MICHELLE BRINGS OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE STUDYING YOGA, BREATHING, & MEDITATION FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT.
She began teaching in 2005 at Iyengar Yoga Institute of Pittsburgh and has offered programs in corporate, military and hospital settings as well as with the general population. Her compassionate, yet direct approach, makes her an energetic coach that moves clients beyond barriers and into new worlds of possibility and results.
SHE IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF YOGA FOR THE EMOTIONS. A framework for understanding ones functioning patterns and habits from an individual & from a systems perspective through the lens of Bowen Theory and iRest Yoga Nidra.
Michelle is one of only several Level 3 Certified iRest Yoga Nidra teachers in Pennsylvania.
The UNPARALLED combination of systems thinking & iRest Yoga Nidra was the greatest freeing factor for Michelle personally and is derived from an applied study of her work in BFST through Western Pennsylvania Family Center's two year post graduate program and over two decades of applying systems thinking in her personal life, partnered with yogic philosophy & practices.
RESULTS ARE:
EMOTIONAL FREEDOM, RESILIENCE and PERSONAL ENERGY to access the SOURCE OF YOURSELF where there is VITALITY and an unlimited resource to SUCCESSFULLY manifest ideas, self directed goals and desires FOR LASTING CHANGE.
CERTIFICATIONS:
-Certified Lumia Advanced Life Coach
-400 Hour teacher training by Iyengar Instructor Sara Azarius of The Iyengar Institute of Pittsburgh.
Certified iRest® Yoga Nidra Teacherby Richard Miller, PhD.
-Certified Warriors at Ease teacher including trauma sensitive meditation.
-Certified Reiki Master by Kathy Duffy and Janet Jackson of Energy Connection.
-Certified Yoga for Golfersby Katherine Roberts.
-CPR & AED Certified.
-NOLS Wilderness First Aid Certified.
-Certified Trip Leader Venture Outdoors
-Prenatal Yoga certificate from Deena Blumenfeld at Shining Light Prenatal Center
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Arts University of Pittsburgh
MEMBER OF
- International Coaching Federation
- Toastmasters International
-2024 Vice President of Membership BKSQ Toastmasters
-2024-2025 President BKSQ Toastmasters
- iRest TCN Member
- Iyengar Yoga National Association Of The United States
PREVIOUS PROGRAMS OFFERED AT:
-Mercy Hospital Stroke Rehab
-Emerson Process Management: Power and Water Solutions
-Veterans Place of Washington Blvd 2013: Two, 6 week, twice weekly series
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Programs 2016-2018
-West Virginia Vet Center
-McKeesport/White Oak Vet Center 2019
-The Hollander
-Westinghouse: Women in Nuclear Energy
TESTIMONIALS
- iRest Yoga Nidra with Michelle helps me to connect to the deepest aspect of my mind/body in a sense of wholeness; thereby healing both body & soul aches. It is the deepest form of relaxation I have experienced and Michelle's intelligence guides me in a profound way."
-Dr. Tova Tarr Clinical psychologist
- Michelle understands deeply the healing potential of people and is highly skilled in supporting this process and the unique needs of each person. She assisted with teaching a program at UPMC Mercy hospital inpatient rehab brain injury unit that integrated the science of neuroplasticity, yogic breathing, visualization and movement for healing for brain injury. Her skill and compassion were self evident and most welcome. She has an inspiring thirst to do and learn more for the betterment of all beings.
-Dr. Neilly Buckalew Physiatrist & Yoga Therapist
- In my words to describe this ancient modality of inner reflection, Michelle with safe, soothing , gentle words guides one into their own sacred self and body. Old stagnate tensions, and outdated emotions are uprooted by this intuitive process that Michelle without the slightest trace of judgment, will then invite one to dissolve these patterns. Healing is a word I would use.. All I can say is without understanding exactly how it works, I have experienced that in deed it does! Michelle is a most profound and trustworthy woman who can take you on an adventure that can lead to your higher self.
-With much gratitude, -Patricia
