YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Deaweh began regularly practicing yoga in 2014 when she travelled to teach abroad in Shenzhen, China. While in China, she was training for a half-marathon and decided that she just needed “a little yoga” to help improve flexibility. This “little yoga” turned out to be a struggle. Even though it would take a while to reach her toes—Deaweh quickly realized that each yoga practice left her feeling a little bit lighter.  

Five years later, Deaweh began a PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Michigan and adopted an even greater appreciation for the profound mental health benefits of yoga and meditation. Deaweh’s research examines structural racism, health, and healing among Black youth during the transition to adulthood. Deaweh earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College and her Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has worked in academic institutions and research organizations where she investigated college student academic success, school-to-work transitions, and developmental supports for youth and young adults.  Deaweh completed her 200-hour registered yoga teacher training in order to support her own mental health, put her academic work into practice, and expand access to the benefits of yoga. 

Deaweh’s classes are designed for exploration and restoration. Her classes are informed by Ashtanga, Yin, and Pranayama yogic traditions to help students build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. She also incorporates playful, intuitive movement to help foster a sense of freedom on the yoga mat. Deaweh is committed to creating opportunities to use yoga and meditation as tools to promote health and healing among marginalized communities.