Trainings & Courses

Asanas for Autism and Special Needs is a Registered Yoga School through Yoga Alliance

These courses are great for...

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• Educators

• Yoga Teacher and Therapists

• Embodiment Facilitators

• Occupational Therapists

• Physical Therapists

• Speech Therapists

• Mental Health Practitioners

• Social Workers

• APE/PE Teachers

• Parents

• Anyone who want to share the benefits of yoga, mindfulness and somatic practices with children and teens!

Complete the Level 1, 2 and 3 Trainings and Receive a Certificate in Yoga and Mindfulness for Children and Teens with Complex Needs!

TESTIMONIALS

LEVEL 1 TESTIMONIALS

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IN PERSON

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I just completed Shawnee’s 25-hour Asanas for Autism training. This comprehensive program combines Shawnee’s years of experience within the special needs community as an educator and her extensive knowledge and passion for yoga. Her use of props and techniques to facilitate communication and social skills are so simple to use throughout the day, not just in a yoga class. I also gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the importance of restorative yoga. I now feel so empowered to offer my students a yoga program that recognizes and supports their sensory needs in a fun and therapeutic way. I recommend this training to ANYONE who hopes to share yoga within the special needs community, all ages and abilities!  

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- Michelle - Parent of a Child with Autism & Director of Beyond Autism

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This weekend was anything short of incredible! I had always imagined incorporating yoga into my occupational therapy practice but couldn't find an effective way to do so. The Asanas for Autism program has such creative and unique adaptations and activities that I've already seen the children I work with respond to! On top of learning so much to better help children, I have gained so much love and knowledge to give my own soul nurturing and love. And without that, we cannot provide the same for the kids we interact with. Simply put "The answer is yoga." Thank you Shawnee for spreading your love and light! 

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- Erin - Occupational Therapist

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ONLINE

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The entire course was amazing from start to finish! I can't wait to to finish learning in level 2 at the end of the month!

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I found the practice teaching exercise extremely beneficial. I appreciated how the course was structured, as a combination of zoom meetings and self-paced learning. I enjoyed the environment of respect and community that Shawnee established. The content was thorough and I will be referencing the material for years to come.

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My favorite part is Shawnee's teaching. She is gentle, kind and real. She perfectly structured the lessons in a way for all to learn. There was not one boring minute of this course and I was very sad when it was over. I cannot wait for the level 2 class.

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I can't wait to learn more! I'm glad there's a Level 2! Shawnee has a wealth of information and experience to share. Also grateful to have access to the course content longer as I'm sure I'll be reviewing it again.

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The international community was a fantastic part of the space that Shawnee held for our learning. I had a wonderful and rich experience with the community and feel as though I was introduced to a wealth of information that Shawnee shares both from an educational standpoint as well as her many years of experience working with these populations. I plan to enroll in her further certification programs in the future. I am so grateful for the opportunity to study this course content and to Shawnee for her lovely supporting nature and the gifts that she brings to teaching yoga and sharing parts of her own yoga practice with us.

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I really appreciated the balance between information, creativity and heart! Shawnee is such a beautiful person and a wealth of knowledge. I feel very inspired!

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LEVEL 2 TESTIMONIALS

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IN PERSON

"Asanas for Autism and Special Needs training with Shawnee was more than just educational and fun, it was an inspiring experience. Shawnee does not just direct a yoga training, she guides you on a journey to your inner child and helps you recognize all the love and power you have within yourself to achieve your dreams. I can honestly say this training has had a very large and positive impact on my life." 

- Carlee - Behavior Specialist

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"It was such an honor to be in Shawnee's teacher training. From the moment I met her up until the moment she gave me my certificate, Shawnee displayed an awe-inspiring amount of passion. Her extensive experience working with individuals with special needs made her training very specific and practical. I felt very comfortable asking questions about my own students and how to best support them with yoga. She listens carefully and is not quick to reel off an answer and move on. It is this quality of hers that makes her so caring and helpful. She creates a safe space to explore your questions, try on different teacher voices, and make mistakes that ultimately result in growth. Shawnee is a wonderful teacher. I left the training with many new tricks and ideas. Before the training I felt alone and often wondered if I was leading my yoga classes well enough. Now, I feel supported by a community of like-minded and like-hearted people. She continues to be a resource to me months after the training has ended. I talk about her program constantly to other professionals and it has been a highlight of my year to say that I completed her training. If you love yoga and love working with individuals with special needs you will gain more than you could imagine from this experience."

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- Jane - Special Education Assistant

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ONLINE

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"I love the community and support we received throughout the training! Shawnee did an awesome job not only teaching us the skills needed to teach childrens yoga to diverse populations, but also gave us the courage to follow through with it and share our gifts with the world!"

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"First of all, I really like the content of the course curriculum. The written lessons and videos are very detailed and easy to understand. Also, the printable manual is very easy to use for self-studying. Secondly, our Zoom meetings were absolutely amazing. What a great community of teachers! And finally, our instructor Shawnee Thornton Hardy is a highly professional person, a person who knows and loves his job. She is very inspiring and encouraging of self-development and moving forward. Thank you!"

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"I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this course. My very favorite experience with each lesson is simply listening to Shawnee speak and share her experiences and thoughts on any and all topics that are discussed. Shawnee truly has a gift and I am so fortunate to have found this training in order to learn from her."

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"I cannot put into words how grateful I am for this course and for the community gained through this course. Shawnee embodies love, light, acceptance, and compassion and is a beautiful model for her students. I am a speech-language pathologist and truly love my work with children with autism. I am always looking for ways to best support my clients and their needs and this course has given me a new understanding and path to help my clients in understanding, responding to, and loving their minds and bodies. I loved the beautiful community that I had the chance to grow with."

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LEVEL 3 TESTIMONIALS

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"This course has enriched and enhanced my teaching skills, It is like a highly polished diamond with many shining facets. Shawnee you have poured your love and expertise into this beautifully presented course. You have brought in amazing teachers, specialists in their field in chosen modules throughout the training. Their energy and dedication was contagious and mirrored yours. The shared experience was my favourite part, being amongst teachers and students that want a holistic, informed and individually tailored approach to teaching yoga to children and youth with Special and Complex needs. I will miss the Level 3 training and may have to suggest a Level 4!"