Meet Kaley Ramirez | Trauma-Informed Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) + Yoga Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaley Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaley, what inspires you?
I am inspired by people that carve their own way in the world. By people that follow their authentic desires and dreams. I am moved by heart-led individuals that see we are in this together and want to uplift others. By folks that advocate for their own healing and the healing of those around them. By nature and the elements that exist within and around us. By the incredible artists, writers, and creatives in my life. I am inspired by the teachings of yoga.

The entire universe is inspiring. It can be overwhelming but if we can settle into ourselves enough to remember we are part of the whole, then, we can access our magic.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a trauma-informed certified yoga therapist. I utilize the principles and practices of yoga to help people find their own path to healing, find connection and more ease in their daily lives. I have completed over 1,000 hours of training and started working with clients under the guidance of mentors in 2016. Since finishing the certification in 2020, I’ve worked with clients and small groups independently. I currently lead small group yoga therapy sessions at Mile High Recovery Center.

People often assume yoga therapy is talk therapy mixed with a 1:1 yoga class. This is not the case. It helps to think of yoga (which is much more than the postures most people identify as yoga) as the healing modality applied to the client’s physical, mental, or emotional concern or goal. I guide clients through different practices like pranayama (breath practices), meditation, body scans, somatic experiencing, and movement all customized to their personal needs, wants, and goals. The process begins with an intake questionnaire to better understand what’s disrupting their day to day, be it chronic pain, anxiety, trauma, nervous system dysregulation or a combination of disturbances. From there we co-create their protocol. The practices are not prescriptive but fluid based on how they feel each session. Not every practice is safe for everyone and not everyone needs every practice.

I get excited when people are moved by the practices! When they realize yoga is more about connection, community, and liberation from suffering than it is about getting a workout in. The physical layer of yoga is powerful too but I think of it as an added benefit rather than the intended goal.

I am proud and honored to serve and support others. And in a wide and vast world of yoga teachers and yoga therapists, I think what sets me apart is my ability to meet folks where they are and hold space while they share their authentic experience. Safety and belonging are of utmost importance to me. While I can’t define what a safe environment looks like for everyone at all times, I can and do approach my work from a safe and supportive space.
This also means acknowledging how yoga has been appropriate and commodified. It is important to name that yoga is not part of my cultural heritage or background, and I place great emphasis on recognizing the potential harm that can arise when yoga practices are not handled mindfully or respectfully. I aim to honor the traditions with care and am committed to upholding the principles of yoga, as well as following the guidelines set by the Ethics Board of IAYT. Working diligently within my scope of practice, I prioritize intentionality and maintain aligned integrity within my work. I offer a sliding scale for my sessions and post free content on my Instagram. I believe there is value in my work but that does not mean it should be exclusive or inaccessible.

Putting myself and my work out into the world is not easy for me. Being seen is not easy for me. When I feel frozen by doubt or anxiety, I come back to the yoga practices I find most nourishing. It then becomes a little easier to move forward and trust that this work is what matters and being in union with others is what matters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a tough question to answer! I recently had a friend in town and I took her over to Broadway to thrift and shop so I will start there. We went to FM and Meek Vintage, Crossroads, and La Lovely Vintage. Fever Dream is another go-to spot for me. It’s cool vintage and modern shop off Colfax and Fillmore. I think I buy something every time I stop in. I love Ritual Craft for all of my earthy witch needs.

Yoga would be a must but there are so many great yoga studios in town and I would be here all day if I listed all the spaces and teachers I recommend. Maggie Plunket at Rooted Heart Yoga deserves a special shoutout! Now that it’s summer, maybe some yoga in the park and a farmer’s market.

I love The Cherry Tomato, Honey Hill, and Dang soft serve in Park Hill. RiNo has some great wall art, good food, and shops. Though I don’t really drink, Pon Pon is worth seeking out if you’re up there. They have a cool space and host service industry night on Tuesdays.

I’ve been a homebody lately and when I do venture out, it’s usually to spaces I’ve frequented for years.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife and my 13 year-old are my biggest supporters. They encourage me to keep up with this work and remind me that I’m on the right path.

I’m grateful to have a supportive family and close group of friends. Ashley Howell Bunn (an incredible writer, teacher, somatic coach, and my partner in yoga endeavors) graciously reflects back to me what living yoga off your mat looks like. Katie Thomas (a talented art director, photographer and lifelong friend) inspires and motivates me daily.

My teachers and mentors from Inner Peace Yoga Therapy, Michele Lawrence, Jessica Patterson, and Durga Leela, to name only a few. Not only did I grow as a yoga teacher, build the foundational skills I need as a yoga therapist, but I found immense healing while completing my training with Inner Peace. Michele has all of her students’ best interest, goals, and desires in mind, and she skillfully cultivates her guidance to meet each of us where we are. I am forever grateful for that program and all of my teachers.

My yoga practice was sporadic and almost solely focused on the physical aspects of yoga until I started practicing with CorePower Yoga in 2013. I took my first 200hr training with CPY in 2014 and I’ve taught with them since then. CorePower has been a sturdy homebase and was a gateway into the beautiful world of yoga.

Website: https://www.still-matter.com/

Instagram: stillmatter_yogatherapeutics

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaley-ramirez-01754339

Other: Ashley Howell Bunn and I are hosting our Embodied Elements Retreat this September. You can find details here – https://www.howellandheal.com/embodied-element-retreat

Image Credits
All photos and logo design by Katie Thomas.