Kim Allen

My introduction into yoga was via traditional Hatha yoga with the emphasis on asana (the physical aspects of yoga) at Ball State University with my first teacher Dee Ann Birkle. After completing my bachelors degree in psychology, I continued to study, attending many Yoga Journal conferences and learning from a variety of great teachers. I had the pleasure of participating in a 7-day intensive with Jon Kabat-Zinn in the area of Mindfulness Meditation that led to my Master’s study research for my MA in Wellness Management. I was later introduced to Gary Kraftsow and American VIniyoga Institute. The perspectives of this lineage taught me to focus on the ever changing needs of the practitioner including physical, mental, and emotional components. I completed the two-year, 500-hour yoga teacher training through the American Viniyoga Institute (July, 2005) as well as the 500-hour AVI YTT training (Oct, 2009). My other certifications include Nationally Board Certified Health/Wellness Coach with training through Wellcoaches Inc., certified personal trainer with ACSM, and licensed massage therapist for the state of IN. I also completed my doctorate in Health Education with A. T. Still University. My belief is that the work I do is grounded by my own personal practice of yoga and meditation. I am a life-long learner and I continue to explore methods that focus on ways to reduce suffering and increase our capacity for joy.