Emilee Coulter-Thompson

I discovered yoga in 2000 while finishing my Master of Social Work degree. Yoga helped me to get out of my mind and into my body. Ever since, yoga has been my primary source of healing, inspiration and growth. As a teacher, I aim to build a safe space for students to explore their own healthy alignment and loving self-awareness.

For many years I have supported survivors of sexual and domestic violence and worked to prevent violence from occurring. Yoga is a powerful way to heal trauma because trauma is stored in body tissues. Yoga helps to create physiological changes which support the healing process. Yoga also works to prevent violence because it increases awareness of attitudes and behaviors that lead to violence. This awareness gives people more freedom to change their actions.

I believe yoga empowers individuals to discover their inner wisdom and transforms communities to promote social justice. Yoga teaches us to slow down, let go, and move from our heart-center. When we are at ease with ourselves and connected to our true nature, our contributions are most lasting and profound. Through teaching, I aim to create a culture of liberation in which all beings thrive.

Training and Experience

Master of Social Work, University of Michigan, 2001
Instructor, Michigan Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, 2000 – 2003
Instructor, Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force, 2003 – 2007
Instructor, University of Oregon Women’s Studies Department, Fall 2004
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, 2006
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, Amrita Sanctuary, 2007
Yoga Teaching Apprenticeship with Lani Jelen, 2008
Living Yoga Volunteer Teacher, 2006 – present
Yoga Instructor, The Yoga Space, 2006 – 2008
Yoga Instructor, HeartSong Yoga, 2008 – present

When I’m not doing yoga, you may find me:

Dancing, hiking, sailing, commuting by bike, writing, reading, knitting, kirtan singing

Last Look

As swimmers dare

to lie face to the sky

and water bears them,

as hawks rest upon air

and air sustains them,

so would I learn to attain freefall,

and float

into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,

knowing no effort earns

that all-surrounding grace.

- Denise Levertov

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