Kids Learn Yoga Testimonials
What the kids have to say!
This is really fun! We get to come do yoga at school and make our own yoga books. I like to how my brother how to do it at home, because he doesn’t know how yet.
--Andrew, 8 years old
I really like making my yoga books because I get to look at them with my mom before I go to bed. Sometimes she does the yoga with me. I'm really good at the breathing too.
--Joe, 4 years old
I like doing yoga because it makes me feel comfortable and strong. My favorite is
dog pose. I also like Dreamer because I get to close my eyes and rest for a while.
--Sean, 13 years old
I told my mom we should do our yoga poses every day. It's a really good way to exercise
and then rest.
--Sierra, 5 years old
From therapists and teachers in the schools:
I have seen the students trying new things, accelerating with postural support and balance. The entire module is like acting out a story that changes them for the better!
--Amilia Elliott, MPT
Pediatric Physical Therapist
My students in preschool LOVE the program! I have seen over time their motor planning and confidence with how their bodies move improve significantly. They sing the songs on the playground and show any visitor to the classroom their yoga poses. Thank you for developing such a quality program!
--Marjorie Quine-Smith, MA, OTR
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
This is an excellent program to help stimulate the mind-body connection so crucial for proper child development and academic success. It is beneficial for ALL students, whether or not they qualify for therapeutic services. It works GREAT as a whole class activity!
--Tera Fenixx, M.Ed.
First Grade Classroom Teacher
The stories and songs are multi-cultural and imaginative. The program is all inclusive, and spills over into our daily classroom activities. We have 3 year olds now tracing and cutting on a straight line. Coordination levels are up, and most children are scoring average or above. I am so glad we have this program!
--Ellen Jackson, Preschool Teacher
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
From Yoga Training Organizers:
Thank you for providing our related service providers with an outstanding workshop. Many of the OT's and PT's have thanked me for the workshop, and they are already implementing the principles you presented. Some of them are likewise providing short in-services to the staff at their respective schools.
--Keri Scott, MS, OTR
Neuromotor Liason
Albuquerque Public Schools
Thank you for the fantastic in-service you presented to our Montessori Academy. Our guides have expressed their gratitude in gaining a better understanding of Sensory Integration. They have integrated SMILY into their daily schedule and are seeing student benefits. Their students are excited and motivated to participate. The SMILY routines and educational activities are easily implemented and a valuable asset to our program.
--Debra Ewing
Educational Specialist
Southern Ute Indian Academy
I have attended numerous workshops over a long career as an Occupational Therapist. I found this to be one of the very best for content, functional use, speaker presentation and audience reception. One therapist said it all by just saying
"WOW!"
--Suzanne Poirier, MS, OTR
Occupational Therapy Supervisor
EASi, New Mexico
Workshop Participants, New Mexico & Colorado
In response to "What did you like the most?"
"The review of research and literacy components were especially helpful."
"This is one of the best practical workshops I have ever attended…I can apply it tomorrow – right away!"
'How everything is planned and organized to tie into school function...Lesson plans to go!"
"The practical, functional, FUN approach of integrating so much into yoga with supporting literature & research."
"One of the most enjoyable, "can apply immediately", comprehensive courses I’ve attended in 16 years as a Physical Therapist!"
"The energy and true belief in the program that April expresses…the participation with each yoga routine was great!"
"How the SMILY program can be used as a functional treatment that covers educational standards."
"April's enthusiasm, organization and skill as a teacher. Using all the teaching styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc."
"The practical application of theoretical principles, and the
co-treatment aspect for OT's, PT's and SLP's. How yoga incorporates
everything an OT does! What a "FUN"tional modality!'
After graduating summa cum laude from the Allied Health
Department of the Medical School at the University of New Mexico, I
began my career as an Occupational Therapist working in adult rehab
services. When an opportunity arose 10 years ago to work in the
public school system, I went without hesitation and discovered that 
