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Small Cohorts, Global Impact
At Life of Wellness Institute, we train yoga teachers to lead trauma-informed classes in studios, prisons, and recovery centers. Our mission? To make yoga a tool for equity, not elitism.
Through small cohorts (10–15 students), you’ll gain:
Neuroscience-Backed Tools to regulate nervous systems and adapt practices for anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Social Justice Frameworks to create inclusive spaces for marginalized communities (2SLGBTQI+, BIPOC, trauma survivors).
1:1 Mentorship to build a career that aligns with your values, not studio trends.*
Scholarships prioritize students facing financial barriers or systemic exclusion – no proof of “worthiness” required.
At the heart of our community are our experienced teachers, dedicated students, and supportive staff. We are united by our commitment to embodying our purpose (Dharma) and personal mission (Swadharma) through the transformative practice of Viniyoga.
Melanie Taylor
From PTSD to Purpose: My Journey as a Trauma-Informed Educator
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As a survivor of PTSD and disordered eating, I know firsthand how yoga can retrain the nervous system – but only when taught with neuroscience and compassion, not dogma.
As Director of Education at Eat Breathe Thrive, I’ve trained hundreds of teachers to support eating disorder recovery. Now, I’m bringing that expertise to you:
No Recordings, Ever: Protect your students’ vulnerability with emergent, live-only learning.
Consent-Based Cueing: Honor boundaries and diverse abilities.
Dharma-Driven Careers: Build a practice that serves marginalized communities without burnout.*
Our small cohorts ensure you’re never just a number. Let’s discuss how you can teach yoga that changes lives – book a call.
With compassion,
Melanie Taylor
Our Story
Why Viniyoga? Adaptability Meets Social Justice
Viniyoga isn’t about “perfect” poses – it’s a neuroscience-backed method to help students regulate their nervous systems and reclaim agency over their bodies. Here’s how we apply it:
Trauma-Informed Sequencing: Design classes for anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Prison Yoga Programs: Partner with nonprofits to bring yoga to incarcerated communities.
Ayurvedic Coaching: Blend somatic practices with trauma recovery frameworks.*
We reject one-size-fits-all solutions. Your students’ lived experiences guide every practice.
Our Non-Negotiables
Ethics Over Optics: We follow Yoga Alliance® standards while challenging systemic inequities in wellness spaces.
Accessibility First: Sliding-scale pricing, scholarships, and hybrid learning for marginalized students.
Trauma-Informed Everything: Consent-based cueing, no recordings, and inclusive sequencing.
Community Over Competition: Alumni partnerships with recovery centers and 2SLGBTQI+ nonprofits.
Our Guiding Principles
Land & Community Commitment
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we honor and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, the traditional Treaty 7 territory, and the oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy—Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations. We recognize the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We extend our acknowledgment to all Nations—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—who live, work, and play on this land and who honor and celebrate this territory.
This sacred gathering place offers us an opportunity to engage in and demonstrate leadership on reconciliation. We are grateful for your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our community on Treaty 7 territory.