As part of your YTT journey, we have shared a truly extraordinary panel of guest teachers, leaders, scholars, and movement workers who generously bring their experience and insight to deepen our collective learning.
Each guest brings a different lens—rooted in personal practice, social justice, trauma-informed healing, and systemic wisdom. This series is an invitation to expand our understanding of what it means to teach, serve, and hold space—especially in carceral and system-impacted environments.
These additional lectures are optional. You are welcome to watch as many of them as you would like, but these sessions are not required.
🗓️ Guest Lecture Series:
Robert Sturman
Title: To Be Seen: Yoga, Dignity, and the Art of Witnessing in Prisons
Bio: Award-winning photographer known for capturing healing and dignity in prison yoga spaces.
Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois
Title: Cultural Responsibility & Humility in Criminal Justice Work
Bio: Trauma-informed counselor and researcher focused on justice-impacted communities.
Nikki Myers
Title: Healing in the Margins
Bio: Founder of Y12SR, working at the intersections of recovery, justice, and embodied healing.
Nicole Hellthaler
Title: Managing Challenging Behaviors in Trauma-Informed Spaces
Bio: Executive Director of Prison Yoga Project and expert in trauma-informed systems and care.
Sonia Brown-Diaz
Title: Maintaining Facility Relationships & Self-Regulation in a Carceral Setting
Bio: Founder of Yoga on the Inside and Australian PYP Ambassador, focused on ethical service in prisons.
Dr. Haunani Chong Drake
Title: Cultural Stewardship and the Five Elements
Bio: Native Hawaiian scholar integrating Indigenous healing and trauma recovery practices.
Diane Ambrosini
Title: Understanding the Vagus Nerve Through a Yogic Lens
Bio: Yoga therapist and educator specializing in nervous system health and trauma-informed movement.
Hari-Kirtana Das
Title: Exploring the Bhagavad Gita
Bio: Yoga philosophy teacher making classical texts accessible through humor and social ethics.
Bill Brown
Title: Beyond Asana: Integrating Wisdom from Tradition, Science, and Life
Bio: Programs Director of Prison Yoga Project and longtime yoga educator weaving together insights from yoga philosophy, science, and lived experience.
Sachi Doctor
Title: Healing with Ayurveda: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Restoring & Maintaining Balance
Bio: Ayurvedic practitioner and founder of Elemental Alchemy, bridging science and spirit.
Judge Victor Reyes
Title: Authenticity in Service Work
Bio: Retired judge integrating yoga, mindfulness, and justice reform.
Josefin Wikström
Title: Adapting Trauma-Informed Yoga for Mental Health
Additional Session w/Josefin- Facilitator Workshop: Working with Severe Mental Health Challenges in Correctional Settings with Josefin Wikström
Bio: Global leader in trauma-informed yoga in psychiatric and carceral systems.
Kim Peacock
Title: Guiding Incarcerated Youth
Bio: Canadian PYP Ambassador with deep experience teaching yoga to system-impacted youth.
We hope you enjoy the insight in these powerful conversations. All questions, curiosities, and reflections are welcome in this space.
With gratitude,
🌿 Jen & The PYP Training Team
I just listened to the amazing Nikki Myers. Thank you for giving us access to these wider perspectives. Such a valuable lecture from an incredibly inspiring person