Kids Yoga Teacher Spotlight : Paula Donald

We wanted to introduce you to some of our kids yoga teachers & trainers to give you some sense of who they are, what kind of background they have and what drew them to kids yoga.  So here you go… our first!

Let me introduce you to Paula Donald!

Tell us a little about yourself (hometown, basic background, experience with kids, do you have a family, current work environment):

I grew up in Pullman, Washington (Go Cougs!) as a kid very active in athletics. I went to Washington State University on a scholarship for Women's Crew (Rowing) and loved the experience of Division I athletics!  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Nutrition and a Master's Degree in Human Nutrition & Exercise Science.  I've taught and coached college kids for a total of 10 years. I have also always loved babies and kids under 5!!  My husband Doug and I have a 2-year-old son, Gavin.  I currently work part time as a Nanny and Personal Assistant for another family.

Tell us about what initially interested you about taking a kids yoga teacher training?  What was your intention with this training?

Teaching kids yoga sounded like something I could possibly do with my son. Both my son & I enjoy physical activity.  I have very little experience with yoga but I figured I should at least check it out. My intention with the training was simply to explore what kids yoga is about and if it was something I would enjoy.

How have you found the experience of learning how to teach kids yoga? It's been pretty easy to learn how to teach yoga to little kids. It's a lot of playing & singing . . . kinda like PE class and kinda like Storytime. Young Yokes has great teachers and good curriculum that makes it easy and fun.

What have been your biggest yoga take-aways?

Little kids really like yoga!!! They learn fast and have a fun time seeing all the shapes their bodies can make!

Is there anything else that you’d like to share with others thinking about enrolling their kids in a yoga class OR taking a kids yoga teacher training to teach themselves?

If you are thinking about putting your child in a yoga class, don't hesitate! Your child will gain so much from yoga, and have fun at the same time!  If you are considering taking a training class to teach kids yoga take the plunge!! You will gain good knowledge and skills you can use in any setting.

Thanks Paula!  We will be excited to follow-up with her as she progresses in her life as a mom and kids yoga teacher!

**Originally Posted 10.12.17