Agitated to Elevated

It has been established through a combination of academic and clinical case studies that yoga, meditation and writing classes separately in prisons and jails bring about decreased stress and increased resilience to stressors for incarcerated youth and adults.

Agitated to Elevated combines all three elements. Thus, expediting the process of self-awareness and providing an entry point for all participants so participants leave feeling focused, calm and empowered to recognize the choices they do have.

Agitated to Elevated inside of prisons, jail and juvenile detention centers

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

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

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

For the last 7 years I’ve been facilitating classes with men, women and youth inside of correctional facilities.

In addition to incarcerated individual program, I offer wellness workshops for faculty and staff. Inquire here.

“When I first got here I thought you were some weird hippy. 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.”

- Dez

“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.”

Tahuti

“You haven’t been in greens before but when you were talking I felt like you were speaking to me and like you get it. How do you do that? How are you able to relate to us?”

“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.”

Lameek

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

Chris

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

Bah

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER testimonials

“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.”

CO, Hudson Correctional Facility

“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.” 

CO, Hudson Correctional Facility

“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.”

CO, Hudson Correctional Facility

Faculty and Administration testimonials:

“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, Loarca

“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.”

Superintendent, Brandow

“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.”

Librarian, Luke