Olynda Smith

Hi, I am Olynda Smith. Among other things, I am a seasoned yoga teacher, a Montessori early childhood teacher, a writer, a Simplicity Parenting Family Life Coach and most importantly a Mama.

Yoga                                                                                                                                                                                       I began my yoga journey over 20 years ago as a way to heal from the wear and tear from years of dancing and capoeira. I found physical healing for those injuries, and a beautiful path that has supported deep healing and growth. I fell in love with the practice of yoga and began teaching in 2002, after completing the Asheville Yoga Center’s 200 hour teacher training. Committed to learn the best teaching skills possible, by 2011 I had earned two of the highest certifications in the field: Anusara Certification and an Experienced 500-hour Yoga Alliance Certification.

With over 20 years of yoga teaching experience, I am a very versatile teacher and am able to guide new yoga students as well as inspire and challenge students who have been practicing for many years. I am able to work with students who are working through injuries, having logged many hours of therapeutic yoga training. In every class I attempt to bring the philosophy and spiritual teachings of yoga to life in a grounded and usable way.

I am in deep gratitude to all yogis and teachers who have helped make yoga all that it is today. Yoga is a path that holds within it so many different practices. I acknowledge, with deep respect, that even though I have studied yoga deeply I can only teach the yoga I have learned, and I though I have lived in India, most of my study has been here in the West. I teach these practices as I understand them from my perspective as a Western woman. My deepest hope is that they will apply to your life supporting your wellness, happiness, clarity and higher awareness.

Work with Parents/ Kids Alongside my study of yoga, I have also been studying the fine art of being with children. I have taught nearly every age of child, and in many different settings. I have a deep love for Montessori schools and spent 7 years teaching in the Montessori environment. I am a certified Montessori Early Childhood teacher (ages 2.5 – 6).

I am also a Simplicity Parenting Family Life Coach. I brings to my work with parents a rich background in different parenting styles, educational practices and most of all a deep respect for all parents and children.

Writing Several of my articles about spirituality, yoga and work with children have appeared in Montessori Life Magazine. And many of my blog posts and articles about parenting are featured here, on Tiny Earth Toy’s blog.

Big thanks to Kallyn Boener for being the amazing Photographer who took most of the pictures on this site! Check her website here.

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