Karen Naids

200 Hour & Foundations Program Graduate
Retired Nurse & Yoga Therapist
Location: Lakewood Ranch, Florida

When I applied to the Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy Program, I was a nurse in a stressful hospital job. I wanted to do something different but could not figure out what it was. I was doing a lot of yoga to help me deal with stress. I took a chair yoga certification and started teaching at assisted living centers. I realized that I could still help people but in a different way. I fell in love with yoga. I had always loved anatomy and wanted to learn more about the aging body. I took multiple certifications for the low back and took a corporate yoga certification. In time, I realized that my own back and neck pain was gone, which enticed me to want to learn more. That’s when I found this wonderful yoga therapy program at Breathing Deeply.

I have gotten so much from this training. I have learned more about yoga, its’ origins, and how much it benefits the body. I was a little concerned because I was not a 200-hour instructor but luckily, Breathing Deeply offers the prerequisite Yoga Teacher Training Program, so got my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification with them and learned more about poses, sequencing, and was then prepared to go on to the Foundations Yoga Therapy Program.

I love the flexibility of the program. The structure allowed me to continue to work and teach classes. I was able to study at my own pace and I always had the support of the teachers when I needed it.

The one-on-one support offered to all students in this program is, in my opinion, the best part. Although it’s online, I actually found it to be more personal than being in a full classroom. The retreats are amazing and I have learned so much from them!

Since starting with Breathing Deeply, I have become so aware of my own body and so happy that I have the knowledge now to help others.  

One client story that I am proud to share is of a woman who could not walk a city block due to arthritis in her knee. With mentoring from Brandt and Joe [200 Hour Teacher and Foundations Program TA], I provided her with sequences she could do on her own. Combined with the work we did together, she was walking three to four blocks with no pain within six weeks. She and her husband said it was life-changing. I have never felt such gratification in my 33 years as a nurse! 

To anyone considering enrolling with Breathing Deeply, I would want them to know that the instructors offer so much support. Brandt is so knowledgeable, supportive and the program is very well organized. You cannot go wrong taking this program. I still have more to learn but the biggest lesson is that it is never too late to change your career and your life! I started as a nurse with minimal yoga experience and I am now, retired, I am able to work teaching yoga to seniors and continue to build my private client base.  

  I plan to continue training in the Advanced Yoga Therapy Program. This experience has absolutely exceeded my expectations and has been life-changing for me. I will be forever grateful to Brandt, Anna, and Joe for helping me finally find my passion!