Featured Teacher: Heather Keenan

We had an opportunity to sit down with our Featured Teacher, Heather, to learn more about her experience with ULP! Heather currently teaches at a homeless youth drop-in center, juvenile detention and leads a public class for girls and women on Wednesday nights! (Click HERE to learn more about her Wednesday night class!)


Q: What do you think about ULP’s reach/effect ? How do you see ULP benefiting the community? 

A: I believe ULP is having an amazing effect throughout the community, by giving kids who otherwise would not have the opportunity to do yoga, the chance to experience it. We are helping them realize the tools they already have within them to handle the experiences of their lives.


Q: What makes teaching yoga in this capacity interesting or fulfilling to you?

A: I love watching as the kids have that "ah hah" moment when they realize what they can do. I'm grateful for the opportunity to give them some quiet and peace for an hour.


Q: What is different about your ULP classes versus other yoga classes you teach?

A: These classes are simpler and slower-guiding most of their attention to awareness of their body sensations and their breath. They are less about form, and more about how it feels. However, I'm finding my other classes are becoming more like my ULP classes, in the way that I approach them. 


Q: Do you have a fond memory you can share with us from one of your ULP classes?

A: When one girl at the end of class said, "I feel a little closer to finding out who I really am inside." Makes it all worth it :)


Q: What are your hopes for the future of ULP and other similar programs around the country? 

A:  My hope is that every child and teenager will have the opportunity to do yoga, without having to worry about the cost of it. I would also love to expand this to adults as well, creating a safe space for everyone to experience. 


Q: Lastly, what have you learned through your experience thus far with ULP?

A: How important and needed this work is! 


Thanks, Heather! You are making an incredible impact on our young community!