Parnisia Thomas

Healing is not a luxury—it is success. I did not come to this work by accident. As an entrepreneur and non-profit leader, I understand firsthand the pressure, sacrifices, and burnout that comes with building something bigger than yourself. After surviving domestic violence and reaching my allostatic load, I had to unlearn survival as a way of life and reimagine leadership through the lens of healing, rest, and embodied resilience. In today’s world, we are told that success requires constant motion, but true leadership demands pause. My approach to Somatic Recess teaches leaders how to engage with pressure, decision-making, and stress without sacrificing their bodies, minds, or values. I guide professionals, change makers, and organizations beyond reactionary stress patterns into sustainable leadership, where clarity, self-compassion, and resilience are as integral as strategy and execution. Yoga, breathwork, and embodied movement are not just practices—they are survival tools. They helped me reclaim my own body, mind, and leadership, and now, I use them to help others reclaim theirs. Training & Credentials With a deep foundation in somatic science, yoga philosophy, and hands-on healing work, I bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and embodied wisdom. My certifications include: 200-Hour YTT – Urban Yoga Spa (2019) 18-Hour Trauma-Informed Yoga – Yoga Behind Bars (2019) 200-Hour Rocket Yoga Certification (2021) 200-Hour Life Time Yoga Teacher Training (2022) 200-Hour Metta Yoga Certification (2023) 200-Hour Universal Yoga Certification (2024) Ashtanga Yoga Studies with Todd Roderick, Ashtanga Yoga Atlanta (2023-2024) -Ongoing 32-Hour Yoga Therapy Training 200-Hour My Vinyasa Practice Certification (In Progress) 200-Hour Embodied Yoga Certification (In Progress) For over 20 years, I have worked with professional athletes as a licensed and board-certified massage therapist and educator in the college setting, specializing in sports recovery, injury prevention, and optimizing physical performance. This background gives me a deep understanding of biomechanics, fascia, and how chronic stress impacts movement and recovery, allowing me to integrate functional movement, somatic therapy, and breath work into my approach to healing and leadership. Entrepreneurship, Impact & Non-Profit Leadership As an entrepreneur and non-profit leader, I know what it means to be in high-pressure environments where well-being is often sacrificed in the pursuit of impact. My work is about changing that narrative, proving that rest is not a retreat—it is a revolution. For over a year, I have collaborated with The City of Seattle Conservation Corps, leading trauma-informed yoga, breath work, and meditation for formerly incarcerated individuals and those in recovery. This work is a reflection of my deeper mission: to disrupt cycles of trauma and stress while expanding access to embodied healing practices. As the founder of Camp Recess, I provide melanin youth with leadership development, yoga teacher training tools, acro yoga, and holistic health equity programs. This initiative is expanding into a year-round program with an upcoming collaborative retreat in Senegal, Africa, bridging global healing traditions. I believe that when we embrace healing, we embrace our full power. Collaboration & Corporate Offerings My work aligns with brands and organizations that are ready to redefine leadership, resilience, and well-being as essential, not optional. I partner with: ✔ Corporate teams seeking embodied leadership strategies ✔ Wellness brands integrating holistic healing into their culture ✔ Community-driven organizations prioritizing sustainable well-being I create immersive experiences that challenge outdated success models and integrate meaningful well-being practices into leadership culture. For partnerships, speaking engagements, or corporate collaborations, visit Brain & Body Recess or connect with me directly.