[Nicole]

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole and I am the National Program Manager for Prison Yoga Project. I am originally from Connecticut but have been living in Arkansas for six years and am currently based in Little Rock. I have my 200hr yoga teacher certification, as well as a master’s degree in Public Service.

When we aren’t in a pandemic, I facilitate yoga for teenagers at a juvenile detention facility in Little Rock. This was a natural progression from my time in the classroom as a history and politics teacher, where I was disheartened by the punitive system and the disproportionate suspension of students of color. I am a fierce opponent of the school-to-prison pipeline, and believe yoga is one of the best tools we have to counteract systems based on punishment.

In my role, I have the great fortune of attending PYP training many times, in different locations. I am enthusiastic about this opportunity for us all to connect virtually. Each time I attend the training, I learn something new- and have no doubt this will be a transformative experience for me.

When I am not working, or teaching yoga, or talking about yoga, I love spending time with my cat Cookie. I also really enjoy cooking, learning to play the ukulele, traveling, and reading.

[Nicole]

Hi Kate and Emily!

We have a lovely group of facilitators who taught in NYC correctional facilities prior to COVID and who are interested in resuming once we are able to go back inside. We will have to make sure you all get connected!

[Nicole]

Hi Kristel!

I’m Nicole, PYP’s National Program Manager. I am so happy you are enrolled in this training!

I wanted to let you know that before working with PYP, I was a classroom teacher. I can share firsthand that my experience in the classroom and my experience with PYP go hand in hand! My dream is for more educators, counselors, and school administrators to enroll in this training and have a foundation in these practices for our youth. I often share that the kids that I facilitate yoga for in my local jail are very similar to those in my classroom. I absolutely believe this work could be used for both preventative measures, as well as re-entry for kids that were incarcerated or alternative school.

If you have any questions about this material and how it could be applied with youth, please do not hesitate to reach out! (nicole@prisonyoga.org)

Next year, we will also be partnering with YogaEd for training specifically with teens. We will provide more info in the new year.

[Nicole]

Hey Kimberly!

I am so glad that you are able to join our training 🙂 I have family in Tampa, and was just there last March.

I would love to learn more about your work and the organization in Northern Florida who is bringing yoga to correctional facilities. We are starting to get inquiries from folks in Florida, so I would like to be able to connect them, or even partner. We have experience in scaling and expanding here at PYP, so I would love to make the connection.

[Nicole]

It is always a pleasure to have you here, John!

[Nicole]

Welcome, Juan. I am inspired by your vast knowledge of the many forms of yoga and enthusiastic to learn more about the work you have done in Costa Rica!

[Nicole]

Hi Jackie! We are so happy to have you here. I was inspired to work for the Prison Yoga Project after my time in the classroom with high schoolers so I am very intrigued by your upcoming internship.

Your statement, “with regards to the intersection of social justice and yoga (as a modality for healing and increased self-awareness, presence, and agency” is beautifully worded and speaks so clearly to our mission.

[Nicole]

Hi Rebecca! I believe we have connected in the past via the fantastic Katherine Kelton. I am so excited to have you here.

I have had my yoga certification for just over a year now, so we are in the same boat! Something kinda cool about being newer to facilitating yoga is we often have less to un-learn when it comes to some problematic practices. And while there is so much to learn, this is a great community to learn from!