
Meet Melissa
Yoga is at the core of my personal and professional journey, and I'm excited to share its benefits with you!
After completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Jackson, Wyoming in 2014, my fascination with the human body and a passion for helping others led me to further studies. Pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Simmons University, I enhanced my expertise in anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, and injury prevention while simultaneously maximizing my capabilities as an informed yoga instructor.
During my academic journey, I continued specialized training in restorative yoga (focused on relaxation) and Iyengar yoga (emphasizing alignment). These practices, utilizing props like blankets, bolsters, blocks and a chair, make yoga accessible and comfortable. I also delved into trainings in therapeutic yoga for emotional healing, neurologic conditions, pelvic health, and perinatal care.
There is a potent synergy between yoga and physical therapy, both are therapeutic. I draw on my dual expertise in these fields in my clinical practice as a pelvic floor physical therapist. Pursuing this specialty was in part fueled by my personal experience with lumbopelvic pain. I integrate therapeutic yoga to design healing exercises for my patients, for myself, and for you as my future client.
Combining movement science knowledge with an intuitive understanding of the body, I aim to inspire you. My goal is to help you cultivate a compassionate relationship with your body through the rewarding and nourishing practice of yoga - let’s get started!
Resume & Curriculm Vitae
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Doctor of Physical Therapy (2020), Simmons University
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with minor in Spanish (2013), Elon University
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Unlocking Vitality: Pelvic Floor Anatomy & Asana, an experiential workshop at On the Mat yoga studio in Concord, MA, January 2024
Slow Flow & Restore, teaching weekly at On the Mat yoga studio in Concord, MA, 2023 to present
Mind-body Therapies to Reduce Pain in Acute Care, annual lecture delivered to second year DPT students at Simmons University, 2020 to present
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Yoga for Pelvic Health with Dustienne Miller - Herman & Wallace, March 2021
Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training with Brigitte Arle (85 hours) - Rooted Boston, January through March 2020
Yoga for Traumatic Brain Injury (18 hours) - Love Your Brain Foundation, August 2019
Relax & Renew Restorative Yoga Training with Judith Hanson-Lasater (30 hours) - Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, November 2015
Therapeutic Yoga Training for Emotional Healing with Kate Graham (100 hours) - South Boston Yoga, January through June 2015
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Iyengar, Kundalini & Ashtanga influences - Inversion Yoga Studio, Jackson, WY, April 2014
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Pelvic Specialty
Pelvis Pro: Advanced Biomechanics & Therapeutic Exercise with Dr. Sarah Duvall - Core Exercise Solutions, Summer 2023
Endometriosis 101: Moving Towards Better Care with Dr. Jandra Mueller - Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center, September 2023
Dry Needling and Pelvic Health - Herman & Wallace, November 2022
Mobilization of the Myofascial Layer with Ramona Horton - Herman & Wallace, August 2022
Thriving Mama Pregnancy & Postpartum Rehabilitation Training for Healthcare Professionals with Dr. Marcy Crouch - The Down There Doc, Fall 2021
Pelvic Health Level 1 - APTA Academy of Pelvic Health, July 2019
Orthopedics
Functional Dry Needling Level 1 - Evidence in Motion, June 2021
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - Graston Technique, December 2020
Stress, Movement & Pain - Seth Oberst, September 2019
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International Association of Yoga Therapists - Since 2015
American Physical Therapy Association, Academy of Pelvic Health - Since 2020