Kripalu Schools: Healing in Action. Purpose in Practice.

For over 20 years, the Jonathan P. Schwartz Teaching for Diversity Grant has planted the seeds for inclusive, purpose-driven healing by supporting graduates of Kripalu Schools to bring the teachings of yoga, Ayurveda, mindfulness, and nature connection into their communities. It’s a movement powered by love, led by those who have made Kripalu’s teachings their life’s work. Here are some of the stories from our 2025 recipients.

YOGA FOR VETERANS 
Yoga may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of suicide prevention, but for School of Yoga alum Lisa Jakub, that’s exactly where her service begins. As the founder of a trauma-sensitive yoga and writing program for military veterans, Lisa supports those navigating PTSD, moral injury, and the invisible scars of service. “Veterans have been othered in our culture. Most wouldn’t feel comfortable walking into a yoga studio. We create the space they deserve—where they can learn to manage hypervigilance, flashbacks, and grief through breath, movement, and storytelling.”  

AYURVEDA MEETS MOHAWK MEDICINE  
School of Ayurveda alum Kathryn Glasser collaborates with the Akwesasne Mohawk community to co-create a seasonal wellness and resiliency program rooted in both Ayurvedic wisdom and Indigenous tradition. With the support of community elders, school systems, and health providers, this initiative blends breathing practices, mindful movement, and nutrition education with Mohawk cycles of life and nature, enabling this community to reclaim health in ways that resonate with their traditions and values.  

YOGA THERAPY FOR ABUSE SURVIVORS 
School of Integrative Yoga Therapy alum, Malaika Brooks-Smith-Lowe’s program harnesses mindfulness and yoga to support healing for children who have experienced sexual abuse in Grenada and the Caribbean. Through movement, breath, and emotional awareness, kids build confidence, connection, and a sense of safety in their bodies. She also offers a special training for counselors and social workers to expand the impact and plant the seeds for future yoga teacher training on the island. This is community care in action.  

NATURE-BASED MINDFULNESS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS 
Will George, School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership alum, collaborates with Cultural Roots Home School Co-op, a BIPOC-led learning community, to bring environmental education to elementary and middle school students, nurturing connection to land, self, and ancestral wisdom. Twice a week, middle schoolers get to explore forest skills, mindfulness in nature, and earth stewardship. The aim is to help grow grounded, confident BIPOC youth through nature-based learning that honors culture, resilience, and community. 

Kripalu Schools certifications are not just trainings-they are launchpads for purposeful lives rooted in healing, equity, and impact. Visit our Schools page to learn more and sign up for an information session.