Viorica Barbu smiling in front of framed artwork reading 'Healing is every step'.

Mindfulness retreat at the Thai Plum Village, December 2023

About

I am an international educator and mindfulness life coach from Romania. Since 2006, I have had the privilege of working within diverse school systems and cultures across Europe and Asia. Over the years, as professional environments have become increasingly competitive and demanding, I witnessed firsthand the heavy toll of stress on both students and adults. This inspired my transition into coaching. Today, my mission is to empower individuals, educators, and leaders to truly thrive—making holistic self-care an integral part of everyday personal and professional success.

At Thai Plum Village

How It All Started

My journey with mindfulness and self-discovery started in 2017, and I have completed courses in Mindfulness Meditation, Nonviolent Communication (NVC/empathetic communication) and Mindful Self-Compassion, and Yoga Teacher Training, among others. I have also delivered self-care and well-being sessions for teachers.

Happiness and well-being are two of my core values. Genuine, expansive connection brings me joy, and human vulnerability touches me deeply. Self-compassion and mindfulness are an important part of my life, as are my supportive friends, family, and the communities I belong to. My current intention for my life is to tune in to my intuition and to the wisdom of life and live life with more joy and ease.

As an international educator and mindfulness life coach, I am passionate about promoting well-being in and out of the classroom, and I love being immersed in multicultural environments. I also enjoy dancing, improv, and the simple moments in life. What are you savouring today?

If you or your organization are ready to prioritize well-being, integrate self-care, and truly thrive, I invite you to connect with me to explore my coaching programs, workshops, and one-on-one coaching.

Viorica Barbu presenting a talk at EARCOS International Teachers' Conference, March 2024, Bangkok.

Presenting at EARCOS International Teachers’ Conference, March 2024, Bangkok

Credentials

Experience in Education

  • 19 years in education in Romania, England, China, and Thailand:

    - 18 years in the classroom, in public, independent, and international schools, language schools, and a public university

    - 1 year as a teacher trainer

    - 2 years as a Wellness Team member in an IB international school

Certificates and Trainings

  • Life Coach Training with the Beijing Mindfulness Center, ICF Accredited (2022-2023)

  • Leading well-being in the school community, IB Cat. 3 training

  • 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training 

  • Tibetan Bowls Sound Healing Therapy, Level 1 

  • Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) 

  • Non-Violent Communication, Levels 1-2

  • Mindfulness training: Mindful Journey and Mindful Journey 2.0, with the Beijing Mindfulness Center