-play-based adaptive yoga founded in Lansing, Michigan
TheraPLAYoga is an interoception and sensory wellness modality for individuals and families with complex needs, diverse abilities, and backgrounds. In addition to anyone (especially beginners) just wanting to Namaste and play. TheraPLAYoga is trauma-sensitive yoga designed for diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility.
Yoga styles range from Hatha, dynamic vinyasa, to restorative yoga- and are always adaptive and inclusive. Group or private practice includes therapeutics, somatics, pranayama, meditation, relaxation, anatomy, yoga philosophy, and asana- with a focus on function over form.
Mobile Yoga Studio – Lansing, MI
TheraPLAYoga was developed with education, training, personal experience, and loads of passion. As a mobile yoga studio with virtual access, it’s more accessible than most. Classes and workshops are held in various locations in the Greater Lansing area and across Mid-Michigan, including privately in your home. In short, adaptive pop-up yoga in YOUR house or hood!
Workshops + Mentorship
Workshops are designed to teach parents, caregivers, and educators how to create safe, accessible, and equitable spaces for communication, collaboration, regulation, and connection.
In addition, I offer private mentorship to discerning parents in building unshakable confidence in parenting with compassion, intention, and respect.
Hello! I’m Gloria.
I snap my neck to any variation of mom, but you can call me Glo. (That’s my genetic half and yoga model, Liam).
I’m a solo-parent / homeschool mom turned yoga, mindfulness, and meditation teacher. I’m also a mindful parenting mentor and Positive Discipline educator.
I help individuals and families with complex needs, diverse abilities, and backgrounds; prioritize connection, health, and sensory wellness through therapeutic playful yoga.
My personal experiences include traumatic stress, chronic stress, chronic pain, domestic violence, and autoimmune illness; overwhelm and burnout.
I know what it’s like livin’ on the edge of chaos and exhaustion.
Also, I’m an uncensored writer and storyteller. I share real life on my special needs parenting and lifestyle blog, uniquely named Liam And Glo. (Clever, right?)
I believe that with playfulness and easeful modifications, yoga and meditation can be non-intimidating, accessible, and healing to everyone.
Therefore, my mission is to guide individuals and families in understanding and experiencing the profound benefits of mind-body practices. Especially those who seek regulation, less overwhelm, and more enrichment.
Above all, empowering students- kids and adults- to enjoy practicing yoga with confidence and curiosity. Meanwhile, discovering ways to reflect, engage, regulate, and connect more [play] fully in their lives.
Sensory Friendly Yoga + Wellness
TheraPLAYoga is specialized in sensory wellness through meditation and gentle movement. As a result, achieving mindfulness, emotional and behavioral regulation, connection, and interoceptive awareness. Adaptive playful yoga promotes sensory integrated fun while encouraging functional life skills.
Adaptive Yoga
Individuals with complex diverse needs or specific goals will benefit most from private sessions. Regardless, as a yoga teacher, my training specialized in the accessibility and inclusion of diverse children and adults. For instance-
- sensory processing disorder
- autism/ASD
- ADHD
- behavioral challenges
- motor delays/challenges
- cognitive/learning disabilities
- speech-language challenges
- Cerebral Palsy
- chromosome anomalies
- global developmental delay
- wheelchair user
- diverse body shapes + sizes
- sleep difficulty
- limited mobillity
- processing challenges
- anxiety
- depression
- difficulty expressing emotions
- trauma
- chronic stress
- autoimmune + chronic illness
- scoliosis
- spinal (neck/back) injury + pain
- shoulder, hip, pelvis, sacrum injury + pain
Methods + Techniques
Methods and techniques go beyond stretch-based bendy poses seen in many kids and adult yoga classes (and social media). TheraPLAYoga is an eclectic blend of sensory-motor integration, yoga, psychology principles, and playfulness. In addition, knowledge of contraindications, functional anatomy, biomechanics, and the use of modifications and props to ensure an accessible, safe, holistic approach to awareness and sensory wellness. For example-
- sensory integration + nervous system balancing
- engaging visual + tactile prompts
- breath + energy harmonizing (pranayama)
- co-regulation + modeling
- meditation + mindfulness
- guided modified movements (asana)
- contraindication awareness
- intention focused + goal-oriented
- trauma-sensitive approach
- functional movement
- music + sound therapy
- games
- positive behavior strategies
- journaling + mantras
Benefits of TheraPLAYoga
TheraPLAYoga will produce benefits from participation in group enrichment, online, on-demand, and pop-up yoga classes. However, results will vary based on the student’s complexities, goals, and practice experience. In short, private sessions will promote the greatest benefits and functional life skills.For instance-
- body + mind awareness
- self-regulation
- emotional coping strategies (anxiety, stress, anger, etc)
- balance + coordination (motor skills)
- focus + attention
- sensory regulation
- speech + language development
- social skills (boundaries + respect)
- self-determination
- posture improvement
- spinal health
- shoulder + hip + pelvis + sacrum health
- strength + flexibility
- self-efficacy + self-acceptance
- social-emotional development
- promotes growth mindset
- cardio + circulatory health
- increased immune function
- decreased inflammation
- improved respiration
- energy boost
- improved athletic performance
- sleep support
- promotes physical literacy
- fosters connection + collaboration
With experiential wisdom and training; I teach kids, teens, and adults how to cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion, and regulation that’s playful, effective, and within their limits (‘cuz we all have them). While teaching parents and educators mindful positive practices to create safe, peaceful, and collaborative environments.
Follow the button below to read my bio and training.
If you have questions, email me, or for a quicker response send me a message on Instagram @TheraPlaYoga. I’m eager to connect and look forward to working with you.
Be Well + Stay Wild,
Glo