Melissa Smith, M.A., LMHC, and Yoga Alliance ERYT® 500 educator in Yoga Therapeutics, Restorative and Sustainable Yoga, and Mindfulness Educator.
As an international yoga retreat coordinator, Alzheimer's and other Dementias caregiver advocate, and trauma-informed yoga teacher, her teaching style emphasizes mindful, sustainable, and functional movement and strength. Classes are grounded in biomechanics and yogic philosophy, and allow for deep rest. Her desire is for students to connect within and integrate their intuition in practice, allowing each student to listen deeply to their own body’s needs. Melissa is adept at working with Injuries, aging, and special conditions, from beginners to more experienced individuals.
With more than 30 years in the health and wellness field, she credits her teachers —Leeann Carey, Jules Mitchell, Stephanie Adams, Nicolai Bachman, Donna Farhi, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Lance Schuler, and her first mentor, Carie Garrett —for laying the foundations and fostering her continued growth.
A native Texan, Melissa resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her rescue dog, Eddie, and offers classes and bespoke retreats at www.PranavaYoga.Studio. Melissa is also a New Mexico licensed practicing psychotherapist (LMHC) specializing in life’s transitions, grief/loss, and trauma modalities.
