and Real-World Skills to Life

 Bernstein helps students, employees, and communities reconnect and thrive in today’s disconnected world. Using research, storytelling, and lived experience, she delivers interactive programs like We Knead Connection™, blending social health strategies and emotional intelligence tools. Audiences leave inspired, equipped with practical skills to strengthen relationships, boost wellbeing, and foster deeper connection with themselves and others. 

Why Choose OTB?

 Janeane Bernstein began her career in healthcare training and development, discovering the power of creative, engaging learning experiences. She founded OTB on four pillars: connection, kindness, compassion, and empathy. In 2023, following the publication of her book Better Humans, Bernstein launched Becoming Better Humans—workshops, panels, and events where students explore the issues that matter most to them, reflect on the pandemic’s impact, and learn strategies to foster social connection and lasting, meaningful change.

OTB workshops are designed to promote mental fitness, civic engagement, resilience, creativity, and stronger social bonds—equipping participants with practical tools to thrive individually and as a community.

Want Something Different?

Bernstein will create an experience that fits your needs and the needs of your target audience. In addition to workshops and panels, she also produces outdoor wellness events for all ages, featuring  mental health and wellbeing resources, interactive activities, and meaningful social engagement. Interested in collaborating on a school or business event? contact: info@otbseries.com

Most Requested Workshops

Better Humans: Strategies for Alleviating Loneliness and Fostering Connection

Better Humans: Strategies for Alleviating Loneliness and Fostering Connection

Better Humans: Strategies for Alleviating Loneliness and Fostering Connection

 Practical approaches to strengthen social health, build meaningful relationships, and cultivate authentic connection in a disconnected world. 

 

How Are You…Really?

Better Humans: Strategies for Alleviating Loneliness and Fostering Connection

Better Humans: Strategies for Alleviating Loneliness and Fostering Connection

 Techniques to ask meaningful questions, foster authentic dialogue, and build emotional intelligence.  

Signature Experiential Program – We Knead Connection™

Better Humans: Strategies for Alleviating Loneliness and Fostering Connection

Signature Experiential Program – We Knead Connection™

 Hands-on baking class where participants shape and flavor bread or bagels while building life skills, sparking creativity, and fostering meaningful connections.

 

Making Better Humans: The Art of Communication

Getting Out of Your Funk & Back into Your Life—Here’s What You Can Do Next!

Signature Experiential Program – We Knead Connection™

 Rebuild conversation skills and connect authentically in work, school, and everyday life. 

 

Flow, Presence, and Digital Detox

Getting Out of Your Funk & Back into Your Life—Here’s What You Can Do Next!

Getting Out of Your Funk & Back into Your Life—Here’s What You Can Do Next!

 Hands-on, tech-free experiences to boost focus, creativity, and meaningful connection. 

 

Getting Out of Your Funk & Back into Your Life—Here’s What You Can Do Next!

Getting Out of Your Funk & Back into Your Life—Here’s What You Can Do Next!

Getting Out of Your Funk & Back into Your Life—Here’s What You Can Do Next!

 Practical strategies to regain focus, lift your mood, and take positive steps forward when challenges arise.

 

Recent Events

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

 

Janeane moderated a panel called Mind Matters - Accessing Resources for Mental Wellbeing. The Academy Gold event took place at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater to address the unique stressors and pressures faced by individuals working in the film industry, offering insights and strategies to foster resilience and promote wellbeing.  

Featuring:  Jaymes Black, CEO at The Trevor Project Dr. Akua K. Boateng, Psychotherapist Sanaa Lathan, Actor/Director/Activist Lyn Morris, LMFT, CEO of Didi Hirsch Peggy Rajski, Filmmaker/Activist Lori Rubinstein, Executive Director of the Behind the Scenes Foundation Eli Stone, Creative  Moderated by Dr. Janeane Bernstein, journalist, writer, and mental health advocate.  
 

"How are YOU? Really"

Committee for Disabled Students 

Queens College, New York

"Speed Friending"

Committee for Disabled Students 

Queens College, New York

Speed Friending at NAMI's Happy Hour for Teens & Adults

  Dr. Janeane was invited to lead her Speed Friending workshop at NAMI Orange County's Happy Hour  

 Review: 

NAMI Orange County recently collaborated with Janeane Bernstein for a Speed Friending event that was a tremendous success. Attendees praised the event for being a fantastic way to connect with new people. The event featured a unique format where pairs of participants received index cards with three questions: two icebreakers and one deeper question. This approach quickly sparked conversations that often lasted the entire 4-5 minute interaction period, with attendees reluctant to stop talking. In addition to the engaging conversations, participants enjoyed creative activities like bracelet making, canvas bag painting, 

and rock decorating. 


These crafts provided a focus during conversations, reducing any potential awkwardness. A highlight of the event was Janeane’s chocolate meditation session, which eased anxiety and promoted mindfulness. Participants were guided to focus on a piece of chocolate, helping them stay present and practice mindful breathing. To close the event, attendees wrote affirming notes to someone they met, attached the notes to flowers, and exchanged them. This heartfelt gesture validated the connections made and allowed everyone to leave with a positive memory. Janeane’s thoughtful planning ensured that everyone built meaningful connections. 


She strategically placed craft materials around the room, encouraging participants to interact and collaborate. She creates a safe space free of judgment by making the participants ask easy questions that build into a whole new conversation. Overall, this event was enjoyable, helped attendees step out of their comfort zones, and fostered genuine connections. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to create a welcoming and interactive environment. It’s definitely an event we’ll bring back in the future.  -  Breann Durham, NAMI OC

"How are YOU? Really"

 Review:  

Our evening with Janeane Bernstein gave me tangible reminders of what is most important, caring about others as ourselves.  Her audience engagement and conversational style really opened the room so people felt safe to talk about needing help and compassion. Our last exercise of giving encouragement and a flower to someone in the room we don’t know left me with a tangible reminder of our connections to each other and the importance of nurturing those connections.  

This is important for everyone, in times of great challenge, and in good times too.   -  

Lucy Meseberg

NAMI San Gabriel Valley

Board of Managers  

Becoming Better Humans hosted by the Safe Space Youth Panel & Executive Director Annie Kim Menlo Park Library

  A community conversation about how we can be better to ourselves and to one another.  www.safespace.org 

With Kelechi Ubozoh & Janeane Bernstein in conversation about how we can become Better Humans

  A stellar student-led panel featuring the Safe Space Center Youth Panel followed by a conversation with authors and mental health advocates Kelechi  & Janeane 

Thank you Safe Space & Menlo Park Library! 

Better Humans

  A thought-provoking book talk & signing

hosted by Reasonable Books

Lafayette, California

Writer and mental health advocate, Kelechi Ubozoh, in conversation with journalist 

and mental health advocate Janeane Bernstein

Becoming Better Humans

  A hands-on workshop and panel about how we can be better to ourselves and one another. In collaboration with the Committee for Disabled Students at Queens College and featuring Jessica M. Alejandro, Janeane Bernstein, and committee President, Arturo Soto

University of California Irvine

Dr. Janeane Bernstein spoke to UCI's School of Social Ecology student organization, Wellness Initiative in Social Ecology (WISE PAC) about The Power of Purpose-Drive Initiatives for Mental Health & Resilience

Conversation with EdCamp Ukraine

Dr. Janeane Bernstein spoke at the second EdCamp Ukraine Resiliency Series October 27th, 2022 about 

"The Power of Purpose-Driven Initiatives or Mental Health & Resilience"

Beginning at the 28 minute mark.

Watch now
On-Going Initiatives

Making Better Humans

"The Better Humans series provides meaningful conversations, engagement and an open forum to ask 'How are you? Really.'  We must address the mental health pandemic in schools, businesses, and throughout society, by creating solutions that foster connection, kindness, empathy, and compassion." 

- Janeane Bernstein, EdD

Dr. Janeane Bernstein selected to speak at Mental Health America

Dr. Janeane Bernstein spoke virtually December 7th at Mental Health America of the MidSouth - Annual Ethics Conference about 

The Power of Creativity for Mental Health

Watch

Featured Workshops

The Power of Creativity for Mental Fitness

The Power of Creativity for Mental Fitness

The Power of Creativity for Mental Fitness

Learn how creativity boosts positivity & resilience

Why Mental Fitness Matters in College

The Power of Creativity for Mental Fitness

The Power of Creativity for Mental Fitness

Mental fitness life skills 101 and campus resources for freshman & transfer students

How to Make Friends 101!

The Power of Creativity for Mental Fitness

The Art of Letter Writing

Learn how to make friends, reduce social anxiety and enjoy new experiences!

The Art of Letter Writing

The Power of Purpose-Driven Initiatives

The Art of Letter Writing

Explore the craft of putting words to paper

The Science of Happiness

The Power of Purpose-Driven Initiatives

The Power of Purpose-Driven Initiatives

Discover the keys to long-term happiness & resiliency

The Power of Purpose-Driven Initiatives

The Power of Purpose-Driven Initiatives

The Power of Purpose-Driven Initiatives

Learn how civic engagement impacts mental health

Writing through Grief & Trauma

Creating Your Own Self-Care Toolkit

Writing through Grief & Trauma

Process your thoughts and emotions through writing

Are You Really Listening?

Creating Your Own Self-Care Toolkit

Writing through Grief & Trauma

How to be fully present in a world of distraction

Creating Your Own Self-Care Toolkit

Creating Your Own Self-Care Toolkit

Creating Your Own Self-Care Toolkit

Develop personalized self-care & resilience strategies

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