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.
View Other Links:
Course Schedule
Introduction to Yoga Therapy Part A
January - June 2026
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
February-August, 2026
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
February-November 2026
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
February 20-22 & March 1, 2026
Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®5
Date(s):
Friday, February 20, 2026, 6pm-9pm (EST)
Saturday-Sunday, February 21-22,2026, 11am-7pm (EST)
Sunday, March 1, 2025, 11am-1pm Protocol Review
Yoga Therapy for the Respiratory System
March 27-29, & April 12, 2026
Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®5
Date(s):
Friday, March 27, 5-9pm (EST)
Saturday, March 28, 2026: 11am-7:00pm (EST)
Sunday, March 29, 2026: 11am-7:00pm (EST)
Sunday, April 12, 2026; 11am-1 pm (EST): Protocol Review
Yoga Therapy for Spinal Health Care
May 16-17 & 29, 2026
Instructor(s):
Grisell B. Gonzalez, BA, C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Martha Victoria, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT® 500, YACEP
Date(s):
Saturday & Sunday, 11am-7pm (EST)
Protocol Review: Friday, May 29, 5-8pm (EST)
Trauma Informed Yoga: Yoga Therapy for Mental Health
July 18-19, 2026
Instructor(s):
Ghada Osman, PhD, LMFT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Date(s):
Saturday & Sunday, July 18-19, 2026, 8:30am-5:30pm Eastern Time
CardioCare: Yoga Therapy Tools for Heart Health
August 7-9 & 16, 2026
Instructor(s):
Dawn Loftin, B.S., M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®500
Date(s):
Friday, August 7, 2026: 6 pm-8 pm (EST)
Saturday & Sunday, August 8-9, 2026:11 am-7 pm (EST)
Sunday, August 16, 2026: 10 am-12 pm (EST) - Protocol Review
1 Hour Lunch Break: Aug. 8-9
Yoga Therapy for PD and Other Neuro-Motor Degenerative Disorders Teacher Training
September 11 - October 16, 2026
Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Anthony Connell, C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Dawn Loftin, B.S., M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Adam Flores, CCPA, C-IAYT, E-RYT®500
Grisell B. Gonzalez, BA, C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Date(s):
Friday, Sept. 11, 2026; 6-9pm Eastern Time
Friday, Sept. 18, 2026; 6-9pm Eastern Time
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026; 6-9pm Eastern Time
Friday, Oct. 2, 2026; 6-9pm Eastern Time
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026; 6-9pm Eastern Time
Yoga Therapy for Cancer and Chronic Illness
September 29; October 10-11 & 20, 2026
Instructor(s):
Kathleen Ross-Allee, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Date(s):
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026; 6-8 pm (Eastern TIme)
Saturday-Sunday, October 10-11, 2026: 11 am – 7 pm (Eastern Time)
Tuesday, October 20, 2026; 6-8 pm (Eastern Time) – Protocol Review
Yoga Therapy for Children's Autism Training
October 23-25 & 30, 2026
Instructor(s):
Evelyns Gaiti, M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Date(s):
Friday, October 23, 2026: 6pm-9pm (Eastern Time)
Saturday + Sunday, October 24-25, 2026; 11am-7pm (Eastern Time)
Friday, October 30, 2026; 6pm-8pm (Eastern Time)
Guru Kula Presentations with AUM’s Yoga Therapy Practicum Candidates
November 21-22, 2026
Instructor(s):
Melinda Atkins, MEd, MSc, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Date(s):
Saturday-Sunday, 9am-7pm (EST)
1-Hour Lunch Break
Ayurvedic Foundations and Digestive Wellness: Integrating Yoga Therapy and Ancient Wisdom
2026 TBA
Instructor(s):
Date(s):
Trauma Informed Yoga: Yoga Therapy for Mental Health
2026 TBA
Instructor(s):
Ghada Osman, PhD, LMFT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Date(s):
*Due to circumstances beyond our control, teachers and schedule are subject to change. Please check our website calendar for the latest update.