I faced a lot of dysregulation personally and among my students.

Before discovering Breathe For Change, Christi was navigating a season of transition — balancing roles as a part-time substitute teacher and gymnastics instructor while witnessing the emotional and academic impact of COVID-19. Burnout, student disregulation, and a longing for purpose led her to seek something more.

Through Breathe For Change’s 200-hour SEL, Mindfulness, and Yoga Teacher Training, Christi not only found healing for herself — she found tools that helped her transform her classrooms, uplift her community, and reignite her passion for teaching.

“Breathe For Change has transformed my relationships at work, in my home, and in my community.”

Background

Christi was working as a substitute teacher and gymnastics coach in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She saw firsthand how students were struggling socially, emotionally, and academically — and she felt those same challenges within herself. As both a teacher and a human, she knew something had to change.

Challenges Faced

Before joining the program, Christi faced:

• Dysregulation and behavioral challenges in her students, especially post-COVID
• Personal emotional dysregulation and professional burnout
• A desire to feel more connected to her purpose in both teaching and leadership

Transformation

After enrolling in Breathe For Change, Christi began integrating mindfulness and self-regulation strategies into her daily life and work. The effects were immediate and deeply felt — both personally and in her students.

She rediscovered her joy, reconnected with her purpose, and became more inclusive and intentional in her leadership. She brought what she learned into her community, integrating breathwork and emotional tools into programming at her local gymnastics facility, where they serve over 800 students.

One moment that will always stay with her:

A young preschooler who had always struggled with disregulation finally found her voice. After using a feelings chart and guided breathwork during a lesson, she looked up with her hands over her heart and said, “I feel better.” For the first time, Christi witnessed this student find calm, focus, and success — a powerful reminder that the strategies work, and that lives are being changed.

Q&A

Why did you choose the Breathe For Change program?

“I resonated immediately with the mission. I was in a season of transition, looking for self-healing and ways to support my students through social-emotional challenges. This program was exactly what I needed.”

What’s been the biggest shift for you?

“I’ve learned to advocate for myself and others, and to set healthy boundaries. I’ve also found a renewed passion and purpose in my work — and I bring that to everything I do now.”

How has it impacted your teaching or leadership?

“My leadership has become more inclusive and intentional. I now bring these practices into our staff development and student programming.”

What would you say to someone considering Breathe For Change?

“Don’t wait — just go for it. Breathe For Change will impact every aspect of your life in the best way. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Christi’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when educators are equipped with the tools to support themselves and their students. By healing herself, she was able to show up more fully for her community — and create a ripple effect of well-being, connection, and transformation.  The Breathe for Change Master’s Degree is shaping the future of education, one teacher at a time.

Learn more about our program or apply today to start your journey!