My goal is to bring vestibular yoga training (VYT) into people’s lives to help them heal and grow in mind, body and spirit.

I’ve been active all of my life - as a gymnast, cheerleader and yoga student - but teaching yoga has become a calling to me after I suffered a tragic car accident and was left with traumatic brain injuries along with crippling physical pain. Following the accident, I lost much of my cognitive abilities as well as memories and motor skills. Furthermore, I suffered a midline shift in my vision. Simply stated, my world was shifted upward into the right, tilted at about a 45° angle. Everything I saw, and was capable of, was compromised. Everything I knew about about the old Amanda, was gone. I could no longer read, I had forgotten who I was, where I came from, or even what year it was. I had to relearn how to do everything including being able to shower without falling over, or grocery shopping without stepping over objects that weren't even there.

But one thing I hadn't forgotten, was how to do yoga. It was as if the poses were hardwired into my body. When I would relax, close my eyes, and listen to the instructor, my body would respond, move and stretch in ways that healed my body and spirit. I found strength and restoration, gratitude and peace with each class. Every session, I found myself feeling more capable and more in control. Through yoga, I have made a complete recovery in mind and body - in some ways better than before the accident. People noticed this transformation, and suggested that I become an instructor myself to bring my experience to the world.

After taking several Yogafit and AAAI/ISMA seminars and earning several certifications, I designed my own unique program of vestibular yoga therapy (VYT) that I believe not only helped get my life back on track, but can help others who have experienced similar trauma or suffer simply suffer from balance and coordination issues. My goal is to show people that it is possible to balance the development of physical strength and flexibility with inner confidence in character.

I have been fortunate enough to be physically and mentally capable of performing many tasks professionally. I have experience in human resource efforts, workforce development, trainings, and community benefit work. I'm also a certified Emergency Medical Technician and Life Wellness Coach in addition to small business owner. 

We began with a business concept of bringing vitality through community well-being, offering basic life savings skills including CPR and first aid techniques to emergency medical responders and the general public. This vision continued to grow through every class taught to the firefighters, police men and women, teachers, and supportive citizens in our rural area, like church volunteers and nursing home staff. 

This desire to create balance and unity also transitioned through my instruction and continuing education in yoga. Initially I was an independent contractor instructing a group of students that I had the opportunity to work with through the Air Force Academy, in addition to other Army and Air Force Bases within Colorado, and expanding to individual clientele within the home environment. Some with traumatic brain injuries, physical or mental impairments, or debilitating diseases like multiple sclerosis. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to continue to share a gift that has changed my life with others on this planet and beyond.

I've always greatly appreciated working with people- whether it be at the local convenience store behind the counter selling gasoline and soda pop, or in a fireworks stand with my family year after year in the heat of the summer. What motivates me is not necessarily the same things that motivate other people, nor do I think they are really all that different. When it comes down to it some of us have an intrinsic desire to benefit mankind, especially those we care about. I hope that's what this information and the stories that coincide offer to each recipient, a message that stays with you. VYT offers something to reflect on that may change the way we operate on Earth and beyond. 

Namaste

Amanda