Veteran, Teacher
Vanessa took her first yoga class on leave from her Afghanistan deployment in 2010.
She worked as a Medic overseas in a primarily male infantry unit with the Iowa National Guard and she was dealing with many of the difficulties that arise from that situation.
I found that when I practiced yoga, it was the only time I could slow down my mind, something I desperately needed at the time.
When she returned home and began college, yoga classes became a space she could surrender while struggling to transition back into college life and the civilian world.
Vanessa spent years working in several non-profit realms assisting veterans with transitions into higher education and bringing awareness and healing strategies to veterans who combat frequent suicidal ideations and PTS.
Through it all yoga has been my constant, my mat has been my healing space.
In 2018, with an incredibly generous scholarship from Comeback Yoga, Vanessa was able to deepen her practice and attend a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program.
I wish to bring my love of the practice and the healing wonder of yoga to anyone who has a similar story to mine, because healing feels pretty great!
You can find Vanessa teaching Comeback Yoga classes on Auraria Campus in Denver.