Ryan M. Niemiec, PsyD, is the 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.
Explore this asynchronous mini-course emphasizing strengths-based strategies to create stronger, more meaningful relationships.
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.
This learning path is the first step to becoming certified as a VIA Strengths-based Workplace Professional. Get every workplace development course for individuals on-demand and work toward your journey to cultivate a strengths-based culture.
This course equips learners with the tools to build authentic, psychologically safe relationships and implement radically candid communication, essential for professional satisfaction and success.
This introductory course provides essential insights, tools, and resources that act as step-by-step guidance towards a strengths-based approach. Learn to build a culture that enhances employee engagement, performance, and wellbeing.
This course empowers teams to utilize and explore resources, tools, and practices that foster effective collaboration. They will have the opportunity to explore strengths-based practices and activities as a team.
This course helps current and aspiring leaders discover their authentic strengths-based leadership style and equips them with the tools and strategies for exemplary leadership, enhancing individual well-being and organizational performance.
This course will support using your character strengths to navigate and manage change effectively in the workplace.
Courses for Leading Others
For coaches, therapists, counselors, educators, and community leaders who want to bring MBSP to others.
We are partnering with MentorCoach LLC, the leading Positive Psychology coach training school, to present this 8-week unique learning experience.
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, advisor for the VIA Institute, was Co-Founder of Hummingbird Coaching Services, LLC and Chief Coaching Officer. She was responsible for developing Hummingbird's training model and for maintaining its integrity. She was also Co-Founder of VIA Institute on Character, which has played an important role in helping to establish a new discipline in the field of psychology - positive psychology. In addition to her role as advisor for VIA, she is the director of clinical services with the Ohio Innocence Project providing an array of services and supports to the lawyers, staff, students, and freed clients. She also works through a charitable family foundation with nonprofits in the Cincinnati area.