Valerie Kirby

Getting to know students and the class dynamics are key elements in designing the structure and flow of class. In the community classes Valerie hopes to assist students cultivate strong, flexible, and balanced mind-body connections and allow enough time to engage and nourish a place of inner peace. Restorative and rehabilitative yoga classes are part of her yoga beginnings. Valerie has worked with the general community and those with Parkinson's, hip replacement, heart surgery, breast cancer, anxiety, and other health concerns through the local healthcare system and other area workplaces. In 2016, adding stress management and restorative yoga through the Ornish Reversal Lifestyle program training which focuses on heart health for participants who have had prior heart events. In 2017, the International Association of Yoga Therapist (IAYT) designation was awarded. In general, her desire is to assist students build body awareness, strength, range of motion, and balance, as well as, learning about alignment, mindfulness and the practice of diaphragmatic breathing. She has been guided by an instructor from Kripalu Institute and earned her RYT -200 from Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center in Virginia. In addition, Valerie holds three YogaFit designations. Recent highlights include teaching yoga on the Chesapeake Bay sand for several summers (current) and at the Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach (2 years). A beautiful location offering an expansive view of Crabb Creek. Yoga was offered at a Retreat center in North Carolina, the oceanfront for conference attendees and aboard a cruise ship! Balance and Breath is key. Whatsoever is pure, lovely and of good report- let your mind dwell on these things. (adapted Phillipians 4:8)