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Course Outline and Schedule

Our clinical yoga therapy foundation training course aims to comprehensively address various body systems, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, nervous, and respiratory, while also exploring the mind/body connection. Students complete take-home case studies, develop protocols for each topic, and present research findings.

The emphasis on the musculoskeletal system involves foundational anatomy understanding and the therapeutic application of yoga for common issues like low-back, upper-back, knee, hip, and shoulder problems. Additionally, students learn medical terminology and communication skills to effectively interact with healthcare professionals.

Therapeutic benefits of yoga for circulatory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, respiratory, and cardiac systems are explored, alongside the mind/body connection. Graduates gain the ability to teach in diverse settings, alongside healthcare professionals.

Students create yoga protocols for each topic and delve into Ayurveda dosha protocols. Coursework includes lectures, demonstrations, partner work, and practical experiences covering relevant anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Case presentations and evaluations facilitate application of knowledge.

A mentoring component entails 11 hours of mentorship, conducted in person, by telephone, or via Zoom, with costs paid directly to the mentor. Students schedule sessions independently. A research paper focusing on a specific condition and its potential yoga application is required.

Students undergo multiple-choice tests and distance learning assignments. All students must hold current Liability Policies naming AUM Home Shala as a Certificate Holder. Additionally, all yoga therapy students must complete an online HIPAA course and test, costing around $30, at their own expense. This course is mandatory for both Foundation and Bridge students and is to be taken independently, allowing students to select their preferred course.

Students are granted a 12-month period to fulfill the Foundation training. Upon successful completion, they can apply for Yoga Alliance certification at either the 300-hour or 500-hour level, depending on whether they possess a 200-hour yoga teacher certificate from the Shala. Graduates also qualify for admission to our Clinical Yoga Therapy Practicum, accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). For further details, please visit www.iayt.org.

Please note: The yoga therapy components of our course are based on IAYT accreditation, not derived from our status as an RYS® with Yoga Alliance Registry.

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Course Schedule

Introduction to Yoga Therapy Part A

January-March, 2025

Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Anthony Connell, C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Bea Maldonado, B.A., E-RYT500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, YACEP®

Date(s):
The first class is a 3-hour Orientation, scheduled individually in January

Introduction to Yoga Therapy Part B

January-June, 2025

Instructor(s):
Anthony Connell, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Dawn Loftin, B.S., M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Christian Atkins, MPAS, PA-C,
Osvaldo ‘Ozzie’ Perez, PT, DPT

Date(s):
Classes are scheduled according to cohort availability

Business of Yoga/Assessments

January-June 2025

Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, YACEP®
Alisha Pacheco, B.A, MBA, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, YACEP®
Grisell Gonzalez, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Dawn Loftin, B.S., M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500

Date(s):
Classes are scheduled according to cohort availability

Pranayama for Health Conditions

Jan. 24 & Feb, 1-2 & 9, 2025

Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®5

Date(s):
Friday, Jan. 24, 5pm-9pm (EST)
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 1-2, 11am-7pm (EST)
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025; 10am-1pm (EST)-Protocol Review
1 Hour Lunch Break

Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s and Other Neuro-Motor Degenerative Disorders

January 31-March 21, 2025

Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Anthony Connell, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Dawn A. Loftin, B.S., M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500, Ayurveda Yoga Specialist
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®500
Grisell B. Gonzalez, BA, C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Martha Victoria, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500

Date(s):
Friday, Jan 31, 6-9pm (Eastern TIme)
Friday, Feb. 7, 6-9pm (Eastern TIme)
Friday, Feb. 28, 6-9pm (Eastern TIme)
Friday, March 7, 6-9pm (Eastern TIme)
Friday, March 21, 6-9pm (Eastern TIme)

Students are also required to attend eight PD Group Clinic sessions and two Saturday sessions focused on PD caregivers. The clinic group sessions are 90 minutes long and take place every Tuesday from 6:45–8:15 PM (EST) or, 4:15–5:45 PM (EST) on the fourth Tuesday of each month, running from January to June 2025. The two Saturday sessions are scheduled for March 15 and May 17, 2025, from 2:00–3:00 PM (EST).

Yoga Therapy for Mental Health

February 14-15, 2025

Instructor(s):
Ghada Osman, PhD, LMFT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500

Date(s):

Friday, Feb. 14, 8:30am-5:30pm (EST)
Saturday, Feb. 15, 8:30am-5:30pm (EST)
Feb. 14-15, 2025 is a required 2-day introduction to an additional, optional 4-day, 40-Hour/7-day, 100-Hour Yoga for Mental Health Specialty Certification Course which requires an additional tuition. For more information, visit the course webpage: https://aumhomeshala.org/trainings/yoga-for-mental-health/

1 Hour Lunch Break

Yoga Therapy for the Respiratory System

March 14-16 & 23, 2025

Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®500

Date(s):
Friday, March 14, 2025, 5pm-9pm (EST)
Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16, 2025, 11am-7pm (EST)
Sunday, March 23, 2025; 10am-1pm (EST)-Protocol Review
1 Hour Lunch Break

Ayurvedic Foundations and Digestive Wellness: Integrating Yoga Therapy and Ancient Wisdom

March 28 - 30 & April 5 & 10, 2025

Instructor(s):
Amba Greene, CAP, FNLP, E-RYT-500, LMT
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®5

Date(s):
Friday, March 28, 2025: 5pm–9pm (EST)
Saturday-Sunday, March 29-30 2025: 11am–7pm (EST)
Saturday, April 5; 11am-7pm (EST)
Thursday, April 10, 2025; 6-9pm (EST)
1 Hour Lunch Break

Yoga Therapy for Spinal Health Care

May 3-4 & 16, 2025

Instructor(s):
Grisell B. Gonzalez, BA, C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Martha Victoria, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500

Date(s):
Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4, 11 am - 7pm April 28-29, 11 am - 7 pm EST)
Friday, May 16, 5:30-9:30pm EST
30-minute Lunch Break

Yoga Therapy for the Heart

August 1-3 & 10, 2025

Instructor(s):
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®5
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Dawn Loftin, B.S., M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500

Date(s):
Friday, August 1: 6 pm-8 pm (EST)
Saturday & Sunday, August 2-3: 11 am-7 pm (EST)
Sunday, August 10: 10 am-1 pm (EST) - Protocol Review
1 Hour Lunch Break: Aug. 2-3

Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga for Cancer and Chronic Illness

October 11, 18-19 & 30, 2025

Instructor(s):
Kathleen Ross-Allee, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500

Date(s):
Saturday, October 11, 2025; 4:30-6:30 pm (EST)
Saturday-Sunday, October 18-19, 2025: 11 am – 7 pm (EST)
Thursday, October 30, 2025: 5:45-7:15 pm (EST) – Protocol Review
45-minute Lunch Break

Yoga Therapy for Children's Autism Training

November 7-9 & November 14, 2025

Instructor(s):
Evelyns Gaiti, M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500

Date(s):
Friday, November 7: 6pm-9pm (EST
Saturday + Sunday, November 8-9; 11am-7pm (EST)
Friday, November 14; 6pm-8pm (EST)
Nov. 8-9: 1 hour lunch break
1 Hour Lunch Break

Guru Kula Presentations with AUM’s Yoga Therapy Practicum Candidates

November 22-23, 2025

Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500

Date(s):
Saturday-Sunday, 9am-7pm (EST)

1-Hour Lunch Break

*Due to circumstances beyond our control, teachers and schedule are subject to change. Please check our website calendar for the latest update.