Kelly Wood’s yoga and meditation practice extends over twenty five years. She has taught more than 25,000 hours in public and private schools, as well as, in her own studio for the past fifteen years. Kelly’s dedication to help others improve their well-being remains unwavering. She is considered an experienced/expert Children's Yoga Teacher and a leading pioneer of yoga within public schools.
Kelly’s teaching style is highly adaptive due to her in-depth practice and study of multiple yoga styles with an emphasis in study of nonreligious Kundalini Yoga. Kelly is a unique teacher in that she is highly experienced in teaching both children and adults in manner that is relatable to everyday living.
Through a secular approach to the practices of yoga and meditation, Kelly shares with children and adults specific methods to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Kelly’s classes creatively weave elements of self-nurturing, mindfulness, compassion, and the importance of community.
Kelly has created and facilitates specialized training courses, Karuna Yoga Teacher Training (200 Hour – Multi-style) and Hi Yoga Teacher Training (95 Hour – Kids Yoga). These courses emphasize the power of proper breathing for optimal heart and brain health. Kelly believes the heart (physical, subtle, and energetic) is the cornerstone for adaptability and improved learning for individuals, families, classrooms and communities.
Kelly holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing, with a minor in Philosophy from Clemson University and also a Bachelor’s of Art in Art History from Georgia State University. Her professional career includes years with Deloitte Consulting and Deloitte & Touch LLP. Kelly’s yoga studio, Karuna Yoga, continues to serve more than 10,000 people. By volunteering her time for 15 years in Los Angeles public schools, Kelly has taught 220,000+ children. In 2012, Kelly established the nonprofit, SCHOOL, Inc. to support the growing demand for secular yoga and meditation classes she and those she trains bring to underserved children in Los Angeles County.