Ryan M. Niemiec, PsyD, is author or co-author of nine books, an award-winning psychologist and a widely traveled international speaker. Ryan is the creator of MBSP and has led hundreds of mindfulness groups over the last two decades. As education director of the global nonprofit, VIA Institute on Character, he's a leading voice in the education, research, and practice of character strengths. He lives with his family, which includes three young and zestful children, near Cincinnati, Ohio.
Courses
Wondering how character strengths can play a role in your journey? Whether you are searching for greater happiness or trying to get ahead professionally, our courses help you activate your strengths and provide you with a framework for reaching your goals. Our experts have crafted engaging, informative online courses to help you apply the science of character strengths to your life and work.

Courses for You
Apply science-based practices to activate your strengths, boost happiness and improve well-being.
Learn how to authentically engage with your strengths in everyday experiences.
Explore strengths-based strategies to create stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Discover how to rely on your character strengths to guide you through life changes.
Learn research-based skills to increase self-awareness, improve relationships and manage problems.
Courses for Leading Others
Experience exclusive training to lead others in MBSP with this program from the practice's creator.
A comprehensive exploration for professionals on the fundamentals of using strengths with others.
We are partnering with MentorCoach LLC, the leading Positive Psychology coach training school, to present this 8-week unique learning experience.
Get our flagship course on applying character strengths strategies to your work, plus a focused course on improving relationships and receive special discount pricing.
Get our flagship course on applying character strengths strategies to your work, plus a focused course on helping others through life transitions and receive special discount pricing.
Are you a professional? You too can use these courses to elevate your work with clients, students or employees.
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VIA Course Leaders


Dr. Donna Mayerson is a licensed psychologist and earned her master's degree in special education. Formerly a coaching director of Hummingbird Coaching Services, she is a certified coach who has used her deep knowledge of the VIA strengths as a framework for individual and organizational change with hundreds of education administrators and teachers, leaders of youth-serving organizations, in training coaches/practitioners and with individuals and families.