Christine Calabrese

Foundations Program Graduate
Semi-Retired Dentist and Yoga Teacher
Location: Buffalo, NY
Website: Healing Breath YT

“I had been practicing general dentistry for over 22 years and had been ignoring back pain for at least 6 years. I began practicing hot yoga at a Baptiste style studio hoping to alleviate the pain. Ultimately, I needed surgery and was advised to stop practicing due to the damage to my spine. I found a yoga studio whose philosophy was one of acceptance and ease and had an epiphany.

First, I knew I would be ok if I had to sell my practice, and I would love to share my experience with other people going through something that’s hard to digest emotionally and physically. With that idea in mind, I did some research and decided to pursue yoga therapy as another career.

For me, the main appeal of the Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy Program was the online option. I have a family, still had my practice and so was in no position to leave and study elsewhere full time. This program made it so simple to study at my own pace.

Having a very analytical and scientific mind, I wondered if having less of a yoga background than my classmates might be a detriment. I felt intimidated by what I didn’t know. Brandt was very encouraging and he reassured me that this was absolutely something I could do.

Many of the lessons in the course require students to do specific practices in order to experience the effects they may have. Doing so has led me to cultivate a home practice that has helped me in more ways than I can count. I suffered from anxiety most of my life with small victories here and there. Since being able to meditate regularly, I have been able to make significant lifestyle changes that have been remarkable.

To anyone considering taking their relationship with yoga to a higher level, I would say this program offers so much and is so convenient. You don’t have to leave your home or family or job. There is a tremendous, invaluable community to share questions and ideas with and I can’t say enough about the retreats.

Being able to meet friends going through the program with me was great. Brandt is a fantastic teacher, always available, encouraging, energetic, and helpful. The weekly Q&A’s are so helpful. There is no lack of resources in the program! I’m looking forward to beginning my 875-hour Advanced Yoga Therapy Training Program.

As a semi-retired dentist teaching in a clinical setting, I use simple pranayama to help students and patients lower anxiety and try to teach mindfulness and being present in the classes I offer. I teach a gentle therapeutic class for veterans as a volunteer and my goal is to incorporate my services with like-minded holistic practitioners in a health care setting.