WELCOME!
I'm so glad you're here! As a therapeutic yoga teacher, my passion is helping people feel their best and move with ease. I specialize in practices that integrate anatomical sequencing, biomechanics, and mental health, focusing on the holistic approach. Below is a little about me and how I got to this point in my journey.
For me, yoga is more than a practice; it's medicine. Twenty-seven years ago, I stepped onto my first yoga mat as an active young mom with two small children. I struggled with anxiety, pain, and chronic sleep issues, and my wise sister suggested I try a yoga class to ease the struggle of these symptoms. On my mat, I learned to down-regulate my nervous system and also discovered a path to listening to my body and having faith in my ability to adapt to change. It didn't take long for me to be hooked!
The yoga lessons along the way have wholly enhanced my life. I credit my regular practice with helping me cope with and heal from a cancer diagnosis in 2008 and a brainstem stroke in 2022. Using my health crises as an impetus, I continue studying and researching yoga's powerful effects on the body, mind, and nervous system.
As a therapeutic yoga teacher, I’ve devoted over 4,000 hours to my practice. My classes incorporate traditional yoga asanas, creative cueing, and the knowledge I have gained from my yoga therapeutics training. I am a current student in Yoga Medicine's 500-hour teacher training. This training delves deep into anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, mental health, and the convergence of modern scientific principles with the ancient practice of yoga. I enjoy teaching private and group classes with this research focus in mind.
I’ve been married to Matt, my life partner, for 34 years. We have two young adult children, a daughter-in-love and a son-in-love. I’m an abstract artist wannabe and love travel, animals, babies, and hanging with open-minded people.
I hope to inspire people to transform their bodies and minds using their mats. I believe every body, regardless of age, stage, or physical limitations, can benefit from this healing practice. Learn more about my class offerings HERE! I would love to see you around!
TEACHER TRAININGS AND CERTIFICATIONS
200 Hour Teacher Training - Good Vibes Yoga (Yoga Alliance)
500 Hour Teacher Training - Yoga Medicine (Current Student)
COMPLETED
- Spine: Anatomy, Dysfunction, & Application Yoga Teacher Training | Yoga Medicine
- Hips: Anatomy, Dysfunction, & Application Yoga Teacher Training | Yoga Medicine
- Myofascial Release Training | Yoga Medicine
- Yoga for Mental Health | Yoga Medicine
- Creative Sequencing | Yoga Medicine
40-Hour Teacher Training - Yin Yoga | Melissa Christensen YACEP