Meet our Certification Program Supervisors:
Boston Cohort
Jennifer Turner, LMHC, RYT, TCTSY-F
Co-Director, The Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI
Jenn has had the honor of working with survivors of trauma for all of her career. Along with working in private practice as a trauma-informed therapist, Jenn is the Co-Director of the Center for Trauma and Embodiment where she works to oversee training and supports the development of body-first interventions for healing from trauma. Jenn also leads trainings in Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) throughout the U.S, provides consultation to organizations on how to become more trauma informed at all levels. Jenn cofounded the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI in 2018.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Co-Director, The Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI
Jenn has had the honor of working with survivors of trauma for all of her career. Along with working in private practice as a trauma-informed therapist, Jenn is the Co-Director of the Center for Trauma and Embodiment where she works to oversee training and supports the development of body-first interventions for healing from trauma. Jenn also leads trainings in Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) throughout the U.S, provides consultation to organizations on how to become more trauma informed at all levels. Jenn cofounded the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI in 2018.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Lisa Boldin, MSW, MBA, TCTSY-F
Coordinator, TCTSY Certification Program
Supervisor, Certification Program
Lisa Boldin, MSW, MBA, TCTSY-F is the Coordinator of the Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Certification Program based at the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI in Boston. Additionally, she provides supervision to students who are seeking certification in this evidence-based practice. Lisa has offered TCTSY as an integral part of psychotherapy in outpatient and residential behavioral health facilities, working extensively with survivors of sexual trauma and violent crime. Lisa is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and a past board member and conference manager for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. She is a contributing author to the Best Practices book “Yoga and Resilience: Empowering Practices for Survivors of Sexual Trauma” produced by Yoga Service Council and due to be released early in 2020. Lisa practices trauma-informed therapy and works as a Behavioral Health Therapist on the Seacoast of NH. You may contact Lisa at lboldin@jri.org.
Coordinator, TCTSY Certification Program
Supervisor, Certification Program
Lisa Boldin, MSW, MBA, TCTSY-F is the Coordinator of the Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Certification Program based at the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI in Boston. Additionally, she provides supervision to students who are seeking certification in this evidence-based practice. Lisa has offered TCTSY as an integral part of psychotherapy in outpatient and residential behavioral health facilities, working extensively with survivors of sexual trauma and violent crime. Lisa is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and a past board member and conference manager for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. She is a contributing author to the Best Practices book “Yoga and Resilience: Empowering Practices for Survivors of Sexual Trauma” produced by Yoga Service Council and due to be released early in 2020. Lisa practices trauma-informed therapy and works as a Behavioral Health Therapist on the Seacoast of NH. You may contact Lisa at lboldin@jri.org.
Sydney Spears, Ph.D., LSCSW, RYT, TCTSY-F
Overland Park, Kansas
Supervisor, Certification Program
Sydney is a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked in schools, mental health agencies, and private practice providing support and psychotherapy to adults, couples, and families. Her areas of interest and research have included brain-based mindfulness, trauma interventions, diversity, equity and inclusion, grief and loss issues, holistic wellness, and professional self-care. Sydney is committed to advancing social justice through providing more opportunities for diverse and underrepresented populations to gain more access to the healing power of yoga, sensorimotor practices and mindfulness. Sydney has completed intensive training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with Jon Kabat-Zinn, and a certification in Mindful Self-Compassion training from the University of California. Sydney has also completed a mindfulness leadership training developed at Google to foster peak performance for employees called “Engage” from the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute in San Francisco. Currently, Sydney is a professor at The University of Kansas-Edwards Campus. Through her business, The Insight Studio, she offers trainings, workshops and programs in workplace mindfulness, brain-based mindfulness for stress relief, social justice yoga/movement and trauma-sensitive yoga with at-risk children in the schools. She provides trauma-sensitive yoga classes at the Kansas City VA for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress, trauma-sensitive yoga/movement private and group sessions, and yoga for stress-relief group and individual sessions. Contact Sydney at DeepInsight4RealTransformation@gmail.com. Pronouns: she/her/hers
Overland Park, Kansas
Supervisor, Certification Program
Sydney is a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked in schools, mental health agencies, and private practice providing support and psychotherapy to adults, couples, and families. Her areas of interest and research have included brain-based mindfulness, trauma interventions, diversity, equity and inclusion, grief and loss issues, holistic wellness, and professional self-care. Sydney is committed to advancing social justice through providing more opportunities for diverse and underrepresented populations to gain more access to the healing power of yoga, sensorimotor practices and mindfulness. Sydney has completed intensive training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with Jon Kabat-Zinn, and a certification in Mindful Self-Compassion training from the University of California. Sydney has also completed a mindfulness leadership training developed at Google to foster peak performance for employees called “Engage” from the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute in San Francisco. Currently, Sydney is a professor at The University of Kansas-Edwards Campus. Through her business, The Insight Studio, she offers trainings, workshops and programs in workplace mindfulness, brain-based mindfulness for stress relief, social justice yoga/movement and trauma-sensitive yoga with at-risk children in the schools. She provides trauma-sensitive yoga classes at the Kansas City VA for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress, trauma-sensitive yoga/movement private and group sessions, and yoga for stress-relief group and individual sessions. Contact Sydney at DeepInsight4RealTransformation@gmail.com. Pronouns: she/her/hers
Jody Hassel, M.F.A., E-RYT, YACEP, TCTSY-F
Fairbanks, Alaska
Supervisor, Certification Program
Licensed 20-Hour TCTSY Trainer
Jody is the TCTSY Trainer for Alaska and Hawaii and a Supervisor for the 300-Hour TCTSY Certification program. She facilitates Trauma Sensitive Yoga in small-group and private sessions at Blossom House Healing Arts and to community members in various programs in Fairbanks, Alaska. She is the founder and Executive Director of Blossom House, a nonprofit service organization providing accessible, trauma-informed interventions to incarcerated and in-custody communities. As a headquarters for healing, trauma stewardship, and community gatherings, Blossom House facilitates a collective of artists, teachers, and therapists who work to create access to wellness in order to cultivate a caring and just community. Blossom House's Yoga Service Project Alaska andBreadcrumbs Theatre Company currently offer weekly sessions for men and women at the Fairbanks Correctional Center, and for youth at the Fairbanks Youth Facility, and Family Centered Services Residential Treatment Center. Jody also offers Trauma Sensitive Yoga for clients of Turning Point Counseling. Iyengar-based hatha, restorative, and vinyasa yoga styles add to Jody’s trauma-informed practice in other community classes at University of Alaska Fairbanks and Tanana Chiefs Conference facilities. Jody continues to develop her understanding of personal and community trauma through yoga and the arts. Creating access to an embodied practice of being present and feeling empowered is her highest priority in facilitating yoga. Jody can be reached at jodyhassel@gmail.com.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Supervisor, Certification Program
Licensed 20-Hour TCTSY Trainer
Jody is the TCTSY Trainer for Alaska and Hawaii and a Supervisor for the 300-Hour TCTSY Certification program. She facilitates Trauma Sensitive Yoga in small-group and private sessions at Blossom House Healing Arts and to community members in various programs in Fairbanks, Alaska. She is the founder and Executive Director of Blossom House, a nonprofit service organization providing accessible, trauma-informed interventions to incarcerated and in-custody communities. As a headquarters for healing, trauma stewardship, and community gatherings, Blossom House facilitates a collective of artists, teachers, and therapists who work to create access to wellness in order to cultivate a caring and just community. Blossom House's Yoga Service Project Alaska andBreadcrumbs Theatre Company currently offer weekly sessions for men and women at the Fairbanks Correctional Center, and for youth at the Fairbanks Youth Facility, and Family Centered Services Residential Treatment Center. Jody also offers Trauma Sensitive Yoga for clients of Turning Point Counseling. Iyengar-based hatha, restorative, and vinyasa yoga styles add to Jody’s trauma-informed practice in other community classes at University of Alaska Fairbanks and Tanana Chiefs Conference facilities. Jody continues to develop her understanding of personal and community trauma through yoga and the arts. Creating access to an embodied practice of being present and feeling empowered is her highest priority in facilitating yoga. Jody can be reached at jodyhassel@gmail.com.
Anna Kharaz, LMHC, TCTSY-F
North Shore & Boston, Massachusetts
Supervisor, Certification Program;
Agency Trainer
Anna is a psychotherapist, neurotherapist and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga facilitator in the greater Boston area. She holds weekly TCTSY classes and is also a trainer and supervisor for the TCTSY training program. Anna has experience working with a culturally and clinically diverse population of children, adolescents, adults and families in domestic and international settings and has worked for research institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Boston Medical Center, The Trauma Center, National Institutes of Health, and the Veterans Administrations Hospital. She holds a Bachelors degree in Neuroscience from Brandeis University and Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. Anna utilizes yoga, biofeedback and neurofeedback in her clinical work and specializes in incorporating compassion and mindfulness into empirically validated treatments. For more information, please visit www.wholehumancounseling.com or reach out at anna@wholehumancounseling.com
North Shore & Boston, Massachusetts
Supervisor, Certification Program;
Agency Trainer
Anna is a psychotherapist, neurotherapist and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga facilitator in the greater Boston area. She holds weekly TCTSY classes and is also a trainer and supervisor for the TCTSY training program. Anna has experience working with a culturally and clinically diverse population of children, adolescents, adults and families in domestic and international settings and has worked for research institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Boston Medical Center, The Trauma Center, National Institutes of Health, and the Veterans Administrations Hospital. She holds a Bachelors degree in Neuroscience from Brandeis University and Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. Anna utilizes yoga, biofeedback and neurofeedback in her clinical work and specializes in incorporating compassion and mindfulness into empirically validated treatments. For more information, please visit www.wholehumancounseling.com or reach out at anna@wholehumancounseling.com
Emily Lapolice, LICSW, RYT, TCTSY-F
Arlington, Massachusetts
Supervisor, Certification Program;
Agency Trainer
Emily is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), certified yoga instructor, and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F) working in private practice in Arlington, MA. Emily is a trauma therapist who specializes in work with adult trauma survivors, as well as anxiety, depression, general stress management, and has a special interest in perinatal mental health. Along with working in private practice, Emily is a Supervisor in the TCTSY certification program at the Trauma Center in Brookline, MA, where she is also a yoga teacher for the women’s TCTSY classes. Emily received her Bachelors degree in Psychology at Providence College in 2003 and Masters degree in Social Work at New York University in 2006, working in day-treatment, inpatient, outpatient, and school-based mental health settings in both New York City and Boston for the past 12 years. Through personal experiences and challenges in her own life, Emily grew to see the connections between our thoughts and feelings, and the physical reactions and responses in our bodies. Emily believes in this work, not only because of the theory and research behind it, but most importantly because of its personal relevance in her life. As a new mother, she feels and understands these connections more than ever before and particularly enjoys offering support to women during the perinatal time. Emily is currently working on projects to bring more awareness and research to the field of perinatal mental health, including but not limited to, postpartum depression and anxiety, and perinatal trauma. More information about Emily and her current practice can be found at www.iwtherapies.com. Pronouns: she/her/hers
Arlington, Massachusetts
Supervisor, Certification Program;
Agency Trainer
Emily is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), certified yoga instructor, and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F) working in private practice in Arlington, MA. Emily is a trauma therapist who specializes in work with adult trauma survivors, as well as anxiety, depression, general stress management, and has a special interest in perinatal mental health. Along with working in private practice, Emily is a Supervisor in the TCTSY certification program at the Trauma Center in Brookline, MA, where she is also a yoga teacher for the women’s TCTSY classes. Emily received her Bachelors degree in Psychology at Providence College in 2003 and Masters degree in Social Work at New York University in 2006, working in day-treatment, inpatient, outpatient, and school-based mental health settings in both New York City and Boston for the past 12 years. Through personal experiences and challenges in her own life, Emily grew to see the connections between our thoughts and feelings, and the physical reactions and responses in our bodies. Emily believes in this work, not only because of the theory and research behind it, but most importantly because of its personal relevance in her life. As a new mother, she feels and understands these connections more than ever before and particularly enjoys offering support to women during the perinatal time. Emily is currently working on projects to bring more awareness and research to the field of perinatal mental health, including but not limited to, postpartum depression and anxiety, and perinatal trauma. More information about Emily and her current practice can be found at www.iwtherapies.com. Pronouns: she/her/hers
Nicola Mosley, MSW, RSW, RYT, TCTSY-F
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Supervisor, Certification Program
Licensed 20-Hour TCTSY Trainer
Nicola is certified in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) and integrates this technique into her work as a Program Therapist at an addictions treatment facility, an Instructor at Outward Bound for survivors of violence, and as a Youth and Family Worker. After completing an integrative literature review investigating yoga as a tool to support trauma recovery within humanitarian crisis’, Nicola approached David Emerson to do an internship. This led her to study at the Trauma Center in Boston through David Emerson. One of the outcomes of that experience was article published in the Elephant Journal, Treating Trauma with Yoga . After the internship, Nicola continued on to complete her TCTSY certification and assisted with some trainings at Kripalu. Now based in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, Nicola offers TCTSY trainings across Canada and soon within countries in Africa as Faculty for the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. In addition to integrating the practice into her workplace, Nicola sees clients in private practice for TCTSY sessions, integrates the trauma-sensitive lens into public classes, and instructs TCTSY classes within agency settings. More information can be found through her Trauma Sensitive Yoga West website. With a background in International Development, Nicola strives to offer this modality in collaboration with organizations supporting trauma recovery and wellness within contexts of humanitarian relief. www.traumasensitiveyogawest.ca
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Supervisor, Certification Program
Licensed 20-Hour TCTSY Trainer
Nicola is certified in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) and integrates this technique into her work as a Program Therapist at an addictions treatment facility, an Instructor at Outward Bound for survivors of violence, and as a Youth and Family Worker. After completing an integrative literature review investigating yoga as a tool to support trauma recovery within humanitarian crisis’, Nicola approached David Emerson to do an internship. This led her to study at the Trauma Center in Boston through David Emerson. One of the outcomes of that experience was article published in the Elephant Journal, Treating Trauma with Yoga . After the internship, Nicola continued on to complete her TCTSY certification and assisted with some trainings at Kripalu. Now based in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, Nicola offers TCTSY trainings across Canada and soon within countries in Africa as Faculty for the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. In addition to integrating the practice into her workplace, Nicola sees clients in private practice for TCTSY sessions, integrates the trauma-sensitive lens into public classes, and instructs TCTSY classes within agency settings. More information can be found through her Trauma Sensitive Yoga West website. With a background in International Development, Nicola strives to offer this modality in collaboration with organizations supporting trauma recovery and wellness within contexts of humanitarian relief. www.traumasensitiveyogawest.ca
Angelica Emery-Fertitta, MSW, TCTSY-F
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Supervisor, Certification Program
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Angelica is dedicated to bringing accessible movement experiences to individuals of all ages and backgrounds who have experienced trauma. She strongly believes in the importance of inclusion of the body in the process of healing and growth. Angelica has experience facilitating for both youth and adults, in groups and individual sessions. She has taught at residential treatment facilities for youth; a teen parenting program; universities; and other local non-profits. When Angelica is not facilitating TCTSY, she works with youth and families in the Greater Boston Area with a focus on providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapeutic care. Angelica received her Master's in Social Work from Bridgewater State University. She is a certified Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator, supervisor in the certificate program, as well as a registered yoga teacher. Angelica trained with Yoga Garden San Francisco for both her 200-hr training and her Kids Yoga training. She has also completed a Yoga for Teens Training with Christine Miele. Please be in touch via email for more information: aemeryfertitta@gmail.com.
Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Supervisor, Certification Program
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Angelica is dedicated to bringing accessible movement experiences to individuals of all ages and backgrounds who have experienced trauma. She strongly believes in the importance of inclusion of the body in the process of healing and growth. Angelica has experience facilitating for both youth and adults, in groups and individual sessions. She has taught at residential treatment facilities for youth; a teen parenting program; universities; and other local non-profits. When Angelica is not facilitating TCTSY, she works with youth and families in the Greater Boston Area with a focus on providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapeutic care. Angelica received her Master's in Social Work from Bridgewater State University. She is a certified Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator, supervisor in the certificate program, as well as a registered yoga teacher. Angelica trained with Yoga Garden San Francisco for both her 200-hr training and her Kids Yoga training. She has also completed a Yoga for Teens Training with Christine Miele. Please be in touch via email for more information: aemeryfertitta@gmail.com.
Rachele Judd Thompson, LCSW, TCTSY-F
New Orleans, Louisiana
Supervisor, Certification Program
Rachele Judd Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of clinical experience, a Swan River Yoga teacher, and a Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga - Facilitator. She obtained her Masters of Social Work degree from Tulane University School of Social Work in 2003. Rachele has a private practice in New Orleans, LA with a special focus on treating eating disorders, anxiety and trauma. Rachele’s personal and professional mission statement is to cultivate and share tools that promote non-violence within the self and in the world. Rachele has offers educational opportunities locally and nationally on the topics of trauma, eating disorders and body acceptance. She is currently hosting Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga groups and also facilitates groups focusing on body awareness and the process towards body acceptance. For more information check out her website: www.rachelethompsonlcsw.com
New Orleans, Louisiana
Supervisor, Certification Program
Rachele Judd Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of clinical experience, a Swan River Yoga teacher, and a Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga - Facilitator. She obtained her Masters of Social Work degree from Tulane University School of Social Work in 2003. Rachele has a private practice in New Orleans, LA with a special focus on treating eating disorders, anxiety and trauma. Rachele’s personal and professional mission statement is to cultivate and share tools that promote non-violence within the self and in the world. Rachele has offers educational opportunities locally and nationally on the topics of trauma, eating disorders and body acceptance. She is currently hosting Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga groups and also facilitates groups focusing on body awareness and the process towards body acceptance. For more information check out her website: www.rachelethompsonlcsw.com
Berlin Cohort
Alexandra Cat, TCTSY-F, RYT, MA (Sussex), BA Hons (Oxf)
London, UK
Supervisor, Certification Program (Berlin cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Originally schooled in Western approaches to psychology, philosophy and neuroscience (Oxford and Sussex Universities), Alex shifted her emphasis from the intellectual to the physical in her late 20’s, developing a body-based psychology through her trainings and work in mountaineering/climbing, dance and the Yoga Sutras. She later combined this experience with professional trainings in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic Counselling and is a graduate of the Trauma Centre’s Certificate program in Trauma Sensitive Yoga. In both her individual and group work Alex’s interests are in early life sexual assault and neglect, body dysmorphia, fantasy, escapism, and shame. Her client base includes individuals who identify as living with depression, insomnia, anxiety, complex trauma, addictions, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, borderline personality disorder, chronic stress and eating disorders. Alex has a special interest in working with individuals who hold non-conforming sexuality or gender identities and in developing a trauma informed group practice to work as an adjunct to psychodynamically informed group therapy. Alex has both presented posters and delivered workshops on interoception, trauma and chronic stress to the School of Psychiatry at the London Deanery, the London School of General Practice and the National Health Service Practitioner Health Program. Alex is currently part of the research team developing TCTSY under the North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation. (w) theyogaclinic.co.uk (e) alex@theyogaclinic.co.uk (m) +44 (0) 7960 286 670
London, UK
Supervisor, Certification Program (Berlin cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Originally schooled in Western approaches to psychology, philosophy and neuroscience (Oxford and Sussex Universities), Alex shifted her emphasis from the intellectual to the physical in her late 20’s, developing a body-based psychology through her trainings and work in mountaineering/climbing, dance and the Yoga Sutras. She later combined this experience with professional trainings in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic Counselling and is a graduate of the Trauma Centre’s Certificate program in Trauma Sensitive Yoga. In both her individual and group work Alex’s interests are in early life sexual assault and neglect, body dysmorphia, fantasy, escapism, and shame. Her client base includes individuals who identify as living with depression, insomnia, anxiety, complex trauma, addictions, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, borderline personality disorder, chronic stress and eating disorders. Alex has a special interest in working with individuals who hold non-conforming sexuality or gender identities and in developing a trauma informed group practice to work as an adjunct to psychodynamically informed group therapy. Alex has both presented posters and delivered workshops on interoception, trauma and chronic stress to the School of Psychiatry at the London Deanery, the London School of General Practice and the National Health Service Practitioner Health Program. Alex is currently part of the research team developing TCTSY under the North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation. (w) theyogaclinic.co.uk (e) alex@theyogaclinic.co.uk (m) +44 (0) 7960 286 670
Krystyna Kowalski TCTSY-F, C-IAYT, MSc Sociology
Copenhagen, Denmark
Supervisor, Certification Program Supervisor
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Krystyna is a Trauma Center Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY), Examined Yoga Teacher, Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) & Yogic Mindfulness teacher. She completed the Certification Program for Traumatic Stress Studies in 2017, qualified as IFS practitioner in 2019 and currently is training as Psychotherapist.
Krystyna facilitates Trauma Sensitive Yoga in community and clinical settings working with both individuals and groups and wide range of populations. She has the honour of working with survivors of torture & systematic violence, sexual assault, childhood trauma and/or neglect and traumatic life events. She is dedicated to building bridges between TCTSY and mental health services and offers trainings to mental health professionals and organisations Scandinavia and Nordic Countries & Europe. As a sociologist (MSc) with a background in evidence-based practice & research, Krystyna is also keen to see more studies conducted on TCTSY and has participated in a TCTSY pilot project at Center for Sexual Assault, Rigshospitalet.
Krystyna is also collaborating on projects to increase accessibly of yoga and TCTSY for otherwise underserviced and marginalised individuals, groups & peoples. Contact: English for Danish Krystyna@yogacare.dk / TCTSY.DK / +45 42767150
Copenhagen, Denmark
Supervisor, Certification Program Supervisor
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Krystyna is a Trauma Center Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY), Examined Yoga Teacher, Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) & Yogic Mindfulness teacher. She completed the Certification Program for Traumatic Stress Studies in 2017, qualified as IFS practitioner in 2019 and currently is training as Psychotherapist.
Krystyna facilitates Trauma Sensitive Yoga in community and clinical settings working with both individuals and groups and wide range of populations. She has the honour of working with survivors of torture & systematic violence, sexual assault, childhood trauma and/or neglect and traumatic life events. She is dedicated to building bridges between TCTSY and mental health services and offers trainings to mental health professionals and organisations Scandinavia and Nordic Countries & Europe. As a sociologist (MSc) with a background in evidence-based practice & research, Krystyna is also keen to see more studies conducted on TCTSY and has participated in a TCTSY pilot project at Center for Sexual Assault, Rigshospitalet.
Krystyna is also collaborating on projects to increase accessibly of yoga and TCTSY for otherwise underserviced and marginalised individuals, groups & peoples. Contact: English for Danish Krystyna@yogacare.dk / TCTSY.DK / +45 42767150
Birgit Löwenbrück, MA, TCTSY-F
Berlin, Germany
Supervisor, Certification Program (Berlin cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Birgit holds a Masters Degree in Educational Science (Freie Universität Berlin) and in Social Work. She is certified in Hatha Yoga (700 hrs BYV/EFYTA), Hormon Yoga (Dinah Rodrigues) and Qigong (500 hrs German Qigong Association). She has been trained as EMDR practitioner, NADA practitioner (ear-acupuncture against addiction and trauma) and is certified in Trauma specific Counseling and Education (cert. by DeGPT/BAG). Birgit is leading a Crisis-Shelter for Children and a Foster-Care Team since 2001 and is providing trauma-specific and -informed trainings and counseling for survivors, professionals in the German Child Welfare and Health System, for Yoga/Qigong teachers and other professionals that work in the field of trauma (trauma theory, stabilization techniques, resilient fostering, psychoeducation, including body-based techniques), and self-care-practices for professionals. She had a university teaching position at the Evangelische Hochschule Berlin for Social Work since 2011 - 2017. Birgit participated 2010 in the 40-hour training with David Emerson, Jenn Turner and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk at Kripalu and was certified as a TCTSY facilitator in April 2016. She offers TCTSY for individuals, groups (also in institutions) as an adjunctive treatment to psychotherapy in Berlin, Germany. Contact in English or German: www.traumasensitives-yoga.de; info@tctsy.de
Esther van der Sande, TCTSY-F, TCTSY-T, M.A.Psych, B.Sc., Counselling, Yoga Teacher RYT
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Supervisor, Certification Program (Berlin cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Esther is a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F). She holds a Master’s Degree in Somatic Psychotherapy and Bachelor of Science in Counselling. Esther is also qualified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Recovery (EMDR) as well as a Yoga and Mindfulness teacher and practitioner. Esther has been working in the private and community sector for over twelve years. She practices in Yoga, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Neuroscience of trauma and healing, the pervasiveness of complex developmental trauma and PTSD in today’s young adolescents and adults. Everyone is different, everyone’s experience is different, and Esther provide an insightful, empathetic and tailored approach to every situation, informed by years of study in a wide variety of clinical techniques. She guides people, so they can help themselves and reconnect to live with their bodies. Esther does this by providing a safe, empowering and inspiring service that guides participants through their problems, enabling them to emerge the other side feeling renewed, strong, and ready to face the world on their own terms once again. Esther also provide professional learning on Trauma Sensitive Yoga to Yoga Teachers, Mental Health Professionals and their clients, and she is broadening her teaching to individuals, family violence organizations, hospitals, sexual assault centers and other community organizations. Making people and organizations more Trauma Aware. Esther is currently working on a research project in Amsterdam in a center for women who are survivors of domestic violence.
Contact Esther; e: info@traumasensitiveyoganederland.com | w: www.traumasenstiveyoganederland.com | m: + 31 (6) 11 48 50 57
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Supervisor, Certification Program (Berlin cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Esther is a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F). She holds a Master’s Degree in Somatic Psychotherapy and Bachelor of Science in Counselling. Esther is also qualified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Recovery (EMDR) as well as a Yoga and Mindfulness teacher and practitioner. Esther has been working in the private and community sector for over twelve years. She practices in Yoga, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Neuroscience of trauma and healing, the pervasiveness of complex developmental trauma and PTSD in today’s young adolescents and adults. Everyone is different, everyone’s experience is different, and Esther provide an insightful, empathetic and tailored approach to every situation, informed by years of study in a wide variety of clinical techniques. She guides people, so they can help themselves and reconnect to live with their bodies. Esther does this by providing a safe, empowering and inspiring service that guides participants through their problems, enabling them to emerge the other side feeling renewed, strong, and ready to face the world on their own terms once again. Esther also provide professional learning on Trauma Sensitive Yoga to Yoga Teachers, Mental Health Professionals and their clients, and she is broadening her teaching to individuals, family violence organizations, hospitals, sexual assault centers and other community organizations. Making people and organizations more Trauma Aware. Esther is currently working on a research project in Amsterdam in a center for women who are survivors of domestic violence.
Contact Esther; e: info@traumasensitiveyoganederland.com | w: www.traumasenstiveyoganederland.com | m: + 31 (6) 11 48 50 57
Melbourne Cohort
Maria Jude RN, DRM, DipHerbMed, DipSatyanandaYoga, TCTSY-F
Tasmania, Australia
Supervisor, Certification Program (Melbourne cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Maria holds diplomas in Yoga Teacher Training from VYASA (Bangalore, India) & SYA (India/Australia), and is affiliated with Yoga Australia as a Level 3/Senior Teacher. She completed her TCTSY-F certification in 2016, and is a founding member of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Australia. Maria has over 30 years combined clinical experience as a Registered Nurse, Herbalist, Remedial Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher, working in both the Australian Public Health Sector as well as Private Practice. Over her years of practice, Maria has refined the way she supports clients to involve their body in the healing process, Inspired and informed by leaders in the field of Trauma Theory and TCTSY. Maria has worked in private practice since 1998, and is the owner/manager of Centre of Balance - Traditional Health Care & Yoga, based in Tasmania, Australia. Since 2005 she has facilitated regular yoga classes and workshops, and since completing her TCTSY-F certification, facilitates group and private Trauma Sensitive Yoga classes for those affected by sexual assault, family and domestic violence, PTSD and complex trauma. For more information please visit TCTSY Australia at www.tctsyaustralia.com, Maria’s private practice at www.centreofbalance.com, or directly at maria@centreofbalance.com
Maria Jude RN, DRM, DipHerbMed, DipSatyanandaYoga, TCTSY-F
Tasmania, Australia
Supervisor, Certification Program (Melbourne cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Maria holds diplomas in Yoga Teacher Training from VYASA (Bangalore, India) & SYA (India/Australia), and is affiliated with Yoga Australia as a Level 3/Senior Teacher. She completed her TCTSY-F certification in 2016, and is a founding member of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Australia. Maria has over 30 years combined clinical experience as a Registered Nurse, Herbalist, Remedial Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher, working in both the Australian Public Health Sector as well as Private Practice. Over her years of practice, Maria has refined the way she supports clients to involve their body in the healing process, Inspired and informed by leaders in the field of Trauma Theory and TCTSY. Maria has worked in private practice since 1998, and is the owner/manager of Centre of Balance - Traditional Health Care & Yoga, based in Tasmania, Australia. Since 2005 she has facilitated regular yoga classes and workshops, and since completing her TCTSY-F certification, facilitates group and private Trauma Sensitive Yoga classes for those affected by sexual assault, family and domestic violence, PTSD and complex trauma. For more information please visit TCTSY Australia at www.tctsyaustralia.com, Maria’s private practice at www.centreofbalance.com, or directly at maria@centreofbalance.com
Edwina Kempe BA(Hons), MSW, Yoga Australia Registered Level 1 Teacher, TCTSY-F
Brisbane, Australia
Supervisor, Certification Program (Melbourne cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Edwina has a Masters of Social Work Studies and is a qualified yoga teacher. She has been working in the community sector with people who have experienced trauma in a range of settings in Australia and internationally. Edwina is dedicated to offering yoga to people who can not access mainstream general yoga classes and has facilitated yoga with women who have experienced sexual assault, people from refugee backgrounds, returned soldiers, and people with drug and alcohol addictions. Edwina hopes to facilitate a safe and non-judgmental space in which to offer the practice of TCTSY. www.edwinakempe.com / www.tctsyaustralia.com
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Kristen Pringle, TCTSY-F, E-RYT, Yoga Therapist, MA OTPrac, Grad Dip MHS - I&PMH, Dip Mus
Melbourne, Australia
Supervisor, Certification Program (Melbourne cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Kristen is a certified senior yoga teacher and yoga therapist, a meditation & mindfulness facilitator (MSC, MBCT, MIE, Yoga), and a Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator and founding member of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Australia. Kristen is also a practising Senior Occupational Therapist (OT) and Mental Health Clinician across the lifespan, and a University Teaching Associate& Supervisor (OT). Kristen integrates yoga and mindfulness into mental health clinical services and OT, providing TCTSY in private practice at the Psychology, Trauma & Mindfulness Centre in Mornington, VIC, Australia. Kristen also provides professional learning and training in OT, Mental Health & TCTSY and is a clinical and reflective supervisor and consultant. Kristen has facilitated TCTSY to mother/infant groups, families, children, youth, adult and aged populations and under-served communities and across various settings, including; public and private child/youth and adult mental health; education; family violence organisations; hospitals; centres against sexual assault; and other community organisations. If you would like to find out more, feel free to visit Kristen’s website www.themindfulmovementcentre.com.au or contact Kristen directly through kristenlpringle@gmail.com To make a private Mental Health OT / TCTSY appointment with Kristen, please visit http://www.psychologytraumamindfulnesscentre.com.au and to learn more about TCTSY in Australasia feel free to visit www.tctsyaustralia.com.au Pronouns: she/her/hers
Melbourne, Australia
Supervisor, Certification Program (Melbourne cohort)
Licensed 20-hour TCTSY Trainer
Kristen is a certified senior yoga teacher and yoga therapist, a meditation & mindfulness facilitator (MSC, MBCT, MIE, Yoga), and a Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator and founding member of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Australia. Kristen is also a practising Senior Occupational Therapist (OT) and Mental Health Clinician across the lifespan, and a University Teaching Associate& Supervisor (OT). Kristen integrates yoga and mindfulness into mental health clinical services and OT, providing TCTSY in private practice at the Psychology, Trauma & Mindfulness Centre in Mornington, VIC, Australia. Kristen also provides professional learning and training in OT, Mental Health & TCTSY and is a clinical and reflective supervisor and consultant. Kristen has facilitated TCTSY to mother/infant groups, families, children, youth, adult and aged populations and under-served communities and across various settings, including; public and private child/youth and adult mental health; education; family violence organisations; hospitals; centres against sexual assault; and other community organisations. If you would like to find out more, feel free to visit Kristen’s website www.themindfulmovementcentre.com.au or contact Kristen directly through kristenlpringle@gmail.com To make a private Mental Health OT / TCTSY appointment with Kristen, please visit http://www.psychologytraumamindfulnesscentre.com.au and to learn more about TCTSY in Australasia feel free to visit www.tctsyaustralia.com.au Pronouns: she/her/hers
Spanish language Cohort
Morgan Vanderpool, LICSW, E-RYT, TC-TSY-F
Tacoma, WA
Supervisor, Spanish-Language Certification Program
Licensed 20-hr TCTSY Trainer
Agency Trainer
Morgan is the TC-Trauma Sensitive Yoga trainer for the Western United States, México, Latin America and the Caribbean. Morgan is a queer, gender fluid clinical social worker, who is multi-lingual and multi-literate in Spanish and English. They are passionate about facilitating empowering learning experiences for other professionals on how to use the neuroscientific foundations of TC-TSY's body-up approach to movement and breath, to help facilitate healing for the most complex intersections of systemic oppression and individual trauma.
Morgan has over a decade of experience in the social work field, and joined the TC-TSY team, in 2012. Currently, Morgan integrates TC-TSY in their therapeutic and community organizing practice in Tacoma, WA, where they primarily work with individuals, and organizations that serve, their LGBTQ community & internationally-born survivors of crime & systemic violence. Additionally, they are well rounded in the full spectrum of the healing work of complex trauma, from one-on-one work, group facilitation, and training/consulting other professionals in trauma sensitive practices. Since 2017, Morgan has closely collaborated with Dunna-Alternativas para La Paz in Colombia, and Integra Salud in Puerto Rico, to integrate ongoing trauma sensitive yoga trainings for professionals working with survivors of 50+ years of civil war, as well as survivors of the intersection of natural disaster and ongoing colonialism. You can find out more information about Morgan and their work at- www.morganvanderpool.com.
Tacoma, WA
Supervisor, Spanish-Language Certification Program
Licensed 20-hr TCTSY Trainer
Agency Trainer
Morgan is the TC-Trauma Sensitive Yoga trainer for the Western United States, México, Latin America and the Caribbean. Morgan is a queer, gender fluid clinical social worker, who is multi-lingual and multi-literate in Spanish and English. They are passionate about facilitating empowering learning experiences for other professionals on how to use the neuroscientific foundations of TC-TSY's body-up approach to movement and breath, to help facilitate healing for the most complex intersections of systemic oppression and individual trauma.
Morgan has over a decade of experience in the social work field, and joined the TC-TSY team, in 2012. Currently, Morgan integrates TC-TSY in their therapeutic and community organizing practice in Tacoma, WA, where they primarily work with individuals, and organizations that serve, their LGBTQ community & internationally-born survivors of crime & systemic violence. Additionally, they are well rounded in the full spectrum of the healing work of complex trauma, from one-on-one work, group facilitation, and training/consulting other professionals in trauma sensitive practices. Since 2017, Morgan has closely collaborated with Dunna-Alternativas para La Paz in Colombia, and Integra Salud in Puerto Rico, to integrate ongoing trauma sensitive yoga trainings for professionals working with survivors of 50+ years of civil war, as well as survivors of the intersection of natural disaster and ongoing colonialism. You can find out more information about Morgan and their work at- www.morganvanderpool.com.