Sensory-Enhanced Yoga(r) for Children and Adolescents: Healing Childhood Trauma, Anxiety, and Stress Through the Koshas

This evidence-based and trauma-informed resource allows professionals working with children and teens to apply sensory yoga as a holistic and effective tool in addressing symptoms of trauma, toxic stress, anxiety, depression, and related mental health conditions.

Based on the Sensory and Mindfulness-based Yoga for Learning Environments (SMYLE(TM)) model, this training program can easily be adopted by a wide range of professionals and applied to various settings, including schools, yoga classes, community centres, and group homes.

In reducing stress, emotional dysregulation, and symptoms of hypervigilance and trauma, children and teens are able to benefit from a maintained state of calm and focus, and a heightened sense of self-worth and empowerment allowing for the long-term development of consistent healthy habits and routines.

Lynn Stoller, the Founding President of the Sensory-Enhanced Yoga(R) Institute, previously worked for 36 years as an occupational therapist at Cotting School, where she frequently incorporated yoga practices into individual and group sessions for students with anxiety, ADHD, and sensory modulation disorders. Since 2008, she has trained yoga instructors and health professionals in sensory-based techniques for PTSD. Lynn’s notable achievements include being the associate investigator and first author of the influential Iraq yoga study on combat stress. She has also made significant contributions as a faculty member of veteran/military yoga organizations. Lynn is a certified yoga therapist and has been teaching therapeutic yoga classes for veterans for many years.

Meg Hennessey, a passionate yogi and highly experienced registered yoga teacher, holds a Master’s degree in Severe Special Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Throughout her teaching career, Meg integrated sensory and mindfulness-based yoga and meditation practices into her classrooms, benefiting all her students and inspiring her colleagues. Her dedication led her to complete yoga and meditation trainings worldwide, including Registered Yoga Teacher Training, Meditation for All, Autism Yoga Teacher Training, and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. Currently, as the Director of the SMYLE program, Meg focuses on promoting sensory and mindfulness-based yoga for all learning environments, making a positive impact on individuals seeking holistic and inclusive educational experiences.