Yoga for All Abilities
Yoga for All Abilities (formerly known as Yoga for the Special Child, LLC) is an integrative and comprehensive method created by the brilliant
Sonia Sumar, a longtime yogi and mother of a daughter who had Down's Syndrome. Sonia used yoga to help improve her daughter's speech, muscle tone, mobility, even her strabismus ("crossed eye"). Sonia has been teaching this method for over 40 years, all over the world! Marla has completed 95 hours of training under Sonia, becoming a Registered Child Yoga Teacher (RCYT). Learn more about Yoga for the Special Child at their website here.
(Background: Yogaville; Inset: Sonia & Marla)
How Yoga Can Help Your Child
How Yoga Can Help Your Child
Ongoing research using the Yoga for All Abilities method continues to prove what we already know is true...that yoga works! Yoga can help improve your child's speech, digestion, elimination, mobility, focus...just to name a few. Marla is the first and only Yoga for All Abilities Licensed Practitioner in North Carolina!
She is accepting new students in the Triangle area (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill). She is licensed to teach all ages and abilities. Students may have physical challenges, or more "invisible" challenges, such as Autism or ADHD.
(inset: Marla working with a 3 month old on head control)
“I am a 20 year old with right hemiplegia. I have done a form of adaptive yoga in the past and wanted to start up with it again. I am so happy I found Marla because she is great! She is very personable and takes the time to get to know each of her clients before working with them, including making sure the yoga space is accessible. I told her what I wanted to work on and she put together a class specifically for my target areas. Marla also adds essential oils into her routine and I really appreciate the aroma. Additionally, she is able to guide me in ways that make poses more comfortable for me. No matter why you have chosen to pursue adaptive yoga, Marla will make sure the class is enjoyable and fits yours or your child's needs!” (former student)
“My daughter recently started yoga. She had always been a bad sleeper. Waking up 3 times per night. Since she started yoga, she is sleeping through the night, which gives her increased energy and strength! Can’t wait to see what the long term benefits will be! Thank you Marla!” (from a parent of student)
(inset: Marla working with 4-year-old on Tree Pose)
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Testimonials