The Lioness Tale Prison Project

The Lioness Tale Prison Project, founded and led by Diane Pendola, brings usable practices of awareness, contact, and communication into women’s prisons. Diane is a long-time student and colleague of Chris Price, and she has woven core elements of Gestalt Awareness Practice (GAP) into the project’s weekly circles—simple moves like taking our seat, basic breath, continuum of awareness, and clear, present-tense language. The work is steady and practical: noticing what’s here, separating direct experience from the stories we add, and strengthening choice in how we respond.

What happens in a circle

• Short settling practice (breath, posture, pace).
• Brief teaching on contact and communication (speaking for oneself, checking impact, letting pauses work).
• Guided self-expression that can include words, movement, or sound—always consensual and paced.
• Witnessing without fixing; when helpful, structured dialogues or a brief open-seat-style turn.

Why it helps

• Builds self-regulation and the capacity to pause before reacting.
• Improves communication—clear requests, boundaries, repair after conflict.
• Fosters dignity, agency, and mutual support in a challenging environment.

Program stewardship Sharon Terry serves as president of the nonprofit that supports Lioness Tale, helping ensure GAP remains part of the program through facilitator training, materials, and ongoing coordination. Sharon’s role focuses on continuity—keeping the circles supplied, the teachers supported, and the practices accessible to participants over time.

In essence: Diane’s integration of GAP makes the project grounded, humane, and repeatable; Chris’s influence is present in the structure and tone; and Sharon’s stewardship helps keep the work alive and available where it’s most needed.