JIM R.

Jim is a 10 year Navy veteran and began practicing yoga 15 years ago. He came to yoga to help with focus and clarity as a software engineer. After attending classes for several years and desiring more knowledge and experience, he attended a Yoga Teacher Training. During teacher training, he deepened his understanding of the mind-body connection and became interested in how he could help veterans with the practice. While teaching in Denver, CO, he was introduced to a program that trained people in trauma-informed yoga for veterans. After attending the training he started applying the techniques in regular yoga classes and began searching to further his involvement in the veteran community. After learning of Comeback Yoga, he started his journey in sharing a practice that has allowed him to gain more empathy, compassion, and clarity.

MIA C.

Growing up, Mia was very fortunate to spend an abundance of time in nature. Most of her childhood days consisted of exploring, playing and creating outdoors. This has inspired her to practice a lifestyle rooted in wellbeing and to ground in nature whenever possible.

When a teenager, Mia was introduced to yoga by a great teacher. The centering benefits and sustainable therapeutic effects yoga offers, kept bringing her back to various practices and trainings ever since. When not working, she enjoys hiking, running, playing with her doggie, cooking, baking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, traveling.

TIFFANY S.

Tiffany has been a yoga teacher and bodyworker since 2004. While she has studied many different approaches to health and movement throughout the years, her passion has always been rooted in a physical practice that offers wider-reaching mental and emotional benefits.

Her fascination with the adaptability of the human mind and body has inspired her to work specifically with people who have experienced significant challenges. She is not a veteran herself, but has witnessed the effects of combat on several family members and friends.

In her private practice as a massage and craniosacral therapist, she has been privileged to accompany many veterans on a path of healing and presence. She believes the most effective methods are often the simplest. Her teaching style incorporates breath work, meditation, and coordinated movement with an emphasis on exploration and self-expression.

DAN R.

If you told him at that time he would enjoy yoga, certainly his reaction would not have been positive. However, one morning while lifting weights with a friend, they put a yoga program on in the background. In between sets, he tried a few poses and couldn’t believe standing still could be so challenging.

Due to chronic back pain, he decided to give yoga a try. Dan practiced yoga off and on, primarily on his own, for about fifteen years. After moving to Denver two years ago, he joined VFW Post 1 and began practicing yoga there. He discovered an inviting and fun atmosphere. Over time, he decided to become a teacher and serve his fellow vets.

Dan’s spirit of yoga is enjoyment and celebration, so his classes are lighthearted and relaxed. He invites you to try yoga a few times like he did. Perhaps you will experience the many benefits as well.

JANINE R.

Being able to witness a student drop into their practice and make that mind body connection is the main reason Janine loves teaching. She's seen first hand the benefits of yoga in the military community, starting with her husband. She enjoys giving back to a community which has embraced her for 32 years as a military spouse. She understands the lifestyle and all that comes with it, the ups and the downs. That military connection is strong whether it be active duty or retired, I understand both sides. Her hope for her classes is that her students are able to find some rest, connection, and stillness on their mat. 

Janine is 500 RYT with additional certifications in Trauma and PTSD, Meditation, Restorative, Yin, Hot Yoga and Reiki.

CODY N.

Cody is an Air Force Retiree (2016). He served as an instructor for space operations. He also served as a physical trainer for the squadrons. After separating from service, he replaced the military pushups with Chaturangas and eventually became a yoga instructor. He is now a contractor for the military; and after work, he teaches vinyasa and yin yoga for the Air Force Academy.

He was drawn to yoga because of the power of breathwork and meditation, and also the security of community that we find among friends. After 200hr yoga teacher training, he continued on to 300hr with a therapeutic focus to apply more intentional instruction.

His favorite pose to recommend to clients is (Viparita Karani) legs-up-the-wall pose with hip opening variations, especially if they suffer from high blood pressure. He points out that it is accessible to most, can be held longer than most poses, and he loves to watch the practitioners experience complete ease and calmness in this safe space.

You can find Cody at the Air Force Academy Fitness Center. He also teaches seasonal Mandala Painting and Meditation classes for Yoga Studio Satya and Bliss Yoga Studio.

DEE K.

Dee has been dedicated to the practice of yoga on and off the mat since 2013. She began her deep dive into studying the gifts of yoga at Pranava Yoga Center in 2016, and continued expanding her knowledge through PranaYoga and Ayurveda Mandala's Yoga Therapy program, which she graduated from in May 2022. Her desire to support her students continued to grow through the exploration of adaptive and trauma-sensitive trainings. As an ongoing student of this yogic path, Dee is fascinated with the numerous modalities of yoga and how the learning truly never ends. She enjoys the opportunity to blend the awareness of the body, mind, and Spirit with her ambition to encourage individuals throughout their personal growth. Dee is incredibly honored and excited to share these collective experiences with her students, who ultimately are her teachers. 

When Dee is off the mat, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.