Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Tierra Denae, E-RYT
(she/her/they)
Online Facilitator
Innovative, dynamic, and resilient Tierra is an Artist, Anatomy Teacher, Functional Movement enthusiast, Certified Flexologist, Retreat host, Experienced Yoga Teacher, Apprenticing doula/birth companion, Tantrika, LMT in Training, and Level 1 Reiki Practitioner. Her deep rooted personal care for inspiring others to adopt a body aware physical practice and lifestyle that suits them shows through her dedication.
Tierra’s main commitment to her connections is to instruct various ways of alignment, healing, and community building while providing an enjoyable atmosphere and education. Creator of Tierra.Denae,
The Disconnect Retreat, Co-founder of Healing Roots, Tierra facilitates and host Retreats, workshops, teacher training education, private yoga events and wellness sessions for all and any who need support and care.
Tierra is in the process of completing her certification in the TCYM.
Brittney Lollis Tolar, LCSW, LCDC, CDWF-C, RYT
(she/her/hers)
Teaching Assistant and Yoga for Survivors Facilitator
Brittney is licensed therapist in private practice. Brittney’s practice serves the San Marcos and Austin areas. She began working in the field of addictions treatment in 2012. After completing her Masters Degree in Social Work from Savannah State University in 2016, Brittney moved to Austin, Texas to expand her career and knowledge in the therapy field. Over the past 4 years Brittney has worked to share her knowledge by speaking at various conferences around the country such as the Austin TAAP conference, the Texas Social Work conference, Dallas/Ft. Worth Behavioral Health Symposium and was a keynote at 2020 Mississippi Trauma Informed Care Conference. She completed her Trauma Conscious Yoga Certification in 2018. And in 2019, Brittney became certified in the Daring Way, curriculum written by Brene Brown around shame, vulnerability, and courage. Brittney believes in the healing of the whole body. Brittney gained her 200hr- yoga teacher certification on 2020. Brittney earned a Bachelors Degree in Behavior Analysis from Savannah State University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Savannah State University.
Amelia Ortega, LCSW, SIFI, TCYM
(they/them/she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Amelia Ortega, LCSW, TCYM, SIFI, currently works as a Feminist Psychotherapist through their practice, Amanecer Psychotherapy based in Queens, NY.
Amelia has instructed courses at Columbia University for eight years both residentially and online, and they also provide consultancy to direct service and non-profit agencies seeking to address structural and interpersonal racism and intersecting oppressions.
This year Amelia was honored by Negocios Now as one of “NYC’s 40 Latinos Under 40â€- for their trauma therapy practice and community healing work. Amelia believes their role in social work education and as a community-based clinician; is an opportunity to build collective consciousness about identity, power, and liberation labor. Amelia’s clinical practice is trauma-centered, and they utilize somatic experiencing techniques including EMDR and Trauma Conscious Yoga Methods with clients to connect healing, post-traumatic growth and philosophies of struggle. Amelia’s clinical and teaching work is grounded in anti-racist, class conscious frameworks, with a focus on Queer Feminist approaches. While their work is currently clinically oriented-Amelia’s background is primarily rooted in community organizing, training, and consultation.
Amelia spends their free time being with the ocean and natural spaces, and with their dog Diesal. They practice Trauma Conscious Yoga, are an avid bird watcher, photographer and naturalist writer. Amelia is inspired daily by the writing of liberation-oriented authors and the life partnerships created with her chosen family.
Cartelia Kennedy, M.Ed, LPC, NCC, RYT, TCYM
Teaching Assistant and Yoga for Survivors Facilitator
Cartelia Kennedy is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Somatic Psychotherapist and the Owner of Wellness Work Counseling Service, a solo private practice providing individual, and group psychotherapy in North Austin/Cedar Park.
Cartelia specializes in working with adolescents and adults, offering tools that allow clients to identify a deeper connection with mind and body, and to promote behavioral transformations that help manifest a life that’s aligned with core values. She is excited and passionate about her ability to integrate practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Somatic Experiencing practices with traditional talk therapy.
She earned a Master of Education, Clinical Mental Health from Lamar University, she also has a Master in Teacher Leadership from the University of Illinois, as well as a K-12 Principal Certification, and a Bachelors of Science in Communications from St. Edward’s University.
Cartelia completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training with Waking Yoga and is certified in the TCYM. She is currently enrolled in a 300-hour yoga teacher training.
Nityda Gessel, LCSW, E-RYT
(she/her/hers)
Founder, Director
Nityda Gessel is a somatic psychotherapist, trauma specialist, yoga teacher and educator, mom and heart-centered activist. Nityda is the Founder of the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute, creator of The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Methodâ„ , and author of forthcoming Norton book: Embodied Self Awakening: Somatic Practices for Trauma Healing and Spiritual Evolution (release: July 18, 2023).
Nityda’s integrative work over the past two decades has significantly contributed to the integration of the mental health and yoga/embodiment professions. Nityda has devoted her life to supporting the upliftment of others, working at the intersection of Eastern spirituality, holistic mental health, and embodied activism.
Nityda founded the Trauma-Conscious Equity Foundation to narrow the health disparity gap between served and underserved communities by providing funding for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ mental health professionals to receive yoga and somatic training.
For you, Nityda wishes a life of joy, freedom and peace. During her time off, she loves getting dirty with her toddler, being in nature, dancing and traveling the world.
Elizabeth Sumpf, LCSW, RYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Director of Online Trainee Programming
Elizabeth practices as a somatic psychotherapist, RYT-200 and Reiki Level II practitioner in her professional life located in Portland, Oregon. Elizabeth offers individual counseling at her private practice, Peaceful Prana Therapy, where she works with individuals healing from trauma. Elizabeth serves in her role as a yoga teacher at Peaceful Prana Yoga where she offers trauma-informed yoga groups and classes to those around the world to help make the healing practice of yoga more accessible. She’s certified as a Yin Yoga Teacher so she loves to offer the practice of yin through a trauma-informed lens. At TCYI, she acts as the Director of the Online Trainee Program as well as a facilitator of the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method training. Elizabeth began her career in the non-profit sector, where she played many roles. She served as the Clinical Director of the Holocaust Assistance Program, as well as a psychotherapist working with individuals in the community with a focus on Holocaust Survivors and Survivors of Domestic Abuse. Her passion is helping people build a relationship with themselves based on awareness, compassion, curiosity and openness so that they connect to their purpose in this life. Elizabeth believes in the pairing of spirituality, energy work and yogic philosophy with scientific therapeutic interventions to help individuals create change and find true inner peace. These certifications include EMDR, TCYM and specialized Shame training.
In her personal life, Elizabeth enjoys traveling to new places and spends most of her time in nature where she hugs trees and walks barefoot.
Jihan Madyun, LICSW, RYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Jihan Madyun is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist and the Owner of The Fulfillment Project, a solo private practice providing individual, couples and group psychotherapy in Washington, DC. She specializes in working with adults who desire to make conscious choices that create more fulfilling life experiences. Utilizing a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, expressive arts, and client-centered therapy, Jihan seeks to help clients through long-lasting change over quick fixes. Jihan began her career in community mental health settings, providing individual/group therapy and case management services to adolescents, families and individuals struggling with substance use, trauma and mental illness. Over the past two years, Jihan has built a specialized practice that reflects her belief that people can move towards growth and wholeness through self-discovery, self-compassion, self-acceptance and resilience building. Jihan has been working in the field of social work for the past 10 years. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Howard University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park. Jihan completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training at Spiritual Essence Yoga and is certified in TCYM.
Sonia Ross, LCSW, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Sonia Ross received her graduate degree in social work from the Catholic University of America. She has been practicing since 2011 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
She currently owns and operates her own private practice, Full Circle Therapy Services, in Riverdale, Maryland where she exclusively serves women recovering from trauma.Â
In alignment with her commitment to help women heal from intergenerational trauma, she has taken extensive trainings in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method (TCYM) and a year long training through the Viva Center on Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice.
Alexis Edwards, LCSW, CD, TCYM
(she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Alexis Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified BEST Doula, and owner of Birth 360, a private practice in Austin, TX that focuses on perinatal mental health and trauma recovery. She has a Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Studies and a Master of Science in Social Work, is a TCYM alum, and trained in both CPT and EMDR.
Alexis’s own traumatic births and journey to motherhood inspired her to integrate doula with her social work background. She is passionate about prioritizing the mental health needs of new parents. Alexis tirelessly advocates for better health outcomes for new families, including trauma-informed practices to become the standard of care within our maternal health care systems.
Courtney L. Butts, LMSW, Certified BEST Doula (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Courtney is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Adjunct Professor and Certified BEST Doula in Dallas, Texas. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Social Work. Specializing in perinatal mental health, intimate partner violence and sexual trauma, Courtney became interested in birth work after the birth of her son. Birth work has allowed Courtney to bring together two things she is passionate about- working with trauma survivors and her love of all things pregnancy and postpartum. As a mental health professional, her goal is to provide a safe and compassionate space for individuals and couples to gain a deeper understanding of how their life experiences influence healing and success moving forward. Courtney is in the process of completing her certification in the TCYM.
Scout Chavers, RYT, Social Justice Doula
(she/her, they/them)
Online Facilitator
Scout is a yoga teacher, social justice doula and educational facilitator in Austin, TX. Emerging from a lineage of caregivers Scout had a natural and holistic way of grounding others through her teaching and hands-on social justice work. She uses her education and background in prenatal/postnatal yoga, yin yoga, the biology of birth, life and death and knowledge of the energetic body to usher people through discomfort and create a space for them to arrive to authenticity in their bodies and lives.
Scout enjoys applying yoga in a therapeutic way, working with marginalized communities, and continuing a tradition in caring for human bodies, minds and souls in their entirety. .
Julia Britt, LSSP, TCYM
(she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
I have supported families and children as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology for the past 10+ years, through therapy and evaluations in both the school and clinical settings. While children’s emotional and mental wellbeing will always be a priority for me, my heart’s true work was revealed to me about 4 years ago. I realized the support needed, first and foremost, was with parents. Having recently become a mother, among mothers is where I discovered I wanted to be. Within and With You is a place for community, for learning, for feeling, for creating our favorite selves. My hope is to offer a heart-centered space for women to rediscover their true sense of self, find their inner peace and heal through motherhood. We heal from Within. I’m here With You.
Sabina Parker (she/her/hers)
Digital Marketing Strategist
As the Digital Marketing Strategist, Sabina supports the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute to expand their social media and email marketing efforts. Sabina’s expertise supports the outreach and growth of the TCYI community. Sabina currently lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. While she’s not working with the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute, she serves as the Program Communications Manager at Hunger Free Vermont, an organization working to end the injustice of hunger and malnutrition for all Vermonters. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, yoga, gardening, and spending time with her rescue pup. She’s grateful for the opportunity to support the amazing work Nityda and the Trauma-Conscious Institute are doing and looks forward to connecting even more individuals to the tools and resources TCYI offers!
Tosha Wilson (she/her/hers)
Executive Assistant
Tosha is an Executive/Virtual Assistant and owner of Activate Your Savvy. She provides administrative and technical support at the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute. Her background in project management, information systems and customer relations has been invaluable to the TCYI. Tosha resides in Columbia, SC and is currently pursuing her nursing degree.
Tosha likes being involved in her community and has shared her time at the Ronald McDonald House, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) , the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and the Girl Scouts. Tosha delights in taking on tasks that hinder you from doing what you love…..growing your business!
Lindsay Rothschild, LCSW, CCTP, SAP, TCYM, RYT
Teaching Assistant and Yoga for Survivors Facilitator
Lindsay Rothschild is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working in the field of behavioral health. She completed her Master’s Degree in Social work at Arizona State University in 2011 and currently specializes in treating complex trauma and addiction through a Salutogenic lens.
Through her extensive work in acute care settings, Lindsay has come to understand the impact of trauma on the mind, body and soul. Her commitment to the Salutogenic approach led her to deep dive into the exploration of holistic practices that compliment traditional psychotherapy.
Lindsay studied Holistic Nutrition at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in 2018 and went on to study Trauma Informed Yoga at the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute in 2019. Lindsay is certified in the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method and is also a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. Lindsay most recently completed training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy(KAP) through the Psychedelic Coalition for Health and EMDR Therapy training through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. As a leader in the trauma informed mission and mindset, Lindsay openly shares about her own journey navigating trauma and addiction on the path to rediscovering her authentic self. Lindsay partners with the Arizona Trauma Institute to facilitate trainings for mental health professionals, healers and educators in the community in an effort to promote awareness around Trauma Informed Care and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).Lindsay is the owner of Roots to Rise, PLLC in Tempe, Arizona where she provides somatic psychotherapy, supervision, trauma informed yoga groups, EMDR therapy and substance abuse professional services. She is also the Clinical Director at Seven Arrows Recovery Center in Elfrida, Arizona. Lindsay describes herself as having a wild and free spirit, an open heart and a belief that all humans have the capacity for transformation and growth.
Jessica Seebeck, LCSW, RYT, TCYM
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
For more than a decade I’ve practiced meditation and mindfulness and received my own therapy work to support my own healing journey. I believe it is important to display honesty and transparency to demonstrate my own belief and passion for this work, personally and professionally.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, with a Master’s in Social Work and a Bachelors in Counseling. I am a 200-HR Registered Yoga Teacher with advanced certification in the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method, where I currently volunteer as a Teaching Assistant. I am EMDR trained and currently studying with Embody Lab in their Somatic Attachment Trauma Therapy 80 HR Certificate to further the depth of my work with others.
I am passionate about expressing our emotions creatively and authentically, coming from a firm belief that we are all whole at our core, and the world needs your wholeness, all of you. Presently, I work with female-identifying individuals in my private practice located in Memphis, TN and also work in local school systems to provide healthy and unhealthy relationship education to high school students. I am highly active in the TN chapter of AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and feel a deep calling to this work.
When I’m not working, you can find me playing with my two pups – Rudy, a border collie/lab mix, and Charles, our newest rescue, who is an Australian Shepherd.
Hannah Cohen, LCSW, TIYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
Hannah is a social worker, therapist, and yoga teacher in private practice based in Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in body-centered and individualized approaches to trauma, stress, grief, depression, and anxiety. She uses a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive framework that sees mental health not as an individual problem, but one rooted in systemic and structural problems.
Hannah’s practice is shaped by the social work tenet of unconditional positive regard – where her liberation is tied up with all those she works with. She works from a place of solidarity, and understands that systems of oppression shape what is often incorrectly interpreted as individual pathology.
Hannah uses historical and material conditions as a context to understand ways systems of oppression are replicated in therapy despite intent, including ways adaptive responses to a hostile social environment are labeled “disordered.â€
Sarah LCSW, TIYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
Sarah is a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered yoga teacher in California. She obtained her Masters degree in Counseling in 2007 and has been serving the mental/emotional needs of the Central Valley for the past 16 years. Yoga has been a personal part of her life since 2010, and recognizing how deeply impactful it has been, not only on her own mental health and lived experience with trauma, but for those of her clients’, Sarah took her first yoga teacher training in 2019. Since then, she has gone on to become an RYT-500 and is certified in the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method.Â
Sarah specializes in women’s issues, trauma, and dissociative and self-injurious coping. She takes a holistic and embodied approach to healing, utilizing somatic and trauma-responsive yogic practices in treatment. It is her absolute joy to help people connect with their entire Self, feel better in their mind, body and spirit, and recognize their inherent worth to experience a life worth living. Sarah currently works in county behavioral healthcare and is in the process of launching her private practice, Grace and Skye Therapy Services.
Brandelyn Hankins, MS, LCP, TCYM
(she/her/hers)
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
Brandelyn is a licensed holistic psychotherapist and a certified meditation and yoga teacher with specific training in trauma-informed practices. She specializes in working with millennial women and BIPOC – two groups she identifies with and deeply cares about.
Brandelyn addresses physical and mental health and wellness utilizing somatic-based therapy. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling and is a TCYM alum.
Brandelyn’s desire to uplift and support others goes back to when she was a pre-teen and enhanced around 20 years old. Brandelyn always knew she wanted to help others and pursue a career and lifestyle focused on service.
Today, Brandelyn is taking her knowledge, experience and passion to bridge mental health and the physical for the BIPOC community. Brandelyn is also currently the owner of a group practice that specializes in holistic mental health, Mind, Body and Soul Counseling.
Eliza Combs, MA, LPCC, ATR, RPT, SAP®, RYT
(she/her/hers)
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
I am of Irish, German, and Cornish lineage, with more ancestral lineages still being discovered. I live on Tewa Land in Santa Fe, NM. I’m an artist, expressive arts therapist, healing support person, and yoga facilitator. I hold multiple identities and work from a lived experience of understanding mental health through a lens of trauma, history, violence, and systems of oppression.
We all carry ancestral wisdom that can serve our healing, and the practice can’t be done alone- we need each other. In 2019, I completed a 200-hour, year-long training on Historical Trauma Recovery and Somatic Archaeology through Freedom Lodge. Then, I found TCYM training, and the connection was immediate. I look forward to practicing, learning, expressing, and healing with you! This process has allowed me to explore my healing and integrate powerful body-centered practices with expressive arts modalities. Presently, I am drawn to the work of Somatic Abolitionism. You can find more about me at Expressive Arts Sanctuary. I believe that personal healing and collective liberation are connected. I am honored and grateful to be involved with TCYI and to reclaim yoga and body-centered practices for collective liberation and healing work with people.
Krystal Akin, M.Ed., LMHC, E-RYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
Krystal is a licensed counselor (FL, GA, MD, ME, WA, WV), specializing in trauma and intense emotions. She is also a yoga teacher in her community outside of Seattle, a student of Ayurveda, and a mother of two.
Krystal started practicing yoga as a teenager to help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, and she is passionate about bringing this living practice to others in her world. She has brought yoga to her work in community mental health and co-occurring treatment centers, local schools, her community studio, and her private practice since 2012.
Krystal has been described as bringing a grounding, genuine, empowering, and playful energy to her work and classes. She completed her 200hr teacher training at Spira Power Yoga in 2016 and her 300hr with My Vinyasa Practice in 2022. Krystal completed the TCYM Level 1 certification in 2021 and continues to expand her training in other mind-body focused modalities.
Amber Foster, LCSW, RYT, TCYM
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
Amber Foster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board approved supervisor in Texas. Amber is Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and a Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Provider. In addition she is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher and trained in the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method.
Amber takes a holistic approach in her therapy practice and believes healing happens in the mind, body and soul. Amber’s areas of expertise include trauma related issues such as intimate partner violence, childhood trauma, religious trauma and sexual abuse. Amber loves working with people from all backgrounds and feels honored to walk alongside survivors throughout their healing journey.
Renee Villanueva, LCSW
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
Renee Villanueva, LCSW, focuses on empowering women to heal from childhood and intergenerational trauma by breaking toxic cycles. I specifically help women with breakup recovery, relationships, inner child healing, and mind-body work. There are moments in life when we feel stuck and navigating life feels difficult. Therapy is a great tool to gain greater clarity & deep emotional healing. In therapy, we can uncover blocks that may be preventing women from living a life of authenticity, deep emotional healing & personal growth. I believe in a holistic approach and tuning inward with awareness and compassion.
Bri Liu, LPC, RYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)Â
Teaching Assistant and Studio Manager
Bri is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher with specialized training in trauma informed and inclusive practices. She completed her TCYM Level 1 Certification in 2021 and is excited to be enrolled in the very first offering of TCYM Level 2.
Passionate about working at the intersections of social justice, trauma, and mental health. Bri is particularly interested in supporting wellbeing in BIPOC communities. She is dedicated to creating accessible spaces where all individuals feel a deep sense of belonging and acceptance, where they feel seen, validated, and un-judged, allowing for the renegotiation and repair of previous wounding relational experiences. With a curious heart and mind, her areas of interest are continuously morphing and shifting. At the heart of her work though, never wavering, is the desire to uncover, acknowledge, and heal the traumas that arise from chronic experiences of disconnection and oppression, both on the collective and individual level.
Bri has worked in a variety of settings including public and charter schools, higher education institutes, community based mental health, non profit clinics, and private practice. She is awestruck by the resilience and inherent wisdom that lie within all peoples. Bri is trained in a variety of somatic therapies, including Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Body-Mind Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method. She is also drawn to Indigenous/Ancient philosophies and healing modalities (and acknowledges that many current somatic therapies are rooted in these Indigenous/Ancient practices), as well as relational and liberation orientations. During her free time, Bri enjoys frolicking in nature, attending live music shows, bloom watching, and frequenting various Asian markets and restaurants in town.
Jihan Madyun, LICSW, RYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Jihan Madyun is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist and the Owner of The Fulfillment Project, a solo private practice providing individual, couples and group psychotherapy in Washington, DC. She specializes in working with adults who desire to make conscious choices that create more fulfilling life experiences. Utilizing a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, expressive arts, and client-centered therapy, Jihan seeks to help clients through long-lasting change over quick fixes. Jihan began her career in community mental health settings, providing individual/group therapy and case management services to adolescents, families and individuals struggling with substance use, trauma and mental illness. Over the past two years, Jihan has built a specialized practice that reflects her belief that people can move towards growth and wholeness through self-discovery, self-compassion, self-acceptance and resilience building. Jihan has been working in the field of social work for the past 10 years. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Howard University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park. Jihan completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training at Spiritual Essence Yoga and is certified in the TCYM.
Elizabeth Sumpf, LCSW, RYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
I began my yoga journey at 23-years-old when I was going through a difficult time in my life. My therapist at the time encouraged me to practice yoga but it took a long time before I finally decided to take a class. After that first class, I immediately knew it’s what I’d been looking for all along. I felt a sense of peace and connection that I’ve never experienced, and at that time, I couldn’t imagine how those feelings would continue to evolve with my practice.
During this time, I was also studying to become a therapist but wasn’t clear on what path to take within my field. Thankfully, my path naturally lead me to working with trauma survivors since the start of my career. While working for a non-profit, I provided talk therapy to Holocaust Survivors as well as Survivors of Domestic Abuse but in the back of mind I knew these clients needed more-I slowly began to incorporate breathing and mindfulness- but I just wasn’t sure how to share all the information I knew about yoga and the mind/body connection.Â
Eventually, after 10 years of practicing I decided it was time to obtain my RYT-200 so that I could share the healing aspects of yoga with others. This was the next step for me in trying to figure out how to combine yoga and mental health; I needed to deepen my skills so that I could help others connect with themselves- in therapy sessions and yoga classes.Â
About one year later I found TCYM..and the minute I heard about this training I knew it was for me!Â
I’m deeply grateful that as I continue to evolve personally so does my professional life so currently I work in private practice, Peaceful Prana Therapy, where I incorporate talk therapy and spirituality with a somatic focus to help women who experience trauma and the symptoms related to trauma so that they can begin to find their own path as they build a relationship with themselves based on self-compassion and openness.Â
My personal life consists of working my own path focused on self- acceptance, compassion, gratitude and love. I enjoy travelling travel to experience different cultures, listen to the languages and see the World with fresh eyes. I’m most grounded and connected when I’m out in nature where I can hug trees and walk barefoot.Â
Sonia Ross, LCSW, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Sonia Ross received her graduate degree in social work from the Catholic University of America. She has been practicing since 2011 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
She currently owns and operates her own private practice, Full Circle Therapy Services, in Riverdale, Maryland where she exclusively serves women recovering from trauma.Â
In alignment with her commitment to help women heal from intergenerational trauma, she has taken extensive trainings in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method (TCYM) and a year long training through the Viva Center on Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice.
Tierra Denae, E-RYT (she/her/they)
Online Facilitator
Innovative, dynamic, and resilient Tierra is an Artist, Anatomy Teacher, Functional Movement enthusiast, Certified Flexologist, Retreat host, Experienced Yoga Teacher, Apprenticing doula/birth companion, Tantrika, LMT in Training, and Level 1 Reiki Practitioner. Her deep rooted personal care for inspiring others to adopt a body aware physical practice and lifestyle that suits them shows through her dedication. Tierra’s main commitment to her connections is to instruct various ways of alignment, healing, and community building while providing an enjoyable atmosphere and education. Creator of Tierra.Denae, The Disconnect Retreat, Co-founder of Healing Roots, Tierra facilitates and host Retreats, workshops, teacher training education, private yoga events and wellness sessions for all and any who need support and care. Tierra is in the process of completing her certification in the TCYM.
Alexis Edwards, LCSW, CD, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Alexis Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified BEST Doula, and owner of Birth 360, a private practice in Austin, TX that focuses on perinatal mental health and trauma recovery. She has a Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Studies and a Master of Science in Social Work, is a TCYM alum, and trained in both CPT and EMDR. Her own traumatic births and journey to motherhood inspired her to integrate doula with her social work background and she is passionate about prioritizing the mental health needs of new parents. She tirelessly advocates for better health outcomes for new families, including trauma-informed practices to become the standard of care within our maternal health care systems.
Courtney L. Butts, LMSW and Certified BEST Doula (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
Courtney is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Adjunct Professor and Certified BEST Doula in Dallas, Texas. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Social Work. Specializing in perinatal mental health, intimate partner violence and sexual trauma, Courtney became interested in birth work after the birth of her son. Birth work has allowed Courtney to bring together two things she is passionate about- working with trauma survivors and her love of all things pregnancy and postpartum. As a mental health professional, her goal is to provide a safe and compassionate space for individuals and couples to gain a deeper understanding of how their life experiences influence healing and success moving forward. Courtney is in the process of completing her certification in the TCYM.
Amelia Ortega, LCSW, SIFI, TCYM (they/them, she/her, hers)
Online Facilitator
Amelia Ortega, LCSW, TCYM, SIFI, currently works as a Feminist Psychotherapist through their practice, Amanecer Psychotherapy based in Queens, NY. Amelia has instructed courses at Columbia University for eight years both residentially and online, and they also provide consultancy to direct service and non-profit agencies seeking to address structural and interpersonal racism and intersecting oppressions. This year Amelia was honored by Negocios Now as one of “NYC’s 40 Latinos Under 40â€- for their trauma therapy practice and community healing work. Amelia believes their role in social work education and as a community-based clinician; is an opportunity to build collective consciousness about identity, power, and liberation labor. Amelia’s clinical practice is trauma-centered, and they utilize somatic experiencing techniques including EMDR and Trauma Conscious Yoga Methods with clients to connect healing, post-traumatic growth and philosophies of struggle. Amelia’s clinical and teaching work is grounded in anti-racist, class conscious frameworks, with a focus on Queer Feminist approaches. While their work is currently clinically oriented-Amelia’s background is primarily rooted in community organizing, training, and consultation. Amelia spends their free time being with the ocean and natural spaces, and with their dog Diesal. They practice Trauma Conscious Yoga, are an avid bird watcher, photographer and naturalist writer. Amelia is inspired daily by the writing of liberation-oriented authors and by the life partnerships created with her chosen family.
Scout Chavers, RYT, Social Justice Doula (she/her, they/them)
Online Facilitator
Scout is a yoga teacher, social justice doula and educational facilitator in Austin, TX. Emerging from a lineage of caregivers Scout had a natural and holistic way of grounding others through her teaching and hands-on social justice work. She uses her education and background in prenatal/postnatal yoga, yin yoga, the biology of birth, life and death and knowledge of the energetic body to usher people through discomfort and create a space for them to arrive to authenticity in their bodies and lives. Scout enjoys applying yoga in a therapeutic way, working with marginalized communities, and continuing a tradition in caring for human bodies, minds and souls in their entirety.
Sabina Parker (she/her/hers)
Digital Marketing Strategist
As the Digital Marketing Strategist, Sabina supports the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute to expand their social media and email marketing efforts. Sabina’s expertise supports the outreach and growth of the TCYI community. Sabina currently lives in Burlington, Vermont. While she’s not working with the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute, she serves as the Program Communications Specialist at Hunger Free Vermont, an organization working to end the injustice of hunger and malnutrition for all Vermonters. Sabina is passionate about creating social change through both systems-based and community-based solutions. Sabina volunteers with the New England Grassroots Environment Fund, local animal rescues in her community, and is a member of the Black Lives Matter of Greater Burlington’s White Caucus. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, yoga, gardening, and spending time with her chickens and rescue pup. She’s grateful for the opportunity to support the amazing work Nityda and the Trauma-Conscious Institute are doing and looks forward to connecting even more individuals to the tools and resources TCYI offers!
Tosha Wilson (she/her/hers)
Executive Assistant
Tosha is an Executive/Virtual Assistant and owner of Activate Your Savvy. She provides administrative and technical support at the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute. Her background in project management, information systems and customer relations has been invaluable to the TCYI. Tosha resides in Columbia, SC and is currently pursuing her nursing degree. She likes being involved in her community and has shared her time at the Ronald McDonald House, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) , the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and the Girl Scouts. Tosha delights in taking on tasks that hinder you from doing what you love…..growing your business!
Julia Britt, LSSP, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Online Facilitator
I have supported families and children as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology for the past 10+ years, through therapy and evaluations in both the school and clinical settings. While children’s emotional and mental wellbeing will always be a priority for me, my heart’s true work was revealed to me about 4 years ago. I realized the support needed, first and foremost, was with parents. Having recently become a mother myself, among mothers is where I discovered I wanted to be.
Within and With You is a place for community, for learning, for feeling, for creating our favorite selves. My hope is to offer a heart-centered space for women to rediscover their true sense of self, find their inner peace and heal through motherhood.Â
We heal from Within. I’m here With You.
Brittney Lollis Tolar, LCSW, LCDC, CDWF-C, RYT, TCYM
Teaching Assistant and Yoga for Survivors Facilitator
Brittney is licensed therapist in private practice. Brittney’s practice serves the San Marcos and Austin areas. She began working in the field of addictions treatment in 2012. After completing her Masters Degree in Social Work from Savannah State University in 2016, Brittney moved to Austin, Texas to expand her career and knowledge in the therapy field. Over the past 4 years Brittney has worked to share her knowledge by speaking at various conferences around the country such as the Austin TAAP conference, the Texas Social Work conference, Dallas/Ft. Worth Behavioral Health Symposium and was a keynote at 2020 Mississippi Trauma Informed Care Conference. She completed her Trauma Conscious Yoga Certification in 2018. And in 2019, Brittney became certified in the Daring Way, curriculum written by Brene Brown around shame, vulnerability, and courage. Brittney believes in the healing of the whole body. Brittney gained her 200hr- yoga teacher certification on 2020. Brittney earned a Bachelors Degree in Behavior Analysis from Savannah State University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Savannah State University.
Cartelia Kennedy, M.Ed, LPC, NCC, RYT, TCYM
Teaching Assistant and Yoga for Survivors Facilitator
Cartelia Kennedy is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Somatic Psychotherapist and the Owner of Wellness Work Counseling Service, a solo private practice providing individual, and group psychotherapy in North Austin/Cedar Park. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults, offering tools that allow clients to identify a deeper connection with mind and body, and to promote behavioral transformations that help manifest a life that’s aligned with core values. She is excited and passionate about her ability to integrate practices such as  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Somatic Experiencing practices with traditional talk therapy.
Lindsay Rothschild, LCSW, CCTP, RYT 200, TCYM
Teaching Assistant and Yoga for Survivors Facilitator
Lindsay Rothschild is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working in the field of behavioral health. Through her extensive work in acute care settings, Lindsay has come to understand the complex impact of trauma on the mind, body and soul. Her passion for treating the whole person led her to deep dive into the exploration of holistic and somatic practices including movement, breath, meditation, mindfulness and nutrition. Lindsay studied Holistic Nutrition at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in 2018 and went on to study Trauma Informed Yoga at the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute in 2019. Lindsay is certified in the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method™ and is also a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. As a leader in the trauma informed mission and mindset, Lindsay openly shares about her own journey of discovery and her continued commitment to personal growth while serving others.
Lindsay has partnered with The Arizona Trauma Institute to create and facilitate trainings for first responders, law enforcement personnel, clinicians and educators in the community in an effort to promote awareness around Trauma Informed Care and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).  Lindsay is the owner of Roots to Rise, PLLC in Tempe, Arizona where she provides psychotherapy, coaching, trauma informed yoga groups and substance abuse professional services. Outside of the office, Lindsay enjoys exploring nature, traveling to new places, and spontaneous dance parties.
Hannah Cohen, LCSW, TIYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Teaching Assistant and Alumni Consultation Group Facilitator
Hannah is a social worker, therapist, and yoga teacher in private practice based in Brooklyn, New York.  She specializes in body-centered and individualized approaches to trauma, stress, grief, depression, and anxiety. She uses a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive framework that sees mental health not as an individual problem, but one rooted in systemic and structural problems. Her practice is shaped by the social work tenet of unconditional positive regard – where her liberation is tied up with all those she works with. She works from a place of solidarity, and understands that systems of oppression shape what is often incorrectly interpreted as individual pathology. She uses historical and material conditions as a context to understand ways systems of oppression are replicated in therapy despite intent, including ways adaptive responses to a hostile social environment are labeled “disordered.â€
Bri Liu, LPC, RYT, TCYM (she/her/hers)
Teaching Assistant and Studio Manager
Bri is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher with specialized training in trauma informed and inclusive practices. She completed her TCYM Level 1 Certification in 2021 and is excited to be enrolled in the very first offering of TCYM Level 2.
Passionate about working at the intersections of social justice, trauma, and mental health. Bri is particularly interested in supporting wellbeing in BIPOC communities. She is dedicated to creating accessible spaces where all individuals feel a deep sense of belonging and acceptance, where they feel seen, validated, and un-judged, allowing for the renegotiation and repair of previous wounding relational experiences. With a curious heart and mind, her areas of interest are continuously morphing and shifting. At the heart of her work though, never wavering, is the desire to uncover, acknowledge, and heal the traumas that arise from chronic experiences of disconnection and oppression, both on the collective and individual level.
Bri has worked in a variety of settings including public and charter schools, higher education institutes, community based mental health, non profit clinics, and private practice. She is awestruck by the resilience and inherent wisdom that lie within all peoples. Bri is trained in a variety of somatic therapies, including Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Body-Mind Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method. She is also drawn to Indigenous/Ancient philosophies and healing modalities (and acknowledges that many current somatic therapies are rooted in these Indigenous/Ancient practices), as well as relational and liberation orientations. During her free time, Bri enjoys frolicking in nature, attending live music shows, bloom watching, and frequenting various Asian markets and restaurants in town.
