Welcome,

Resume/ C.V.

Dawn Boiani is a multifaceted woman, encompassing roles as a Meditation Instructor, Entrepreneur, Corporate Business Owner, Writer, Blogger, Artist, Mala Bead Designer, Web Designer, Aspiring Yogini, Activist, and devoted Mom.

As the visionary behind Chopa Imports and Sakura Designs, LLC, Dawn has demonstrated remarkable success in the business realm. With a keen focus on meditation, she brings her expertise to others as a trained instructor, coupled with her background in Graphic Design and Digital Marketing. Visit her professional profile on LinkedIn.

Dawn’s diverse skill set extends to web development, certified through WebLab at Front Range Community College, complemented by her academic achievements including a B.A. in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University. Additionally, she’s a graduate of the Summer Writing Program at the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, showcasing her commitment to creative expression and intellectual exploration.

Dawn embarked on her journey towards mindfulness during her tenure at Naropa University, an esteemed institution rooted in Buddhist principles, where she pursued studies in Contemplative Psychology and Buddhist Studies, culminating in a Bachelor’s Degree. Her academic journey was marked by a deep immersion in the subject matter, leading her back to the university as a teaching assistant for advanced courses.

Immersing herself further in Eastern philosophies, Dawn ventured to Nepal and India for her final semester, delving into intensive studies under eminent Tibetan and Yogic masters. This transformative experience encompassed rigorous training in Tibetan Buddhist practices, daily rituals, and solitary retreats, shaping her understanding and commitment to spiritual growth.

Parallel to her spiritual pursuits, Dawn founded Chopa Imports, a thriving enterprise specializing in Buddhist and Meditation Gifts. The success of this venture led to the establishment of Sakura Designs LLC, a subsidiary dedicated to crafting spiritual jewelry and mala prayer bead art. As the proprietor of these flourishing businesses, Dawn actively contributes to the promotion of collective wellness and mindfulness within the community.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Dawn leads a fulfilling personal life in Boulder, Colorado, where she tends to an urban homestead, nurturing organic gardens and raising a family amidst the serenity of nature. Complementing her urban lifestyle, she maintains a retreat house in Crestone, Colorado, fostering an environment conducive to mindfulness practices such as meditation, Tibetan ritual yoga, and breath work, while organizing group retreats.

Dawn’s commitment to social activism is evident through her involvement in the Colorado Democratic Party, where she served as the secretary of the Saguache County Democratic Party and held various roles such as a state legislative intern and state delegate. Recently elected to the board of directors for the Democratic Women of Boulder County, she continues to advocate for progressive causes.

Expanding her scope of influence, Dawn is undergoing training to become a Somatic Wellness Coach and trained peer recovery coach, integrating holistic, body-based modalities and mindfulness practices. Leveraging her personal journey, she offers individualized mindfulness-based wellness coaching and corporate consultations, in addition to facilitating group wellness retreats in Crestone, Colorado. Through her multifaceted endeavors, Dawn remains dedicated to fostering positive transformation in people’s lives.

Degrees, Awards and Certifications

Dawn Boiani, B.A., H.W.C.

Sleep, Wellness & Peer Support

I am a sleep and wellness coach with lived experience of chronic insomnia, supported by education and training in contemplative psychology, sleep consulting, peer recovery, mental health first aid, trauma-informed approaches, and benzodiazepine withdrawal education.

My approach is grounded in the belief that people experiencing sleep difficulties deserve compassionate, informed support without shame or judgment. My role is to provide education, peer support, practical sleep coaching, and resources while respecting the important role of qualified healthcare professionals in medical diagnosis, treatment, and medication management.

Education & Core Professional Training

B.A. in Contemplative Psychology, Naropa University

I earned my B.A. in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University, with coursework in meditation, Jin Shin Jitsu, Gestalt, and Hakomi body-centered psychotherapy.

View B.A. documentation

I also participated in the Naropa Summer Writing Program in 1991 and 2023 and served as a Teaching Assistant at Naropa University for Cynthia Moku and Dr. Peter Grossenbacher.

Professional Sleep Consultant Diploma

I completed a fully accredited Professional Sleep Consultant Diploma under the instruction of Dr. Karen E. Wells.

View Sleep Consultant Diploma

Peer Recovery Coach Training

I completed 40 hours of Peer Recovery Coach training through Advocates for Recovery Colorado.

View Peer Recovery Coach Certificate

Peer support training emphasizes the value of lived experience, mutuality, recovery-oriented support, appropriate boundaries, and connecting people with additional professional resources when needed.

Mental Health First Aid

I am certified in Mental Health First Aid USA, with training focused on recognizing mental health and substance-use concerns, responding appropriately, and helping connect people with professional and community resources.

View Mental Health First Aid Certificate

Benzodiazepine Peer Support & Withdrawal Education

Because benzodiazepine withdrawal and medication-related sleep disruption have been personally significant areas of my lived experience, I have pursued additional education specifically related to benzodiazepines and psychotropic medication withdrawal.

Training includes:

Recovering from Benzodiazepine Use for Peer Specialists
View training
Techniques for Successful Benzodiazepine Tapering, presented by Alexis Ritvo, M.D., M.P.H.
View webinar
Psychotropic Drug Withdrawal and Holistic Tapering Strategies, 1 CE credit
View certificate

This education informs my peer-support perspective. I do not prescribe, manage, or independently direct medication tapers. Medication changes should be discussed with the healthcare professional responsible for a person’s care.

Wellness & Somatic Education

Certified Wellness Coach

I completed training as a Certified Wellness Coach through Transformation Academy, accredited by the Continuing Professional Development Standards Agency, Provider No. 50134.

View Wellness Coach Certificate

Somatic Experiencing

I completed the Basic Principles of Somatic Experiencing course through Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing International.

Somatic Experiencing International

Trauma-Informed Somatics

I completed Introduction to Trauma-Informed Somatics with Elena Jacinta.

Elena Jacinta, Back to Your Body

I also completed the Somatic Therapy Masterclass: Embodied Processing through The Centre for Healing.

The Centre for Healing

Harvard Medical School: Improving Your Sleep

I completed Harvard Medical School’s Improving Your Sleep course.

View certificate

Additional Sleep & Wellness Education

I have also completed coursework in:

CBT and Insomnia
Nutrition Coaching through Precision Nutrition
Ayurvedic Living through the Ayurvedic Living Institute
Trauma and Addiction: Internal Family Systems with Richard Schwartz through the Polyvagal Institute

Meditation & Contemplative Practice

My background in contemplative practice extends back more than three decades.

I am an Authorized Meditation Instructor, having completed Meditation Instructors Training through Shambhala, USA.

View Meditation Instructor Certificate

I was also previously trained and authorized through the State of Colorado to teach meditation in correctional settings and facilitate groups.

Additional contemplative and spiritual education includes:

Tantra Today with Igor Kufayev
Course information
Reiki Practitioner Certification Level I and Level II, Usui Method, with mentor Amy Mak
Reiki Level I | Reiki Level II
How To Heal Yourself and How to Read: Clairvoyant Training 1 through Boulder Psychic Horizons
Tibetan Thangka Painting, studied in Nepal with Gega Lama, head of the Karma Ghardri lineage
Karma Ghardri Lineage

Professional & Life Experience

My professional and life experience extends beyond formal coursework. I have worked as a caregiver for seniors and people with developmental disabilities and have experience in mental-health support and counseling settings.

I have also worked extensively with meditation, wellness education, writing, web development, design, and small-business development. These experiences have shaped my practical, person-centered approach to coaching and education.

Creative & Academic Work

My background also includes writing, publishing, art, and teaching.

Academic publication: Shang-qing Taoist Enlightenment
A Look Inside the Most Mystical Lineage of Taoism
Artwork published in Images Magazine, formerly Cabbages and Kings, Monroe Community College, 1988
Poetry published in The Bombay Gin, Naropa University, 2023

Additional Training

I have completed additional professional and educational training in:

YT200 Yoga Teacher Training, currently in training with Yoga Renew
Universal Life Church Minister, with an interest in end-of-life, grief, and death-doula support
View ministry credential
Web Developer Certification, Front Range Community College
Certificate in Graphic Design and Digital Marketing, Boulder Digital Arts

My Professional Role

My work as a sleep coach exists in the space between education, wellness coaching, and peer support.

I draw upon professional training and lived experience to help people better understand their relationship with sleep, stress, habits, and the nervous system. I also believe strongly in knowing the boundaries of coaching. I do not diagnose medical or psychiatric conditions, prescribe medication, or replace the care of physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other licensed healthcare professionals.

When a situation requires medical, psychiatric, or medication-related care, I encourage clients to work with the appropriate qualified professional while I provide support within my own scope.

Professional profile on LinkedIn