Owner & Founder, RYT 200, Special Educator

Amanda stepped onto the yoga mat after being diagnosed with arthritis in her early twenties. Although she turned to yoga for its physical benefits, she became aware that yoga was a path to alleviating teacher burnout and developing inner peace. She learned that a consistent yoga practice allowed her to navigate the ups and downs of teaching special education with awareness and ease. During the transition to post-pandemic teaching, Amanda witnessed the challenges her students had with navigating anxiety and regulating their emotions. She began to emphasize mindfulness and playful learning experiences to help meet her students' needs. Amanda was amazed by her students’ progress with identifying their emotions, advocating their needs, solving conflict, following directions, completing non-preferred tasks, and controlling impulses. Her students became some of her best teachers and inspired her to create Breathe & Play Wellness after teaching special education in Montgomery County Public Schools for 10 years. Amanda believes that through prioritizing wellness and community, families and educators can lead a more peaceful and connected life while helping their children grow into successful and kind adults.