Natasha Durand

Higher education leader with experience directing academic programs, developing curriculum, improving student success outcomes, and leading cross-functional educational initiatives. Expertise spans program administration, faculty collaboration, student retention, curriculum design, wellness education, coaching education, and research development. Experienced in translating complex concepts into engaging learning experiences and building systems that support student engagement, persistence, and long-term success.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Physiology and Health with research interests in trauma, PTSD, women's health, integrative medicine, consciousness-based education, and evidence-informed wellness interventions. Combines academic leadership, research expertise, veteran experience, and strategic communication skills to drive organizational growth, learner success, and program excellence.

Program Director, BA Ayurvedic Wellness & Integrative Health - Maharishi International University

(2023-01)

• Direct academic operations for a multidisciplinary undergraduate program serving 250+ students across three professional pathways: Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant, Life and Wellness Coaching, and Yoga.
• Lead and coordinate a 19-member instructional team, including 2 faculty members, 7 adjunct faculty, and 10 teaching assistants, ensuring instructional quality, student-centered delivery, and alignment with program learning outcomes.
• Oversee a 24-course curriculum delivered twice annually, supporting consistent course scheduling, instructional continuity, curriculum quality, and student progression.
• Designed and built 9 university-level courses and revised 5 existing courses to strengthen academic quality, student engagement, professional relevance, and alignment with institutional and industry standards.
• Contributed to enrollment growth and program stability, supporting a 4.7% increase in enrollment from Fall 2023 to Spring 2025 through retention-focused initiatives, pathway development, and student engagement strategies.
• Guide curriculum and program alignment with external professional standards and organizations, including Yoga Alliance, the Maharishi AyurVeda Association of America, and International Coaching Federation-aligned coaching education principles.
• Developed and implemented student success initiatives focused on retention, academic engagement, career readiness, and holistic learner support.
• Designed and facilitated 5 student success and wellness workshops addressing academic planning, daily routine, time management, study habits, wellbeing, and sustainable behavior change.
• Provided coaching, mentoring, and academic support to 50+ students, helping learners clarify goals, navigate academic challenges, strengthen self-management skills, and connect coursework to long-term professional direction.
• Recruited, onboarded, and supported faculty while fostering a student-centered culture focused on academic excellence and continuous improvement.
• Established undergraduate-to-graduate educational pathways designed to strengthen persistence, increase long-term engagement, and support career advancement.

Developer & Instructor, Life & Wellness Coaching Specialization - Maharishi International University

(2022-01)

• Designed and implemented a comprehensive life and wellness coaching curriculum, integrating holistic health principles and industry best practices.
• Increased student engagement and program success, resulting in a 95% student satisfaction rate.
• Introduced practical coaching methodologies, including motivational interviewing and consciousness-based coaching.

Suicide Prevention & Crisis Intervention Counselor - United States Air Force

(2004-01 - 2015-12)

• Served in roles requiring crisis intervention, leadership, and resilience training, supporting veterans, soldiers, and emergency response efforts.
• Partnered with state and federal agencies to provide disaster relief and trauma-informed care.
• Recognized for problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership in high-pressure environments.

Suicide Prevention & Crisis Intervention Counselor - Vermont National Guard

(2010-01 - 2012-12)

• Served in roles requiring crisis intervention, leadership, and resilience training, supporting veterans, soldiers, and emergency response efforts.
• Partnered with state and federal agencies to provide disaster relief and trauma-informed care.
• Recognized for problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership in high-pressure environments.

Research Assistant, Department of Psychological Science - University of Vermont

(2015-01 - 2016-12)

• Assisted in research on psychophysiology and psychopathology, contributing to the study "The Stare-In-The-Crowd Effect: Phenomenology, Psychophysiology, And Relations To Psychopathology" (Eileen Tara Crehan, 2016).

PhD - Physiology and Health - Maharishi International University

MS - Maharishi Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine - Maharishi International University (2022-12)

BS - Psychology - University of Vermont (2016-12)