I have been practicing Yoga for close to 20 years and teaching since 2013.

This path of Yoga has helped me with depression, anxiety, grief, and chronic fatigue. It continues to give me space to embrace both my shadow and my light.

As a trauma survivor, Yoga has helped me be more present in my body and to balance my nervous system. I'm blessed to be on this path and so grateful to be able to share Yoga, with others.
 

I believe that Yoga is much more than the physical practice and hope that students leave my classes feeling balanced. I’m a trauma informed, functional yoga teacher, who loves to share seasonal and spiritual practices. I am passionate about women's health and embracing the cycles of life. I enjoy being playful and challenging, while also bringing accessibility to my classes.

 

Why functional movements? 

Our skeletons are all unique and different. The amount of flexibility we have is determined at birth & is based on the shape of our bones and how they fit into the sockets. 

We have the opportunity to adapt each shape to fit our body, rather than trying to squeeze our body into specific alignment cues.

 

Why movement cues (rather than “pose” names)?

Movement cues are trauma informed and they encourage us to come into our bodies. These cues invite curiosity & present moment awareness. Truly linking our breath with our movement has a similar effect (and supports our nervous system).

 

Why trauma informed?

This is different from trauma aware- which is based on the knowing that there is a huge possibility that you have a trauma survivor in your class. Trauma informed invites in choice. I may be the teacher but I’m just there to guide your practice. Trauma informed shows that the teacher is aware of potential triggers & does their best to minimize them. We can also support students through overwhelm or freeze, for example.

​

 Why cycle syncing?

We live in a world with natural rhythms and cycles. Our body has natural rhythms and cycles. By tuning into these cycles, I have gained a deeper appreciation of my body. I have a new awareness of what I need each day. I give myself permission to honor & listen to my body. 

Some ways you can cycle sync your movement practices include with the seasons, menstrual cycle, and the moon cycle.

​

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching cat videos, & spending time in nature. I love walking & hiking, as well as, Pilates. I'm always a student and find it fulfilling to learn and grow in my Yoga practice.
 

​

TRAININGS

​

200 Hour Certification with Kathleen Hunt at Samadhi Yoga, Seattle, WA, March 2013

​

500 Hour Self Study Certification with Twist Yoga, Edmonds, WA, October 2019

Yin Yoga with Janell Hartman- 20 hours- February 2016

Ayurveda on Your Mat with Kate Towell- 20 hours- January 2018

Myofascial Release for Yoga and Wellness- 10 hours- March 2017

Yoga Nidra- 15 hours- March 2019

Prenatal Modifications- 15 hours- December 2018

​

Yoga for Emotional Wellness with Christy Fisher & Laura Yon/ Wallingford Yoga, Seattle- 35 hours- March/ April 2018

Common Injury training with Jason Crandell- 21 hours- November 2018

Find Your Cener- Teacher Renewal with Jason Crandell- 20 hours- May 2017

Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) with Morgan Vanderpool-  Tacoma, WA, 16 hours- January 2018

3 Wisdom Traditions (Yoga, Ayurveda & Psychology) online with Kathryn Templeton- 12 hours- February 2018

​

500 Hour Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist certification with Tiffany Cruikshank (in progress)

Chinese Medicine & Yoga- 26 hours- July 2018

Mental Health & Wellness- 60 hours- August 2019

Women's Health and Wellness- 24 hours- November 2020

Nervous System & Restorative Yoga- 55 hours- May- July 2021

Spine Anatomy- 24 hours- February 2020

Yoga Anatomy Training online Immersion- Yoga Intl- 20 hours

Prenatal MFR- January 2024

​

Menstrual Cycle Wellness, Perimenopause, and more

Yoga Medicine Women's Health and Wellness- 24 hours- November 2020

When Earth Bears Metal- Perimenopause Immersion w/ Kris Gonzalez- 14 hours- Nov/ Dec 2024

​

Yin Yoga, Fascia, and Mindfulness

Insight Yoga teacher training Primary Level with Sarah Powers, Seattle, WA- 70 hours- September 2018

Fascia, Form & Functional Flow with Karen Sprute-Francovich- Seattle, WA- 12 hours- January 2020

Yin Yoga, Myofascial Release, and MyoYin with Nicky Hadjithoma- 30 hours- January 2021

Sequencing for Yin Yoga with Jo Phee- 10 hours- February-May 2021

​

Miscellaneous trainings

Yoga for Trauma with Lisa Danylchuk, June 2023

​

Yoga Therapeutics with Amy Ippoliti, Seattle, WA- 27 hours- September 2018

​

Trauma Informed Yoga- 1 day training with Zabie Yamasaki, Seattle, WA- April 2018

and online course- Transcending Trauma with Yoga- 24 hours- May 2020

​

Five Elements of Yoga w/ Saul David Raye, Sianna Sherman, Juan Pablo Barahona, Janet Stone, Sreedevi K. Bringi/ Online Immersion- Hanuman Academy- 35 hours- July 2017

​

Creative Sequencing with Sheri Celentano and Jamie Silverstein/ The Grinning Yogi, Seattle, WA

​

Some Workshops through the years

How Menopause Awakens your Power w/ Alexandra & Sjanie of Red School- November 2024

Adapting Yin Yoga to Pregnancy- Tahnee Taylor/ 2Y Functional Yoga School- August 2024

Cyclical Wisdom Quest w/ Alexandra & Sjanie of Red School- March 2024

Transforming the Five Negative Emotions- Yin Series w/ Stephanie Nosco May/ June 2021

Yin and the Five Spirits with Stephanie Nosco- February/ March 2021

Balancing the Pelvis with Leila Stuart- May 2018

Chakra Activation with Anodea Judith- May 2018

Weekend workshops with Sianna Sherman- December 2017

Energy Medicine Yoga with Lauren Walker- September 2017

Weekend workshops with Noah Maze- May 2016

​

Photos of Colleen by the amazing Sukha Design & Photography