Michelle began practicing yoga after the birth of her twin boys in 2004. While she enjoyed her classes, she never imagined it was going to lead to a new career.
Michelle’s eldest son was diagnosed with a spectrum disorder several years before, and she had observed progress with his development when he was actively engaged in physical therapy and activity. This led to an avid interest in researching movement’s relationship to brain development and learning. She had also observed her son’s increase in imaginative play over the years, something she had worked hard to cultivate through play time and storytelling. When Michelle was approached to teach a children’s yoga class, she began looking for ideas that would make the class fun for her 4 year old students. She found YogaKids, and was amazed to read about this program that was based on the same principles of Multiple Intelligence teaching she’d been studying on her own. She signed up for a Foundations training and shortly thereafter decided to commit her time to becoming fully trained. She is now a Certified YogaKids Facilitator and Trainer. She augmented her training with a Certification in Yoga for the Special Child. She continues her studies, and recently attended workhops in Therapeutic Yoga and “Getting Kids in Sync” - A Sensory Processing Approach to Challenges Associated with Autism, ADHD, Learning and Behavioural Disorders.
Michelle has taught preschool and elementary school classes, in after school programs and in summer camps. She volunteered at Grady Brown Elementary school, working with Autistic children, and at the Occupational Therapy office Emerge – A Child’s Place in Chapel Hill, working with children with AD/HD and Spectrum Disorders. She has also had the pleasure of teaching classes for ARC of Orange County, working with children with severe disabilities.
In addition to being a mom, a wife and a YogaKids teacher, Michelle is also the Co-Founder of the Ghost & Spice Theatre Company where she participates as an active member and director.
Below are some comments Michelle has received from Teachers and Students:
“This is an activity that (our daughter) has really wanted to participate in. She loves the instructor and loves the imaginative parts of class. Yoga is something she talks about and “practices” outside of the class. I am so happy we introduced her to YogaKids.”
Alexandra H.
Parent of Student
” YogaKids has been a wonderful confidence builder for our child!”
Melissa P.
Parent of Student
“I have had the good fortune to work with Michelle at the pediatric practice, Emerge-A Child’s Place. Michelle volunteered in the spring to work with one of our therapy groups and then this summer I hired her to co-lead a two week program for children with anxiety and sensory processing disorders. Michelle brought her extensive knowledge about working with children and understanding their diverse needs (social, emotional, cognitive, motor, sensory). She led daily play yoga sessions that engaged the children on multiple levels. Her creative enthusiasm encouraged even the most reluctant child to participate. It was very easy to establish a comfortable give-and-take relationship with her as co-leaders of a group of children. I am pleased to give my highest recommendations for Michelle.”
Bonnie J Hacker MHS, OTR/L
Emerge-A Child’s Place
October 2006
“Michelle Byars taught yoga classes in the after-school program at Triangle Day School during the 2005-2006 school year. Michelle did a fabulous job planning her classes with the students’ interests and abilities in mind, and her enthusiasm for yoga and movement was contagious. Her ability to mix movement and learning was most impressive. The students in her classes looked forward to her classes and participated eagerly.
“From an administrative standpoint, Michelle was highly reliable and easy to work with. We were very fortunate to have her working at our school.”
Caroline Eidson
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Triangle Day School
“Yoga has been a fun experience to the Busy Bees at Kids “R” Kids of RTP. We’ve learned how to follow directions, stretch our bodies and breathe. Thank you Mrs. Michelle! : ) “
Miss Caroline
Preschool Teacher
Kids “R” Kids of RTP
“Thank you for coming to our class. I love all the poses you do. They all are fun and good exercise too me. The pose I liked best was the horse pose where you kick up your feet. Every Thursday I am very excited when you come. I love when you teach yoga!”
Ella
Elementary School Student
“I am really enjoying the Yoga that you’re teaching. My favorite pose is dog pose. Doing the tight rope was fun, too. I told my mom all about you and she was wondering if she knows you. I think you are the best Yoga teacher ever!”
Claire
Elementary School Student
