Rachel’s BIO

My YogaWill was born out of my journey using yoga as a tool for regaining strength while restoring health after a massive ischemic stroke I had in 2009, not long after giving birth to my second son. I was only 25 and refused to believe in the limitations placed on my body. I set out on an unconventional path.

Yoga is not a destination it is a journey

I have no plans on becoming a yoga therapist, although I do find value in the field I plan on continuing my education more in anatomy training, breath training and sound healing meditations.

• June 12, 2009: Ischemic Stroke. Carotid artery dissection on Rollercoaster.

• 2009-2014: Rehab Institute of Chicago

  PT, OT, Botox injections, Saebo Flex, Splatt Surgery

• 2014-2015: Swedish Covenant Day Rehabilitation

  PT, OT, Diaphragmatic breathing, first yoga class

• 2016: Tribal Yoga member, Hampton Virginia

• 2017: Began 200 hour accredited yoga alliance teacher training with Sarah Kennedy at the Smithfield Ymca, Virginia

• 2017: 15 hour Bamboo Adaptive Yoga Training with Anne Richardson certified by IAYT

  International association of yoga therapists

• 2017: Myyogawill founded

• 2018: 20 hour Teacher enhancement train with yoga instructor and life coach

  Marni Sclaroff Beloved Yoga Studio Reston Virginia

• 2019: First Stroke Yoga support group established at Riverside Rehab, Newport News, Virginia

• 2020: Continued Education at Yogaville Satchadinanda Ashram Buckingham Virginia

  Yoga of Recovery with Durga Leela

• 2021: Continued education at Yogaville Satchadinanda Ashram, Buckingham Virginia

  Alexander Technique: Finding freedom of movement without pain with Hope Mell

• 2022: Achieved Experience 200 RYT status based on over 1,000 hours teaching and

  formatted Stroke Yoga Program

• 2023: 50 hour Anatomy training

• 2024: 300 hour completion Patanjali Yoga Center India