The Yoga Rheum

Dr. Rachel Zoffness is a pain scientist and thought-leader revolutionizing the way we understand and treat pain. She's an assistant clinical professor at UCSF, lectures at Stanford, and consults on the development of pain management programs around the world. Dr. Zoffness’s new book, Tell Me Where It Hurts, drops March 2026 and will be translated into more than 20 languages.Show Notes: Dr. Rachel Zoffness Website: https://www.zoffness.com/Dr. Zoffness's Books: Tell Me Where It Hurts, The New Science of Pain and How to Heal: ⁠https://us.amazon.com/Tell-Me-Where-Hurts-Science/dp/1538758148/⁠Pain Management Workbook: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Management-Workbook-Powerful-Mindfulness/dp/1684036445⁠The Chronic Pain and Illness Workbook for Teens: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Chronic-Illness-Workbook-Teens-Mindfulness-Based/dp/1684033527/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=1684033527&psc=1⁠Research: ⁠Bushnell MC, Ceko M, Low LA. Cognitive and emotional control of pain and its disruption in chronic pain. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2013 Jul;14(7):502-11. doi: 10.1038/nrn3516. Epub 2013 May 30. PMID: 23719569; PMCID: PMC4465351. Cognitive and emotional control of pain and its disruption in chronic pain - PMC⁠Research Meditation changes the brain: Calderone A, Latella D, Impellizzeri F, de Pasquale P, Famà F, Quartarone A, Calabrò RS. Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review. : ⁠https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4465351/⁠Biomedicines. 2024 Nov 15;12(11):2613. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12112613. PMID: 39595177; PMCID: PMC11591838. Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review - PMC: ⁠https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11591838/

In the season premiere of The Yoga Rheum, host Steffany Moonaz is joined by Emily Johnson, widely known as The Arthritis Foodie, for an honest and empowering conversation about living with arthritis.Emily shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with arthritis and how that moment reshaped her relationship with her body, food, and self-care. Together, Steffany and Emily explore how yoga and meditation can support people living with arthritis and chronic pain, the role of food and nutrition in overall well-being, and why lived experience is such an essential part of arthritis care and education.This conversation blends personal story with evidence-informed insight and sets the tone for the season ahead. It is an episode rooted in compassion, curiosity, and practical support for people navigating arthritis, chronic pain, or fatigue, as well as for yoga and wellness professionals seeking a deeper, more inclusive understanding of these experiences.Emily’s story of being diagnosed with arthritisFood for arthritis and nourishing the body with intentionHer journey with yoga and meditationEmily’s books and her work within the arthritis communityShow Notes - Emily's Website: https://arthritisfoodie.com/-Emily's Book: Beat Arthritis Naturally : https://www.amazon.com/Beat-Arthritis-Naturally-Supercharge-lifestyle-ebook/dp/B08HY88CK2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BJ8Y2OR5IMH0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Fw8dS6ejzg4uACYSFIkiaNr-DpQjbkG9uSB76MLrOHzc12Bly0QUZo_i4QEO7lZFZY146Oknttq0y-LvyulRAS8Qofsd_--XZ44vS8QGQPVYZHWl62bXNQ4PzvVWFDY8uZ0_A21JlYt_Jw3h7ptn3Q.BojihVU85lZii0F4R7c5vdy8XwVjPY33GIOTDpdEDSE&dib_tag=se&keywords=emily+johnson+arthritis&qid=1769810485&sprefix=emily+johnson+arthritis+%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-1-Emily's Book: Eat Well With Arthritis: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Well-Arthritis-delicious-recipes-ebook/dp/B0BJZW4ZG9?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1- Steffany's Episode of Live Well With Arthritis, with Emily Johnson: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vfODJFyHiKWxNMbMrs0gy?si=iqoRWjN5Rx6L_xyH0wywWA- Intro To Meditation Self-Paced Course: https://yoga-for-arthritis.thinkific.com/courses/meditation-course-8-weeks-self-paced

Ellyn Ito is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innerstill, a women-led neurotechnology company reimagining healing at the root with non-invasive, drug-free neuromodulation solutions that restore balance to the nervous system. She brings over 20 years of operational execution experience across large enterprises, middle-market companies, and start-ups. Prior to founding Innerstill, Ellyn invested in and served as a key leader at Helius Medical Technologies, where she helped bring a non-surgical trigeminal nerve stimulator to market in Canada and the U.S. She also founded and led Sigma Integrated Resources, a management consulting firm that scaled B2B and D2C operations in industries spanning life sciences, healthcare, IoT, and manufacturing.Ellyn has also served in senior roles with Granahan McCourt Capital, providing strategic and interim executive leadership to its technology and media portfolio companies. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Redeemer Health Systems, the Executive Board of the Gail Birenbaum Leadership Council at Rider University, and is the Founder and Executive Director of Seeds to Sew International, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in compromised communities.Edward (Eddie) Haaz Eddie is founder of Corporate Solutions International, LLC., a Bucks County, Pennsylvania consulting firm that specializes in assisting organizations with various Human Resource related needs focusing on health and behavior in the workplace. These activities include guiding corporate health and wellness initiatives, team building, (Executive) coaching and assisting in the management of challenging employees. Clients include “Fortune 100/500” companies as well as small to mid-sized organizations.For 15 years Eddie was President/COO of Corporate Health Solutions, Inc., a consulting firm that specialized in guiding organizations in pursuit of a “Culture of Wellness”. CHS embedded medical/behavioral teams in the “C-Suite” and provided onsite Annual Health Assessments with biometric screenings, coaching and physician executive services. Prior to that Eddie held various positions in the mental health and consulting fields, which have included drug and alcohol research/training, in-patient and outpatient psychiatric/substance abuse services, a private practice and 33 years as the head of Mental Health Consultants, a behavioral health and employee assistance company.An international speaker, Eddie is a Board Certified Medical Psychotherapist and frequently presents information on holistic approaches to wellness. He has been a trainer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) for over fifteen years and the Pennsylvania State Department of Health (PADOH), for twenty + years. In addition, Mr. Haaz has served as a board member for the Employee Assistance Society of North America (EASNA) for twelve years and is a Past President. He served as a Senior Fellow at the Jefferson School of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia PA. and now sits on the Executive Board of Directors at the Livengrin Foundation, a drug and alcohol treatment facility headquartered in Bensalem, PA as well as serves as a board member for Innerstill, a company that is developing and launching non-invasive neuromodulation technologies.Show Notes and Resources: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mafsinu1uy7m01cz9oa53/mindvybe-two-page-overview-6.2025-copy.pdf?rlkey=9f1rcob1lmq91kpfwt2fug5tb&dl=0https://www.innerstillhealth.com/https://mindvybe.com/Vagal Nerve for Arthritis Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29844694/

Dr. Steffany Moonaz welcomes Leila Stuart—clinical massage therapist, yoga teacher, and somatic educator—who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating psoriatic arthritis and chronic fatigue while continuing to teach, learn, and live fully.With decades of experience teaching embodied movement and leading innovative yoga trainings, Leila brings a profound understanding of somatic reprogramming, self-agency, and healing from within.Topics covered in this episode include:Her winding road to a rheumatic disease diagnosisHow somatic practices helped her rebuild trust with her body and participate actively in her healingThe power of non-physical yoga practices—meditation, breathwork, and Yoga Nidra—during times of deep physical limitationNavigating the conventional medical system alongside alternative paths, including the Marshall Protocol, Ayurvedic medicine, and PanchakarmaWhat it means to negotiate care with a rheumatologist and advocate for your own body’s truthSpoon theory and the right use of energyLetting go of identity, practicing non-attachment, and reaching the threshold of surrender when living with a chronic conditionLeila’s story is not just about illness—it’s about presence, practice, and reclaiming the wisdom of the body.Her words remind us: “It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it… and can you bring all of you to it?”Whether you're a yoga professional, healthcare provider, or someone living with arthritis or chronic pain, this episode offers insight, compassion, and inspiration.About Leila: Leila Stuart BA, LLB, C-IAYT, is a Registered Massage Therapist (retired) and has practiced and taught yoga for over 40 years. A warm and compassionate teacher, she offers accessible teachings on experiential anatomy, movement repatterning and embodiment of the deeper teachings of yoga as pathways to self-healing.With a deep love and intuitive knowledge of experiential anatomy, Leila specializes in transforming academic information into somatic awareness and life changing experience. She is the author of Pathways to a Centered Body, co-authored with Donna Farhi, The Great Yoga Handbook, and Experiential Anatomy, Therapeutic Applications of Embodied Movement and Awareness. Leila teaches in Canada and internationally.Show Notes: -To learn more about Leila visit her website: https://leilastuart.com/-Ayurveda Course, Intro Into Ayurveda https://yoga-for-arthritis.thinkific.com/courses/intro-to-ayurveda-200hr Come As You Are Yoga Teacher Training Beginning January 8th: https://yoga-for-arthritis.thinkific.com/courses/hybrid-online-yoga-for-arthritis-200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-Experiential Anatomy by Leila Stuart https://amzn.to/3IQah0Y-Pathways to a Centered Body: Gentle Yoga Therapy for Core Stability, Healing Back Pain, and Moving With Ease By Leila Stuart and Donna Farhi: https://amzn.to/45olIpg

In this inspiring episode of The Yoga Rheum, Dr. Steffany Moonaz sits down with Rachel Krentzman—physical therapist, certified yoga therapist, Hakomi psychotherapist, and author—to explore the deeply interconnected worlds of scoliosis, yoga therapy, and emotional healing.Rachel shares insights from over two decades of integrating yoga into physical therapy, her groundbreaking work in scoliosis care, and how psychotherapy practices like Hakomi inform her holistic approach.About Rachel: Rachel Krentzman PT, E-RYT, C-IAYT is a physical therapist, certified yoga therapist and Hakomi psychotherapist. She is the author of two books, Yoga for a Happy Back: A Teacher’s Guide to Spinal Health through Yoga Therapy and Scoliosis, Yoga Therapy and The Art of Letting. A graduate of McGill University, Rachel completed her 2000-hour teacher training with Aadil Palkhivala at the College of Purna Yoga and has studied intensively with Judith Hanson Lasater and Aman Keays. Rachel has been integrating yoga into her physical therapy practice for over 20 years and is the co-founder of Wisdom-Body Yoga Therapy – the first 850 hour Yoga Therapy training program in the Middle East. She has served on the accreditation committee for IAYT (the International Association of Yoga Therapists) and is passionate about integrating yoga into the healthcare system. Rachel offers online trainings for yoga professionals and the general public on Yoga for Spinal Health and Scoliosis. For more information, visit: https://happybackyoga.comShow Notes: Taking Root to Fly: Articles on Functional Anatomy :https://a.co/d/hZSbZ0nAs Is, Memoir by Rachel: https://a.co/d/3T6IIIcRachels' Website: https://happybackyoga.com⁠Hakomi Method: https://hakomiinstitute.com/about/what-is-hakomi/Laban Movement Analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laban_movement_analysisScoliosis, Yoga Therapy, and the Art of Letting Go: https://a.co/d/6CdfAX4Yoga for a Happy Back: https://a.co/d/4QqB3a9Work Privately with Dr. Steffany Moonaz: https://www.arthritis.yoga/work-with-dr-steffany-moonazDriving Home, Steffany's Memoir: https://www.arthritis.yoga/store-yoga-for-arthritis/p/driving-home-papercopy-tbgmh

To learn more from Cheri and Dr. Steffany Moonaz, be sure to join the upcoming Pelvic Yoga Book Summit! This free 2-day virtual event will feature 13 inspiring presentations on pelvic health and yoga therapy, with Dr. Steffany Moonaz as a guest speaker. The summit will delve into the connection between pelvic health, chronic pain, and how yoga therapy can support healing and resilience.Use code STEFFANY10 to save on the All Access Pass, which includes extended access to the summit, bonus content, and CE credits. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of pelvic health and yoga therapy!Register now for the Pelvic Yoga Book Summit here: https://www.cheridostalryba.com/pelvicyogabooksummit#summit-registrationAbout Cheri: Cheri Dostal Ryba has devoted over 20 years to embodied inquiry & transformation as a movement educator, fitness trainer, dancer, C-IAYT yoga therapist, speaker and author. Her approach weaves the cyclical wisdom of nature with nervous system and polyvagal informed whole person pelvic care. Cheri published her first book in 2022, Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman: A Professional Guide. With abundant sound effects and heart-led facilitation, she helps women remember and trust their instincts and authentic expression.Cheri served as a founding co-director and lead faculty of the accredited training program, AlcheMe Yoga Therapy, continues to guest lecture and provide mentorship, and she has spoken at the international conferences SYTAR and MISTY. Annually, she facilitates a 9-month women’s embodiment group program online called INHABIT, and will be hosting the SATISFY women's sensual embodiment retreat November 13-16, 2025. Cheri lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters. Movement is medicine and healing means living! Learn more at www.cheridostalryba.com.Show Notes: ​4th annual 9-month women's embodiment program, Inhabit enrolls annually each September group program runs Oct-June online with seasonal and monthly themed practiceshttps://www.cheridostalryba.com/inhabit​Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pelvic-Yoga-Therapy-Whole-Woman/dp/1787756645 ​SD publisher - 15% savings Custom code for SD purchases only: Ryba15 https://us.singingdragon.com/products/pelvic-yoga-therapy-for-the-whole-woman Recommended resources:​Better Sex through Mindfulness, Lori BrottoCome As You Are: https://a.co/d/ehG9Eab​Emily Nagoski: Sex Education : https://www.emilynagoski.com/​Poem: Go In and In by Danna Faulds - featured inside Chapter 10: Being, Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole WomanGo in and in. Be the space between two cells, the vast, resounding silence in which spirit dwells. Be sugar dissolving on the tongue of life. Dive in and in, as deep as you can dive. Be infinite, ecstatic truth .Be love conceived and born in union. Be exactly what you seek, the Beloved, singing Yes, tasting Yes, embracing Yes, until there is only essence; the All of Everything expressing through you as you. Go in and in and turn away from nothing that you find.

About Meredith HirshMeredith Hirsh, MBA, FACMPE As Co-Founder and Vice President of The Hirsh Center, Meredith is the catalyst behind the practice's growth from one rheumatologist and four employees to a team of 40 healthcare professionals dedicated to the patient experience. Responsible for the management of the clinical, administrative, and billing departments, Meredith oversees business development, employee relations, and contracting at The Hirsh Center.Born in North Miami Beach and raised primarily in the Midwest, Meredith returned to her Florida roots to graduate with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida with high honors in Advertising; she later returned to obtain her Master’s in Business Administration. With her extensive educational background, Meredith has integrated her diverse knowledge of business and valuable management experience to support The Hirsh Center’s mission to provide precision joint care through state-of-the-art imaging techniques and compassionate healthcare, offering patients a better quality of life.Meredith prioritizes community involvement by participating in a multitude of professional organizations where she shares her journey with others and provides insight on how to establish and develop a successful medical practice. Meredith is a speaker for the American College of Rheumatology, Florida Society of Rheumatology, Medical Group Management Association, and Palm Beach County Medical Society, as well as an adjunct faculty member of Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business.She also launched, Working Healthcare, a podcast that educates people to be empowered in dealing with an upside-down industry. Show Notes: Hersh Center: https://www.thehirshcenter.com/Meredith's Podcast: Working Healthcare https://open.spotify.com/show/7rIcCVsgjVY4V7IKCVsZnw?si=ef81f1487c5648deSteffany's Episode in Working Healthcare: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Laebf5wSMye0iUNQyeSgq?si=wcWeuKLIRYaqEpZM9np7kgWorking Healthcare Episode Discussing the American Healthcare System: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02FihN9pbwIHAS4LFcMUFr?si=aeXioP6KR5OxsQAtLr5LNQClaimable : https://www.getclaimable.com/Private Yoga Therapy with Dr. Steffany Moonaz https://www.arthritis.yoga/store-yoga-for-arthritis/coaching

​​Joshua Pearce is the Thompson Chair of Innovation at Western University in Canada. He runs the Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology research group that finds collaborative solutions to problems in sustainability and to reduce poverty.Show Notes: Adaptive Aids for Arthritis Patients: https://www.appropedia.org/Economic_Potential_for_Distributed_Manufacturing_of_Adaptive_Aids_for_Arthritis_Patients_in_the_U.S.#In_the_News Study on Adaptive Aids :  https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/3/4/89 Study on Open Source Design for Low Cost Walkers:  https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5134/8/3/79 Economic Potential for Distributed Manufacturing of Adaptive Aids for Arthritis Patients in the U.S.:  ⁠https://www.appropedia.org/Economic_Potential_for_Distributed_Manufacturing_of_Adaptive_Aids_for_Arthritis_Patients_in_the_U.S.⁠ Open-Source Designs for Distributed Manufacturing of Low-Cost Customized Walkers:  ⁠https://www.appropedia.org/Open-Source_Designs_for_Distributed_Manufacturing_of_Low-Cost_Customized_Walkers⁠ Maker Faire : ⁠ https://makerfaire.com/upcoming-faires/⁠ Open Source Hardware Association:  https://www.oshwa.org/ Makerspaces : ⁠ https://www.ala.org/pla/resources/tools/technology/makerspaces⁠ Yeggi :  ⁠https://www.yeggi.com/q/yeti/⁠ New Client Yoga Therapy Package: https://www.arthritis.yoga/store-yoga-for-arthritis/p/online-yoga-coaching-package-with-dr-steffany-moonaz-ntdnr⁠ Yoga Therapy Package: ⁠https://www.arthritis.yoga/store-yoga-for-arthritis/p/online-yoga-coaching-package-with-dr-steffany-moonaz Yoga Therapy Session  50 minute yoga therapy session: https://calendly.com/yoga-for-arthritis/50-minute-online-coaching-yoga

Priaynak Varma is a certified Yoga Therapist (recognized by the International Association of Yoga Therapists), RYT-500 (registered with Yoga Alliance), Pilates instructor, Energy worker, sound healer, and has expertise in working with people having chronic pain, Arthritis, chronic spinal conditions, and medical trauma. She has degrees in statistics and population sciences and is trained in the Indian classical dance form called Kathak. She's a co-founder of PranaZone, whose motto is, Breath is Joy. Presently, she's working with seniors in assisted living and memory care facilities teaching private one-on-one yoga therapy sessions in person and via Zoom, and co-teaching yoga philosophy. Show Notes: Abstract: https://meridian.allenpress.com/ijyt/issue/34/s1Priyanka's Company: PranaZone : https://pranazone.com/SYTAR : https://www.iayt.org/general/custom.asp?page=sytar2025IAYT : https://www.iayt.org/Coaching and Mentoring With Dr. Steffany Moonaz : https://www.arthritis.yoga/store-yoga-for-arthritis/coachingWork with Priyanka : https://pranazone.com/schedule/To find out when the latest courses and podcasts launch, join our newsletter: https://www.arthritis.yoga/Steffany' Book, Driving Home: https://www.arthritis.yoga/store-yoga-for-arthritis/p/driving-home-papercopy-tbgmhPranaZones Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/pranazone/https://www.facebook.com/ThePranaZoneWebsite: https://pranazone.com/⁠

For 15 years Eddie was President/COO of Corporate Health Solutions, Inc., a consulting firm that specialized in guiding organizations in pursuit of a “Culture of Wellness”. CHS embedded medical/behavioral teams in the “C-Suite” and provided onsite Annual Health Assessments with biometric screenings, coaching, and physician executive services. Prior to that, Eddie held various positions in the mental health and consulting fields, which have included drug and alcohol research/training, in-patient and outpatient psychiatric/substance abuse services, he's had a 43-year private practice and spent 33 years as the head of Mental Health Consultants, a behavioral health and employee assistance company. Show Notes: ⁠- First Episode with Eddie Haaz on the Yoga Rheum: ⁠ https://www.arthritis.yoga/the-yoga-rheum-podcast-1/ep-12-eddie-haaz ⁠- Harvard Business Review- Health and Wellness: ⁠ https://hbr.org/topic/subject/health-and-wellness ⁠- SHRM - https://www.shrm.org/⁠ ⁠- WELCOA - https://www.welcoa.org/⁠ ⁠- Driving Home by Dr. Steffany Moonaz- https://www.arthritis.yoga/store-yoga-for-arthritis/p/driving-home-papercopy-tbgmh - Farabaugh R, Hawk C, Taylor D, Daniels C, Noll C, Schneider M, McGowan J, Whalen W, Wilcox R, Sarnat R, Suiter L, Whedon J. Cost of chiropractic versus medical management of adults with spine-related musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review. Chiropr Man Therap. 2024 Mar 6;32(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12998-024-00533-4. PMID: 38448998; PMCID: PMC10918856.

In this episode of The Yoga Rheum Podcast, Dr. Steffany Moonaz is joined by three exceptional guests from the Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic: Dr. Brit Adler: A renowned rheumatologist and physician scientist, Dr. Adler has developed a keen interest in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). She is currently delving into research on immune dysregulation in POTS, providing valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of this condition. Elizabeth Clark: A dedicated nurse practitioner who not only treats POTS patients but also lives with the condition herself. Elizabeth's personal experience with POTS gives her a unique and empathetic perspective, allowing her to connect with and support her patients on a deeper level. Erica Cerquetti: Another exceptional nurse practitioner at the Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic, Erica has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Her specific interest in yoga and mindfulness to improve health offers a holistic approach to managing these complex conditions. Together, we will explore the symptoms of POTS, effective management strategies, and the vital role of yoga and mindfulness in regulating the autonomic nervous system. This episode aims to provide comprehensive insights and practical advice for those affected by POTS and EDS, as well as for healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of these conditions. Resources and Links: POTS Team : https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/specialty-areas/pots/team

Dr Nikki Tugnet MD, FRACP is a Rheumatologist in clinical practice in Auckland, New Zealand, an RYT®500 yoga teacher and a Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist. She specializes in working one-to-one with people with various forms of autoimmune disease and arthritis, providing online Yoga for Autoimmunity and arthritis.Her clinical research interest is in Systemic Lupus (SLE) and she is an investigator for one of the world's largest lupus research groups, the Asia-Pacific Lupus Collaboration (APLC).Nikki integrates yoga therapeutics within her medical practice, providing whole person healthcare. She is passionate about sharing the health system of yoga so that people living with autoimmune disease are better equipped to navigate stress, reduce pain and fatigue and maintain quality of life. She promotes self-advocacy and movement as medicine and provides a supportive space in which to explore the MindBody Connection. Show Notes: Driving Home By Dr. Steffany Moonaz : https://www.arthritis.yoga/store-yoga-for-arthritis/p/driving-home-by-dr-steffany-moonaz-pre-sale Dr. Nikki's Website: https://www.nikkitugnet.com/ Social media handle: @yogadoctornikki @integratedrheumatology

Julia McNally is an experienced yoga teacher living with Rheumatoid Arthritis living in Montreal. Before pursuing yoga, Julia spent over 10 years working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor in the communtiy, a career that she had to leave behind because of the progression of her arthritis. Julia used her personal experience with arthritis to find a new purpose and to help others through accessible yoga.Julia is a certified Yoga Teacher and Chair Yoga Teacher. She has also completed her YFA Level I - Yoga For Arthritis Teacher Training with Dr. Steffany Moonaz, recognized by the IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists). She holds a Diploma of College Studies in Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Relations.Julia created a yoga adapted for arthritis TV series in collaboration with Arthritis Society Canada, available now on local cable channels and online. Julia is currently studying to become a Yoga Therapist. Show Notes: Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@TheRAYogi/videos Instagram:@the.ra.yogi - https://www.instagram.com/the.ra.yogi/?hl=en Youtube Playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKAa4n_fskHKVvw_qOGfdckmW4T-rzECA Yoga for Arthritis Level 1 Training- https://yoga-for-arthritis.thinkific.com/courses/onlinelevel1training Prakash Capen Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2V7uXvdCUEYcNMrYLu3ajJ?si=M2ytBP-VThmRtJvOMdRkSg Jennifer Daks' Podcast- https://open.spotify.com/episode/3XJiEwD2lOnR535pryNCYn?si=XbTuQeDgRiaa3VZQAAlWEg Aqua Yoga- https://yfa--christafairbrother.thrivecart.com/aqua-yoga-for-arthritis/

About Posey: Posey Daves M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, E-RYT 500; YACEP, Usui Reiki Practitioner ,Certified, Restorative Yoga Teacher,Certified Yin Yoga Teacher ​ Posey's yoga journey started when she was 16 years old. She started yoga to remain flexible during her athletic career. As the years went on yoga became much more than just the yoga poses: it became a way of life - on and off the mat.  ​ Posey passionately believes in the power of yoga to transform someone's life - physically, spiritually, & mentally. She strongly believes anyone can practice yoga. Yoga is for everyone - no matter your age, gender, race, size, athletic ability, etc.  ​ Posey loves teaching yoga to beginners and seasoned yogis. She genuinely loves sharing the practice of yoga with others. Posey believes everyone deserves to shine brightly & gain inner peace within themselves.   As a teacher, Posey creates an environment for her students to shine & reconnect with their inner beings in a judgment-free space. She is honored to help others reconnect with themselves through the power of yoga.  ​ In 2020, she released Radiant Beings, Align Your Chakras - an e-book about aligning your chakras (energy wheels) through affirmations, crystals, & yoga poses.  ​ Posey completed her 200-hour teacher training at Zeal Yoga in the Winter of 2017. Posey completed her Reiki training at Embrace Yoga DC with Reiki Master, Jessica Mahler. Posey completed her 300-hour teacher training with Caroline Wyber in the winter of 2020. She completed her Restorative Yoga Teacher Training in August 2021 with Tara Lemerise. Show Notes: Yoga for All Bodies : https://yogaforallbodies.com/ Posey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/posey.the.yogi/ Posey's Website: https://www.poseytheyogini.com/ Aqua Yoga- https://yfa--christafairbrother.thrivecart.com/aqua-yoga-for-arthritis/

Jivana Heyman (he/him), C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses & Practices for Every Body (Shambhala, 2019), Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion (Shambhala, 2021), and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body (2024). Jivana’s work focuses on creating equity and access, starting with his AIDS activism in the 1990’s as a member of ACT UP. He also worked as a reporter for AIDS Treatment News, focusing on alternative treatments for AIDS.  Jivana started practicing yoga as a child with his grandmother, and then again in 1991 with Kazuko Onodera. He studied with Swami Satchidananda and became certified as a teacher through Integral Yoga in 1995, and as an Integral Yoga Minister in 2001. Jivana also lead their teacher training programs for over twenty years.  Once he became a teacher, Jivana immediately started sharing yoga with people with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities. In an effort to encourage his students with disabilities to become yoga teachers, he created the Accessible Yoga 200-hour Training in 2013, coining the phrase, “Accessible Yoga,” which is now used widely in the yoga community. During this time, he also trained other yoga teachers to make their classes accessible. In 2014 he launched the 38-hour Accessible Yoga Training, which he still offers today through the Accessible Yoga School, cofounded with Amber Karnes. The Accessible Yoga School is an online portal focusing on equity and accessibility in yoga. 

Erin Byron, MA, RP, C-IAYT is a Registered Psychotherapist and co-founder of internationally-accredited Comprehensive Yoga Therapist Training. Erin has co/authored several books in the field of yoga and mental/physical health, including Yoga Therapy for Arthritis. www.ErinByron.com

With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Nick Turkas is a seasoned professional renowned for his expertise in patient education, program management, and strategic partnerships. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a strategic leader, Nick has successfully developed and managed health promotion programs, securing funding from prominent organizations such as the CDC, state health departments, corporations, United Way, and private foundations. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Patient Education and Community Connections at the Arthritis Foundation's National Office, Nick leads a dynamic team in the creation of impactful patient education resources, including in-person events, webinars, podcasts, and support groups. His ability to broker partnerships and negotiate collaborations has significantly expanded programs such as Walk With Ease.A graduate of Franklin University with a Master of Science in Human Services Management, Nick's educational background complements his practical experience. His dedication to patient advocacy, strategic thinking, and proven track record make him a valuable asset to any organization committed to making a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. Show Notes: www.arthrits.org https://connectgroups.arthritis.org/ Arthritis DVD- https://www.arthritis.yoga/store#!/Arthritis-Friendly-Yoga-DVD-MP4-Version/p/454380890/category=0 Aqua Yoga Podcast - https://www.arthritis.yoga/the-yoga-rheum-podcast-1/ep-2-christa-fairbrother Pathways - https://www.arthritis.org/about-us/pathways

After living with rheumatoid arthritis for over a decade and training as an occupational therapist, Cheryl Crow founded Arthritis Life with the mission of educating, empowering and supporting people with arthritis. She created the Rheum to THRIVE comprehensive self-management and support program and Arthritis Life Podcast to help people with rheumatic disease live full, vibrant and meaningful lives.Most days you can find Cheryl creating life hack videos, sharing patient stories on the Arthritis Life Podcast or spreading the word about ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).Please attach any resources and links you would like to share with the audience. Show Notes: Yoga Professional Survey : ⁠https://rb.gy/8sqv6y/ Arthritis Life website: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/Youtube channel Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@ArthritisLife Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritislifeArthritis Life Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/arthritisLIFECheryl Twitter: https://twitter.com/realcc Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/arthritislifepodcastandsupportLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-crow-a954078/ Discussed Episodes: It's Not Just Joint Pain, and 8 other Things Everyone who Loves Someone with Arthritis Should Know: https://arthritis-life-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/its-not-just-joint-pain-and-8-other-things-everyone-who-loves-someone-with-arthritis-should-know-U3UC3S_A Can you live a Normal Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis?https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2021/03/27/can-you-live-a-normal-life-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/

Shelly Prosko PT, C-IAYT, PCAYT ---Shelly is a physiotherapist, yoga therapist, educator, author and pioneer of PhysioYoga who has been integrating yoga into physiotherapy since 1998 with a focus on chronic pain, pelvic health, compassion in healthcare and professional burnout. She guest lectures at numerous yoga therapy and physiotherapy schools, presents at yoga and medical conferences globally, contributes to academic research and writing, provides mentorship to professionals, and offers courses and resources for yoga and healthcare practitioners and the general population. Shelly considers herself a lifelong student and emphasizes the immense value gained from clinical experience and learning from the patients she serves, the professionals she teaches, and the colleagues with which she collaborates. Shelly has written several book chapters in yoga therapy and integrative rehabilitation textbooks and is co-editor/author of Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain. She maintains a clinical practice in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada and believes compassion is the foundation of healthcare and overall well-being. Learn more about Shelly’s work at www.physioyoga.ca Research Survey Link : For any yoga therapists, whether or not you are certified with IAYT, PLEASE complete this survey to help us understand the current landscape of the profession. Please also share it with any yoga therapists you know! Thank you! YOGA THERAPISTS, Please complete this updated workforce survey if you haven't. It helps us understand the direction the field is going. And please share with others too! https://rb.gy/8sqv6y Show Notes: More about Shelly: www.physioyoga.ca Embodia Courses : https://embodiaapp.com/courses/?course_instructor_id=31-shelly-prosko Pelvic Floor Research Article: https://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/15227Shelly Courses : https://physioyoga.ca/products Pelvic Floor Therapists : https://aptaapps.apta.org//APTAPTDirectory/FindAPTDirectory.aspx TedX Talk : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUyX7D4kdKw Yoga Mind Book Club : https://yoga-for-arthritis.thinkific.com/courses/yoga-for-arthritis-book-club-yogamindYoga for Arthritis Memberships Creating Pelvic Floor Health PhysioYoga video practices: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/pelvicfloorhealth/151444217 10% off discount code: ClientDiscount10 Research Article : https://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/15227 Pelvic Floor Resources https://physioyoga.ca/pelvic-floor-galore-resources-for-creating-pelvic-floor-health-through-yoga Compassion and Self-Care Resources: https://physioyoga.ca/compassion-and-self-care-content-and-resources-from-shelly

Ann Swanson is the author of the internationally bestselling book SCIENCE OF YOGA, a Yoga for Arthritis Teacher Trainer and mentor, yoga therapist, licensed massage therapist, and Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor. Her new book Meditation for the Real World is coming out in January and available now for preorder at Meditationfortherealworld.com. Ann says she wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and meditation didn’t come easy to her. Overcoming her own chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga and meditation and then to China to explore tai chi. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Now, Ann blends cutting-edge research with ancient wisdom, resulting in accessible, real-world techniques you won’t just learn – you’ll love to live by! …. Show Notes Pre-order/order bonuses at- Meditationfortherealworld.com Ann Swanson Wellness - https://www.annswansonwellness.com 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training for People With Chronic Pain www.arthritis.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training/

Prakash Capen (KAY-pen) left behind her career in broadcasting when she realized her real passion — to serve by teaching yoga. Over the years, she was Director of the Integral Yoga Institutes in Washington DC, Boston, and San Francisco. In San Francisco, Prakash served as Director of Life Enhancement for the AIDS/HIV Study Group, taught a popular weekly meditation & yoga program for people with AIDS/HIV, worked with Dr. Dean Ornish‘s program for reversing heart disease, and began hospice service. A professional writer and editor, Prakash now focuses on concerns for those with chronic illness and disabilities, and, also, teaches application of yoga in daily life. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2000. Trainings: Yoga for Arthritis Accessible Yoga

Dr. Jennifer Daks is a clinical psychologist working within an integrated pain clinic at the VA Boston Healthcare System. She has over a decade of experience researching and providing psychotherapy to individuals with arthritis and chronic pain. Having lived with rheumatoid arthritis most of her life, through childhood, adulthood, and now parenthood, Jenn has a strong drive to help individuals, and those they are closest with, live well with arthritis and chronic pain throughout the lifespan. Show Notes: Jennifer Daks Transformational Story Veteran Affairs - Whole Health Chronic Pain Index PDF and Personal Health Index PDF

For 15 years Eddie was President/COO of Corporate Health Solutions, Inc., a consulting firm that specialized in guiding organizations in pursuit of a “Culture of Wellness”. CHS embedded medical/behavioral teams in the “C-Suite” and provided onsite Annual Health Assessments with biometric screenings, coaching and physician executive services. Prior to that Eddie held various positions in the mental health and consulting fields, which have included drug and alcohol research/training, in-patient and outpatient psychiatric/substance abuse services, he's had a 43 year private practice and spent 33 years as the head of Mental Health Consultants, a behavioral health and employee assistance company. Eddie Haaz LinkedIn Show Notes: SBIRT - Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment ⁠ TED TALK ⁠- Everything you know about addiction is wrong ⁠Reducing Stigma⁠ SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Studies Identifying & Addressing Patient Substance Use: A Survey of Chiropractic Clinicians Trial of Yoga and Physical Therapy Onsite at Opioid Treatment Programs

Suzan Colón the author of: Yoga Mind: Journey Beyond the Physical Cherries in Winter: My Family's Recipe for Hope in Hard Times Plus more I'm currently working on a graphic novel webcomic about my time as a music journalist in the 1980s. https://suzancolon.substack.com https://suzancolon.net Instagram: @suzanacolon To join Yoga for Arthritis' book club and meet weekly discussing Yoga Mind: join the membership here where book club is included join the book club only

Dolores Marie Natividad is an Exercise Physiologist certified by Marymount College and ACSM. She has practiced Yoga since the mid 1980’s and is a certified Integral Hatha Yoga practitioner for Basic Hatha 1,11, Extra Gentle, Chair Yoga, Pre-Natal,Post-Partum, Stress Management, Bio-medical Yoga,Therapeutic Yoga, Deepening Therapeutics, and Yoga for Arthritis.   Dolores also studied extensively at the Original White Cloud Yoga studio in NYC where Julio Horvath originated his Gyrotonic® System (Yoga for Dancers) and is a certified Gyrotonic® practitioner as well. Dolores is privileged to have has studied with master teachers Hilary Cartwright at White Cloud and Leda Franklin at RiverSide Gyrotonic Studio in NYC.   Private Instruction or Class Instruction fully  certified M.E.L.T. practitioner. Dolores completed her hand and foot training in 2012 and in 2014 she became certified to work with the M.E.L.T roller under the tutelage of Sue Hitzman, the inventor of the M.E.L.T SYSTEM.   She was Chairperson and Vice President of The New York Personal Fitness trainer’s organization giving presentations to ACE certified trainers in the 1980’s. She’s traveled with James Taylor and his band implementing Yoga, personal training and de-stressing techniques. Dolores is featured in the book: The Marine Corps Daily 16 Workouts: Marine Fitness for the Civilian Athlete Book representing the civilians As a member of the New York Teacher’s Yoga Association, she has given Yoga workshops at the Department of Labor, NY-Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, The Board of Education, Park Slope Food Co-op, and numerous Senior Centers. ​Show Notes: - Dolores Natividad's Website - Dolores' Instagram - Dolores' Facebook - Research Articles

Jamie Boder is a former Yoga for Arthritis staffer and co-founder of Yoga for AS. Jamie is a dedicated yoga practitioner and yoga teacher from the UK. His own experience of being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis he found his mission to help others. Resources: https://spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/overview-of-spondyloarthritis/ankylosing-spondylitis/ https://yogaforas.com/ Jamie's Story

Kimberly is a Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT) and an experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT 500) with the Yoga Alliance. She earned her credentials after graduating from the Yoga Therapy program at Loyola Marymount University. She gained her Clinical experience working with chronic pain patients at the Simms Mann Venice Family Clinic in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in developing chronic pain management and stress relief programs for individuals, hospitals, and clinics.  Kimberly began teaching yoga in 1999. In 2007, after being diagnosed with a chronic illness, she began exploring the therapeutic and restorative aspects of her yoga practice to complement western medical treatments. She experienced first-hand the depression, anxiety, fatigue, and isolation that accompanies a chronic illness. This led her to become a Yoga Therapist to assist others managing chronic issues.  For 5 years, she led the Wellness program for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and developed a Yoga Therapy program for their Multiple Sclerosis patients. She continues to offer accessible yoga and wellness programs for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Kimberly offers virtual chronic pain and mental health Yoga Therapy sessions for Behavioral Health hospitals throughout the country and teaches for the University of Nevada Las Vegas. www.movingwithchronicpain.com Show Notes: Spoon Metaphor 200 Hour Training

Join us for the insightful conversation with Sangeeta Sule, MD, PHD, as we delve into the world of Juvenile Arthritis. Sangeeta Sula is an expert who discusses the challenges and nuances of navigating an early diagnosis of arthritis in children. Learn more about Sangeeta Sule Here

Charlene Marie Muhammad CNS, LD, E-RYT500, C-IAYT Charlene Marie Muhammad is a wellness practitioner, embracing the spirit of natural living for over 25 years. Charlene’s practice is predicated on formal Master’s level training as well as her own personal use of plants, food as medicine and movement therapy, giving her hands-on relationship and knowledge of these traditional healing modalities. Charlene’s wellness practice, Urbanherbalist, focuses on supporting clients with a practical application to optimal health by using the healing tools that she has grown to embrace in her own personal life: herbal medicine, nutrition and yoga.  Charlene’s journey began in her 20s around the time she completed her undergraduate work at Cornell University. Having landed a “dream” job, working for corporate America on Park Avenue in New York City, Charlene found life away from the beautiful gorges of Ithaca stressful.  Her mother suggested she take a yoga class. One year later, Charlene decided to get out of a city that has buildings so high they hide the sky, and relocated to Seattle, Washington.   Lead Trainer for Love Yoga Studio’s Yoga Teacher Training 200 Senior Yoga Teacher, The Happy Yogi Studio A graduate of Cornell University, Charlene holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Herbal Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health, and is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and Licensed Dietitian in the state of Maryland. Charlene has over 500 hours of yoga teacher training and instruction and is a certified yoga therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IYAT).  Charlene also serves as secretary for the Black Yoga Teachers’ Alliance (BYTA) Find More About Charlene Yoga for Arthritis Classes Kaiser Permanente Classes 200 hr Yoga for Arthritis Yoga Teacher Training Charlene Muhammad's Published Papers

Vaidya Anupama Kizhakkeveettil (Anu) is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, Professor, researcher, and Program Director of Ayurvedic Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences. She received her BAMS degree from SDM Ayurveda College, Mangalore University, her Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Southern California University of Health Science, her Ph.D. from Walden University, and a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine from the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. She also completed yoga teacher training at the Bihar school of Yoga. As an advocate for the Ayurvedic profession and the advancement of its goals, Vaidya Anu serves on the board of directors of the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, a nonprofit devoted to furthering Ayurvedic education, research, and practice in California, National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), an organization that represents the Ayurvedic profession in the United States and strives to promote the practice of Ayurveda nationwide and Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC). Previously, she completed six years of service as a member of the Action Board of the American Public Health Association (APHA), helping to coordinate grassroots and grasstops advocacy activities. She is the co-founder of Athreya Ayurvedic Integrative Health Center and Athreya herbs, a U.S. based provider of Ayurveda herbal supplements. www.scuhs.edu https://www.scuhs.edu/certificates/ https://www.scuhs.edu/short-courses/ To View The Research

Amy Allen Show Notes Jennifer Dak's Story Yoga for Arthritis General Membership (Book Club Included) Book Club Yoga for Arthritis Book

Christa Fairbrother Christa Fairbrother is an internationally recognized aqua yoga coach and trainer who works with beginners through pros. She's the author of the award-winning book, Water Yoga. She's both an ERYT-500 yoga teacher and Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute aquatic therapist and she's especially passionate about helping people who live with arthritis get more comfort and ease in their life through aquatic exercise. Christ's Website Facebook Instagram Christa's Book Mary Veal

Neil is a physical therapist, yoga therapist, author, researcher, Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia, faculty in three IAYT-accredited yoga therapy programs, board member for International Association of Yoga Therapists and pain care advocate. He conducts research into the effects of yoga on veterans with chronic pain and on people with osteoarthritis. Neil is the recipient of awards honouring his work in pain care, patient education and physiotherapy, and works closely with Canadian non-profit organizations focused on decreasing the impact of pain on society. He co-authored – Yoga and Science in Pain Care 2019, authored the patient education ebook, Understand Pain Live Well Again in 2008, and is lead contributor to many free patient resources. www.paincareaware.com

Welcome to the yoga room, with host Dr. Steffany Moonaz. To learn more please visit www.arthritis.yoga