Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierstin Nicole Graham.
Hi Kierstin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey with yoga started in early childhood – my Nana was a yoga instructor and I spent many hours with her in a tree shape. My interest in yoga slowly faded away as I began to struggle with an eating disorder – I wanted to be anywhere other than my body.
I maintained distance with mindfulness and yoga until I went to visit my Nana, she invited me to a yoga class and I decided to join. Laying in Savasana next to her offered me my first moment of calm. It was at that moment I decided I wanted to share this with others. As soon as I got back home, I applied for a 200-hour training. I was beyond excited about the opportunity but felt discomfort in the studio space.
I carried that with me as I graduated from my 200-hour training and decided I would try to bring yoga to the individual instead of bringing the individual to yoga. I taught in parks, in front of apartment complexes, in small gyms, and even goat yoga at a petting zoo.
The more interested I became in creating a more inclusive yoga space the more time I spent on certifications. I gained a certification in breathwork, and meditation, and became a reiki master trying to find options I could offer in my classes.
My first introduction to Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) was through an organization called YOGA N DA Hood a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing yoga and mindfulness to high-needs schools. After that, I decided to pursue my 300-hour trauma-informed teacher training.
In Savannah, I have the privilege of teaching Trauma Sensitive Mindful Movements classes at Recovery Place and Gateway Crisis Center multiple times a week.
I was also offered the position as a VISTA with Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council where I have offered community outreach through free Trauma Sensitive Yoga classes to our community members/local non-profits and led the Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Coalition.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My relationship with yoga has not always been the greatest – but firsthand exploring and navigating through the stereotypes has helped me create a more inclusive practice.
As a practitioner and guide, part of me found safety in the practice and part of me felt the pressure to fit the physical appearance typically associated with a yoga instructor/yoga practice. It was interesting to see how this practice both fueled my eating disorder and offered me support in my recovery.
This is why I think Trauma Sensitive Yoga training is so important. You never know who is on (or even off) the mat in front of you.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200), Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), 500 Hour Trauma-Informed Registered Yoga Instructor (TIY RYT 500), A Community Resiliency Model Teacher Trainer, Reiki Master, and Breath Coach. I am also a trained Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) helper and currently a Yoga Therapy Candidate.
I specialize in offering Trauma-informed information sessions and yoga classes to behavioral health facilities, addiction/recovery spaces, eating disorder support establishments, and offer continuing education to yoga instructors through the yoga alliance and community members through Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council.
I’m beyond proud anytime I walk into a class and see a participant move in a way that feels authentic to them or have them share a story about how they found their resiliency zone off of the mat through one of the wellness skills we learned on the mat.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books: Bhagavad Gita, Dare to Lead Brene Brown, and The Body Keeps the Score.
Podcast: Almost 30, Therapy Chat, Happy Vaginas (led by local MSN/CNM GeorgAnna Wiley), Direct Impact( Led by locally led by local Counselor Andrea Epting), and The Trauma Resource.
Resources: Trauma Resource Institute, NIMH, SoulWork, Classes at Cirque Divina (Local Cirque Studio at the Savannah Mall), Wise words from co-workers and friends, Game nights with friends, and Time with my two puppies (Izzy and Tipper).
Pricing:
- Community classes are available at Cirque Divina ($30 drop-in).
- Sliding Scale available: Kierstingraham@chlink.org.
Contact Info:
- Email: kierstingraham@chlink.org
- Website: https://www.chathamsafetynet.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dualityrising/
- Other: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episodes
Image Credits
Tiffany North Photography
