2015-2016 RISE Program Report

RISE TEACHER
SPOTLIGHT:
Maria
Allocco
What did you Learn from your RISE students this year?
“So much. I know for a fact that these students often times come in with heavy trauma, and
that they have the trust in me to lead their bodies through asana for every class - and the
trust in themselves to take care of their own bodies for that class - is remarkable. It shows
a dedication to the practice that is inspiring. When I think about the intensity of high
school, and what these young people are going through, it makes my practice mean more,
and balances my perspective out when it needs it.”
What are some ‘big wins’ from this year?
“Some big wins at June Jordan: Jaime going from being really hard on himself, to finding
balance and self compassion in his asana. Menfil being honest (after some trauma) about
wanting his own sequence for extra grounding (he’d do his own special wall-sequence
during class), Nalayah going from texting on her phone to not wanting to miss a class,
Jasmine having an emotional break-through in pigeon pose, and all of us reaching the
point where we could do deep meditation together for 5 minutes at the end of class.
Some big wins at Hilltop: Danyell and Stacey starting their own at-home practice!”
What is the biggest difference between teaching a
regular (adult) yoga class and a RISE (teen) yoga class?
“The energy is strong and easy to read in the teen RISE yoga classes. This makes it easier
for me to adjust the sequence to fit the flow of the room. I find that the students also will
come forward and be honest about what they want, through their words and through their
body posturing. It’s a big gift to be able to sync into the flow together.
Also, what I love with RISE yoga classes, to be honest, is that as a mixed-race person of
color, I can teach other peoplpe of color. We feel a deep sense of safety in the room, which
promotes understanding, depth of practice, and further release.”