Pranva Yoga is a neighborhood studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico that offers mindful movement yoga classes and class series, custom retreats and teacher trainings around the world and now online. Melissa, your class is a joy! First of all, you have the most peaceful and soothing voice, perfect for yoga. And, as I have told you before, I love all the information you share with us during class as well as the lovely poems and writings. You are a wonderful teacher!
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Melissa is a very positive, enthusiastic, grounded yoga teacher with a generous approach to teaching through her being, wealth of knowledge of yoga, openness, and wisdom. This generosity extends to her ability to create a safe and contained environment, a positivity and enthusiasm, respect for each individual in their level of practice, and clear articulation of instructions which are easy to follow.
A truly compassionate teacher! Melissa teaches with such a beautiful integrity and compassion and offers an abundance of knowledge and experience. She has a big heart sharing her gift with people and showing them a path to wellbeing and happiness. She is a joy to work with. I jumped into teaching Group Fitness in 1991 while attending Texas A&M University.
My guest Melissa Smith Wilkinson is a restorative yoga teacher and teacher trainer and her expertise on rest is incredible. We talk about how, like movement, rest is not all or nothing and can be so much more accessible than we think. We don't need a 90 minute restorative practice with 6 bolsters, 3 blankets and 24 blocks or 12 hours of sleep.
I liked the way Melissa explained Anatomy as a functional yoga applied method. I loved all the teaching tools she offered for each pose with props, alternatives and other ways to see things. Melissa, thank you so much for a wonderful Yoga Therapy training. I have really enjoyed the group and the learning and feel so much more knowledgeable in anatomy and postural assessment and of my own body's strengths and compensations.
Wonderful instructor who takes you beyond Asana. Melissa Smith is a teacher with extensive experience and foundation in the practice of yoga, therapeutics and Thai massage as well as Acro Yoga. Her classes incorporate connection and exploration on all levels, with attention to each individual's needs.
Reviews (8)
Delyla Ovalle-Bowyer
Aug 05, 2021
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Melissa is knowledgeable and takes the time to listen to the students who attend her training. Melissa gives great feedback and takes it one step closer in doing a zoom with you to really talk over your lesson. I would recommend the Somatic Restorative Yoga Teacher Training with Melissa. Melissa also gives great examples and resources outside of class to look at as well such as articles.
Thank you for a great training Melissa!
Thank you for a great training Melissa!
Hc C.
Jul 21, 2021
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Liz Berger
Jul 06, 2021
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The Somatic Restore teacher training here was amazing and I would recommend it to any yoga teacher! I learned a lot about how to cue better to my students and create a more interoceptive experience for them. I also learned a lot about the central nervous system and tactics that we can use to help people find more ease in their poses. Melissa was thoughtful and attentive and very helpful. Her presentation of the material is engaging, she used a variety of formats for us to keep the information interesting. I also enjoy the Yoga Nidra class on Friday evenings!
Maria Jose Cordon
Apr 19, 2021
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I took the somatics and restorative yoga immersion with Melissa and it has been a great tool for my group restorative classes and also for my individual therapeutic classes. Melissa is a great teacher, dedicated to always learning more and to share it with others through her loving and caring soul. The program helped me understand more about the body and it’s needs for a deeper relaxation and how somatics movement can help us achieve more consciousness and well being ! Thank you!!
Linda Carlisle
Mar 21, 2021
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Just finished Melissa's 8-week Restorative Yoga Teacher Training! The training is organized with perfection. Melissa brings new light to the practice of restorative yoga. Each of her classes are chocked full of golden nuggets of information and instruction! I feel so honored and grateful to have been a part of her class. I look forward to studying with Melissa in the future!
Alejandra Villa
Oct 17, 2020
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I met Melissa 10 years when I took my first yoga class. Since then, Melissa has introduced me to the yoga community, acro yoga, Thai fly, restorative yoga, and meditation. I love how at ease she makes me feel; Melissa really listens to her students, even when we don’t talk. I love learning from her. If you have a chance of taking one of her classes or workshops, please do!
Arexpressions Arexpressions Photography
Nov 15, 2019
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I've known and had the pleasure of working with Melissa Smith for several years now and on many retreats and projects, and in recent years with Richard as well. They are such a joy! Such warm, kind, loving and knowledgeable teachers. I have not visited the studio yet, but hope to very soon! It looks simply divine and with these two you won't want to leave! :)
Michelle Dang
Aug 27, 2019
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I met Melissa years ago when I obtained my restorative yoga certification in Houston. I was immediately in awe being in her presence. If you ever get the opportunity to meet her, she has this calming aura about her. Since then, whenever she comes back into town, I try to make time to either take a private class with her or attend one of her workshops. She is a bright light in the yoga community and everyone should try to take her class or workshop or retreat for either personal growth or to bring it to fellow yogis. Thanks, Melissa, love you!
