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Online Yoga Therapy Teacher Training for Parkinson’s and Neuro-Motor Disorders

Fridays, September 13, 20, & 27, and October 4 & 18, 2024

For Yoga teachers, Yoga therapists, health care workers, and care givers.

Attend engaging online lecture sessions on Fridays (September 13, 20, & 27, & October 4 & 18, 2024) from 6:00-9:00pm (EST) / 3:00-6:00pm (PST). Additionally, students must attend at least one Saturday session (TBA the beginning of July 2024) offered in either September, October, or December from 4:30-5:30pm (EST) / 1:30-4:30pm (PST). Conclude the course with a final protocol review on October 18, 2024, from 6:00-7:30pm (EST) / 3:00-4:30pm (PST).

Engage in a minimum of three clinic sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Choose from convenient time slots on Tuesdays (4:15-5:45pm EST / 1:15-2:45pm PST) or Mondays & Wednesdays (6:45-8:15pm EST / 3:45-5:15pm PST), starting September 3 and running through December 17, 2024.

For individuals residing in or around Miami-Dade County, there is a hybrid option allowing students to actively participate in on-site classes on Saturdays from 1:45-3:15 pm (EST). Schedule TBA July 2024.

Course LIMITED to FIVE Students. There is an additional distance learning component to be completed by October 10, 2024.

To view class topics and dates, click here

This course has been designated by the International Association of Yoga Therapists as an Approved Professional Development course offering 25 CE credits.

With the support of 6 grants from the Parkinson’s Foundation, this 25-hour training was developed to offer a comprehensive understanding of how yoga can effect positive change across a wide array of neuro-motor degenerative disorders, in particular Parkinson’s disease. It provides assessment strategies and skills to design, implement, and evaluate individualized and small-group yoga therapy plans for clients in this population—including those who are newly diagnosed. Content areas include:

  • The anatomy and physiology of the nervous system
  • The philosophy and science behind yoga’s effect on the nervous system
  • Overview of Parkinson’s and other neuro-motor degenerative disorders
  • Assessing a client’s readiness for working with therapeutic yoga, including vitals and evaluation of mobility and functionality
  • Breaking down the components of yoga therapy into asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, dhyana
  • Selecting, sequencing, and modifying yoga practices for clients in this population
  • Developing protocols to work with clients experiencing tremors, dyskinesia, bradykinesia, dystonia, pharyngeal muscle weakness, progressive loss of speech, limb weakness, poor coordination/balance, and/or depression.

Yoga teachers and therapists will take away the knowledge and confidence necessary to bring the powerful gifts of yoga to this population.


Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s, Friday, September 13, 2024; 6:00-9:00pm (EST)/ 3:00-6:00pm (PST) with Melinda Atkins and Anthony Connell.

This training will cover signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s and other neuro-motor degenerative disorders and elements of preparing effective protocols to help in symptom management.

“The teaching materials and handouts are a great resource. They will be instrumental in putting together protocols for my students. … I am grateful for the availability of this training, and for the dedication of the teachers to their mission.” —B. H.
“I loved that there were multiple speakers. It gave a lot of perspectives.” —J. M.
“I really enjoyed Tony’s presentation. I found it insightful, and I learned so much. From the pictures to the videos to the information, it was all amazing.” —A. P.
” Prior to the course I did not know much about Parkinson’s disease. This course offered a lot of good evidence-based information that was presented in an organized and digestible format. Resources are very useful. I appreciate templates for assessments, various questionnaires, and protocols. Examples of protocols were also very helpful.” —M.P.

Pranayama + Yoga Nidra Techniques for Parkinson’s, Friday, September 20, 2024; 6:00-9:00pm (EST) / 3:00-6:00pm (PST) with Adam Flores and Dawn A. Loftin

“Dawn is a 10/10 Yoga Nidra experience leader. For teaching Yoga Nidra to other yoga teachers / therapists, Dawn is wonderful as well.” —M. R. F.
“The course provided practical experience, resources included scholarly articles, and several methods for experiences Yoga Nidra were provided.” —A. P.
“I appreciated the content and well paced taught class. The teacher talked clearly and with ease that it allowed me to absorb and understand the information as well as ask time to ask questions.” —E. O.
“Dawn is very knowledgeable and presented in a manner that is easy to follow. She allowed ample opportunity for reflection and questions.” —B. H.

Yoga Nidra is an effective way to work with non-motor symptoms—such as cognitive decline, sleep difficulties and pain—and emotional health disturbances—such as depression, anxiety, and impulse control—associated with Parkinson’s and other neuro-motor degenerative disorders. Studies have indicated that, during Yoga Nidra meditation, an increase of up to 65% in delivery of dopamine can occur in parts of the brain relevant to Parkinson’s.

Key concepts and techniques explored in this three-hour workshop include:

  • Yoga Nidra Preparation and Preliminary Relaxation Technique for Parkinson’s
  • Yoga Nidra Pranayamas for Parkinson’s, including 75 breaths and 31/61 points
  • Creating a Sankalpa (Intention or Resolve) for working with PD
  • Four Stages of Yoga Nidra applied to PD
    • Stage 1: Rotation of Awareness Through the Body
    • Stage 2: Awareness of Prana
    • Stage 3: Awareness of Feeling and Emotion
    • Stage 4: Visualization
  • The Final Step—Bringing it all together into an effective Yoga Nidra experience for PD.

Dawn and Adam each teach a monthly class for specific PD symptoms, which assists students in bringing awareness to injury or illness and allowing a symptom relief image or sensation to be revealed. Dawn teaches a 61 points technique to use blue light with mantra. As part of their training, students are required to attend a minimum of two sessions. Classes are held on the first and second Tuesday of each month from 4:30–5:30 pm (EST)/1:30-2:30pm (PST). Dawn also leads a class on the second through fourth Mondays from 7:00-8:00pm (EST)/ 4:00-5:00pm (PST). Adam also leads a class on the first, third, and fourth Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:00pm (EST)/ 4:00-5:00pm (PST).


Parkinson’s Mental Health Class for Caregivers: Saturday, 4:15-5:45pm(EST) / 1:15-2:45pm (PST) with Dr. Ghada Osman. (Available Sessions TBA the beginning of July 2024)

Gain Insights from Harvard-Educated Yoga Therapist, Dr. Ghada Osman, on the Psychological Well-being of PD Patients and Care Partners. Discover Tailored Yoga Practices for Caregivers.


Assessments/Protocols/SOAPsFriday, September 27, 6:00-9:00pm (EST)/ 3:00-6:00pm (PST)
with Grisell Gonzalez & Anthony Connell.


Mudras and Meditation for Tremors, Friday, October 4, 6:00-9:00pm (EST) / 3:00-6:00pm (PST)
with Amparo Hernández and Martha Victoria

This training will explore the use of mudras and meditation and the benefit of restorative postures when working with tremors and other symptoms associated with neuro-motor degenerative disorders.

“You can tell that both Martha and Amparo are very experienced, and that each is proficient in their specialty. The teaching materials were on point and the demos brought their points to life.”

Protocol Review, Protocol Review October 18, 2024; 6:00-7:30pm(EST)/ 3:00-4:30pm (PST) 1, 2024; 6:00-7:30pm(EST)/ 3:00-4:30pm (PST)


Pre-recorded on Zoom: Emotional Health Matters: Incorporating Practices for Mental Health Symptoms in Practices for Parkinson’s Patients with Ghada Osman.

Many think that of Parkinson’s as mainly a movement disorder the characteristic of which is motor symptoms. But Parkinson’s also includes non-motor symptoms such as cognitive decline, sleep difficulties, pain, and emotional health disturbances such as depression, anxiety, and impulse control. For instance, not only do approximately 40% of persons with PD meet criteria for depression, but also, compared with the motor symptoms of PD, depression was found to be more predictive of overall disability and distress. Depression is associated with a faster progression of physical symptoms, a greater decline in cognitive skills and ability to care for oneself, poorer treatment compliance and quality of life, and greater caregiver distress.

In this pre-recorded workshop, we will focus on the mental and emotional health symptoms of PD, and will learn key principles in addressing them via yoga therapy. Participants will leave with an understanding of central considerations to take into account in their work, such as the motion-emotion conundrum, as well as the importance of incorporating mental health care into practices both for PD patients and for their caregivers.

“I loved the teacher’s energy. She is welcoming and energetic.” —J. M.
“This was a very engaging and thorough 3 hours that zoomed by! The exercises were particularly helpful.” —F. D.
“Thank you Aum Home Shala & Parkinson’s Foundation for a great lecture and for offering Yoga Therapy and Meditation to the PD community.” —G. G.
“The course met my expectations in every way. I feel I understand and am able to continue to learn more with confidence and motivation.” —E. O.
“Dr. Ghada is extremely knowledgeable on the subject and brings a wealth of practical information to the table.” —M. V.
Recording available on YouTube

Tuition Structure for Yoga Therapy for PD Teacher Training:

Before May 1st: super early bird: less $125 = $635

   May 1st – June 30: less $100 = $660

   July 1 – July 31st: less $75 = $685

   August 1 – August 15: less $50 = $710

   August 15 – August 31: regular price = $760

Faculty

melinda-atkins

Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is the founding director of AUM hOMe Shala, where she trains yoga teachers and yoga therapists. She completed her 500-hour certification at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and received her Clinical Yoga Therapy certification at Loyola Marymount University. Melinda also develops and directs yoga programs for at-risk youth in inner-city Miami schools. She holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Florida.


grisell headshot final

Grisell B. Gonzalez, BA, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a yoga therapist with a degree in art history from the University of Washington. She received her 1,000-Hour Clinical Yoga Therapy Certification and her 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification from AUM hOMe Shala, and earned her 200-hour yoga teaching certification at Ananda Washington. Grisell specializes in working with Parkinson’s and neuro-motor degenerative disorders. She is the founder of Inner Joy Yoga & Meditation, where she shares her knowledge of yoga therapy, meditation, tai chi for health, and Pilates. Yoga has been a part of her life for more than 20 years, and inspires her to live each moment more mindfully.


Ghada Osman, PhD, LMFT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, is a licensed psychotherapist, yoga teacher, yoga therapist and AFAA-certified aerobics instructor who has worked with a wide range of populations, from college students to hospice patients. In her private practice, her specialties include helping clients work with anxiety and depressive disorders, eating disorders, trauma, grief and loss, and chronic/ serious physical illness. Ghada is certified as a yoga therapist by the International Association of Yoga Therapy, and completed her 500-hour yoga teacher training at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. A Professor Emerita at San Diego State University, she holds a doctorate degree from Harvard University and a Master’s in psychology from Chapman University, and is the author of Mental and Emotional Healing for Yoga: A Guiding Framework for Therapists and Their Clients, available on Amazon.


Anthony Connell, E-RYT 500, RCYT, C-IAYT, is a certified yoga therapist specializing in neuro-motor degenerative disorders and mental health. Tony graduated from Florida International University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, and has volunteered as a yoga teacher in inner-city schools for at-risk youth. He is Assistant Director of AUM’s 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training, and has been involved at the Shala since 2012. Tony began his practice in 2002 after a life-threatening disease diagnosis. Today, he loves to share the benefits of yoga for maintaining balance and alleviating stress, as well as its positive impact on wellness.


Dawn A. Loftin, M.A., Level 1 ParaYoga® Certified Teacher, Certified ParaYoga® Nidra Teacher, C-IAYT, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, Ayurveda Yoga Specialist, Relax & Renew Trainer, completed her 500-Hour Training and her Clinical Yoga Practicum with AUM hOMe Shala. Her initial studies to become a Certified Yoga Therapist began with the intension to learn more about anatomy, but during the clinical component, she discovered a calling to work with Parkinson’s Disease. Now Dawn is happy to share the blessings of ParaYoga® Nidra with the students and teachers at AUM hOMe Shala.


Adam Flores, Licensed CCPA , E-RYT 500, YACEP, C-IAYT has advanced training in Yoga Therapy for Mental Health and is the CEO and Director of Yoga Therapy at Healing Choice, a chiropractic healthcare practice specializing in addiction recovery. He is a Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Holistic Health Practitioner in Integrative Nutrition, Western Herbalism and Ayurveda. He is currently a developing partner for BE SERENE, an addiction recovery toolkit app based in yogic principles, and a new faculty member at AUM Home Shala.


Amparo Hernández, C-IAYT, RYT 500, is a vinyasa yoga instructor with certifications in restorative yoga, Yin Yoga, advanced pranayama, a 120-hour Ashtanga Sangha Intensive, and an advanced Professional Development course on Meditation for Yoga and Wellness. She began practicing yoga 20 years ago in Spain, her native country, as a way to cope with back problems, and over the years, yoga became an important part of her life. Amparo completed her 200-hour teacher training certification in 2015, her 300-hour advanced certification in 2018, and her 1000+-hour Yoga Therapy training at AUM Home Shala in 2020. She truly believes that this discipline is the vehicle to reach balance between mind, body and spirit.


Martha Victoria, RYT 500, C-IAYT, draws from an amalgam of styles and techniques in her teaching, which is geared toward bringing awareness to the body and using movement and breath for self-healing. Since completing her 500-hour yoga teacher certification, she has continued to study with master teachers in trainings in yin yoga, advanced pranayama, Ashtanga Yoga, yoga for wellness, and resistance stretching. Her 20+ years studying mysticism under the Rosicrucian Order have served as her platform for diving deeper into yoga philosophy. Martha is currently pursuing her 1000-hour Yoga Therapy certification, with specialized training at AUM in yoga for heart conditions, mental health, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, and spinal health.

Yoga Therapy for PD Teacher Training
$635 USD
Yoga Therapy for PD Teacher Training
Price: 635.00 USD
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