Archives: People

MontieAnn Swafford realized one of her lifelong dreams of completing her yoga teacher certification in July 2023 with Small World Yoga, after a lifetime of practicing yoga. She started teaching yoga to private students immediately thereafter and began teaching with Small World Yoga in August 2023. She loves yoga because it helps her with pain…

Allyssa received her yoga teacher certification in 2022 with Yoga Renew. She started teaching yoga in 2023 and began teaching with Small World Yoga in 2023. She loves yoga because it makes her feel empowered in her body. What Allyssa enjoys most about teaching yoga is inspiring people to be the best version of themselves.…

Kara received their yoga teacher certificate in 2023 with Hot Yoga East Nashville. She loves yoga because it brings her inner peace and she loves the workout. Outside of yoga, Kara enjoys traveling, being outside, learning new hobbies, and eating.

Joshua received his yoga teacher certification in 2019 with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (Whole Health Program). He started teaching yoga in 2019, teaching yoga and mindfulness to fellow veterans. He loves yoga because it is a daily opportunity to evaluate and tend to what you may be lacking, both on and off the…

Gabe has been practicing yoga since 2010 after getting involved in the workout program P90X. After resuming a consistent practice in 2021, Gabe decided to apply to SWY’s DEIA scholarship and completed his 200-hour yoga training in the summer of 2023. As a plus-sized Afro-Latino/Pacific Islander man, Gabe has not found many people who look…

Echo received her yoga teacher certification in 2020 with Yoga One. She started teaching yoga in 2020 and began teaching with Small World Yoga in 2023. She loves yoga as a centuries-old healing and embodiment practice that centers her in a safe, calming, accepting space to connect with others and her inner, authentic self. What…

Emil Faison-Reeves, a New York City native currently living in Nashville, has practiced yoga since 2018. He noticed many underrepresented groups within the yoga community, especially Black men. This inspired him to complete his 200-hour yoga teacher training from Shakti Power Yoga in 2023. Upon completion of training, Emil vowed to provide diversity and inclusion…

Tonya’s journey started over 20 years ago when a friend approached her to be her “practice” client. Since she had a background in athletics, fitness, and nutrition but knew nothing about yoga, Tonya would be the perfect guinea pig. She was immediately intrigued with the harmony yoga offered of movement, mobility, and mental clarity and…

Austin Grimm was first introduced to yoga while traveling with his touring band Roots of a Rebellion (or ROAR) and it wasn’t until years later that he developed a consistent practice thanks to Sumits St. Louis and Nashville Yoga Co. He is very grateful for the positive effect Yoga continues to have on his mind,…