Elevated Action

In 2023, I set out to validate what I have long believed – classes integrating yoga, meditation, and creative writing within correctional facilities can profoundly benefit both youth and adults who are incarcerated. In partnership with Dr. Ferdik and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYS DOCCS), we launched a research initiative examining the impact of the Elevated Action program.

Findings revealed that after just 12 sessions, participants experienced a measurable decrease in depressive symptoms, along with significant gains in emotional regulation, resilience, and self-esteem.

🧠 20–25% decrease in depressive symptoms for participants

🛡️ 25–30% improvement in resilience levels.

⚖️ 30–40% improvement on emotional regulation  

🌟 30–40% boost in self-esteem.

Elevated Action

  • Mitigates impulsive behaviors, leading to fewer conflicts and decreased need for disciplinary measures

  • Enhances writing and communication skills, empowering participants to express themselves clearly

  • Promotes a culture of mutual support, facilitating a safer and more positive environment within the facility

  • “Some people come to jail wanting to change their lives but don’t know where to start. This class gives you a place to begin.”

    — Participant

  • “This class gave me the confidence to bring up my wrong doings with my family.”

    — Participant

  • “Before this program I would lash out but this class helped me see the bigger picture.”

    — Participant

  • “You come out of prison a better person or a better criminal. This class helps us be better people.”

    17 y/o participant

  • “When I first got here I thought you were some weird hippie. But you changed my opinion and my life. I remember being in rehab and all day every day was about learning/practicing new coping skills. I was there for 7 months and I still felt like my coping skills were shit. When you got me to practice yoga and meditating my life literally changed. I'm more in control of my thoughts, actions and emotions than I’ve ever been.”

    — Participant

  • “You inspire me to do better every day. Thank you for caring about our future and I know you care because when I put up a shield to block you from seeing the “real me” you try to break it down and change the way I see things for the better. Some things we did change the way I think.”

    — Participant

  • "The best part about you coming is the fact that I find peace for that little bit of time that you’re here and I take everything I get from this to t he unit with me."

    — Participant

  • "This class is full of all different type of answers and is one of the first steps to true self change."

    — Participant

  • This class is full of all different types of answers. It's one of the first steps to true self change."

    — Participant

  • “The guys that do yoga with you or talk to you on a regular basis I’ve seen are generally more calm and don’t blow a top off their lid right away.”

    Correctional Officer

  • “This class can clear the mind of the I/Is and show them a different way to breathe and control their mind. It gives them a chance to open up and express these feelings.” 

    Correctional Officer

  • “This class seems to have a positive effect towards most I/Is. It gets them to open up about life experiences and to have open discussions. The meditation and yoga seems to have a calming effect on those that participate.”

    Correctional Officer

  • “Leah is the first individual I have come across that is able to use relaxation techniques with incarcerated individuals to promote an atmosphere of self-exploration and behavior improvement. The success of her work is reflected in the continuous positive feedback I receive from the incarcerates individuals in the Residential Rehabilitation Unit. There is no doubt in my mind that Leah’s work is making a difference in the lives of the incarcerated population.”

    Deputy Superintendent of Programs

  • “Leah’s work with the incarcerated population is innovative and valuable. She provides an atmosphere where the individuals can easily explore their thinking as well as their experiences. I notice that such exploration had an improvement in the attitude of the participants as well as increased their commitment towards positive changes.”

    Prison Superintendent

  • “Those in attendance in your workshop loved it, and I personally found it to be exceptional. The thought and dedication you put into your presentation is extraordinary.”

    Prison Librarian

Combining yoga with expressive writing to improve incarcerated person health

Elevated Action