A Bit About Me

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Hello there. I’m Serena Jetelina, a lifelong student. I’m also a Certified Spanda Yoga Movement Therapist, a 500-hr Certified Yoga Instructor, and a Certified Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist with a Master’s in Learning Design. I’m endlessly curious about existence, human behavior, the connection between corporeal and incorporeal, and how the external and internal world fit together.

The work I do is a synergistic blend of mind & body modalities meant to foster and build meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.

Art + Science

In my therapeutic work, I craft unique, customized sessions based on principles of yoga therapy, meditation, contemplation, play, bio-mechanics and movement. These sessions guide clients in exploration of the past, present, and future using a variety of therapeutic modalities. I aim to create a supportive, non-judgemental environment whereby individuals can learn about themselves, heal from injuries, experience more connection, and ultimately guide themselves toward the life they want. I believe one of the greatest gifts I can give my clients is my open, unwavering presence — where understanding and self-empowerment can unfold.

In my consulting work, I help other wellness and yoga professionals create engaging and memorable learning experiences, whether online or in-person. I use research backed learning principles and theories to write, sequence, design, develop, assess, and evaluate learning and training materials that are student-centric and accessible. Most importantly, I help translate the subject matter expertise of those I work with into experiences and offerings that students will find meaningful, relevant, and useful. I also advise on curriculum, delivery methods, user experience design, and technology that could support or hinder a learning experience.   

Experience + Knowledge

I have been working in the wellness and yoga field for almost a decade, practicing and teaching yoga for longer. As a former content producer for Yoga International and Himalayan Institute, I have been privileged to work with and learn from some of the most prestigious yoga instructors in the country. I continue to work with Yoga International as the Head of Digital Experience, creating synthesis between product, content, customer support, and growth so the members experience a cohesive and exceptional journey. I have a Master’s of Science in Education, a double undergraduate degree in International Business and Entrepreneurship, and have worked in small business and start-up consulting across design, growth+marketing, production, product, operations, and IT.

Play

My hobbies include making paper and art, wandering the great outdoors, writing, perusing art galleries, playing music, following healthtech trends, and taking care of my growing indoor botanical garden. One of my favorite things to do is watch the dance between light and shadow, preferably with a cup of tea.

I once produced and hosted a podcast—Women Seekers and Leaders—a passion project that highlights women in the pursuit of truth through spirituality, philosophy, science, religion, art, and overall self-discovery. 

You can find some classes and meditations with me on Yoga International.

If you’d like to collaborate, please write to me!

Qualifications

 

Certifications

Degrees

  • Masters of Science in Education - Purdue University

    • Focus: Learning Design and Technology

  • Bachelors of Business Administration - Baylor University

    • Major: International Business

    • Major: Entrepreneurship

    • Minor: Marketing

Continued Education Training

  • Therapeutic Vinyasa Design and Myofascial Activation for Orthopedic Concern with Dr. Jaime Stover-Schmitt

  • iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation

  • 50 Hour Yin Yoga Training with Bernie Clark

  • Yoga History and Philosophy with Doug Keller

  • The Vital Psoas with JoAnn Staugaard-Jones

  • Trauma Awareness: A Yogic Framework with Sean Feit Oakes

  • Teaching Yoga and Mindfulness to Children with Jennifer Cohen Harper

  • Working with the Pain of Abandonment with NICABM

  • The Yamas and Niyamas with Deborah Adele

  • Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine with Tiffany Cruikshank

  • The Art and Flow of Yin with Paulie Zink

  • Yoga Anatomy Training with Tiffany Cruikshank

  • The Four Desires with Rod Stryker

  • School of Metaphysics Dreamschool Dream Interpretation

  • The Art and Science of Raja Yoga (Meditation) with Ananda Yoga Center

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with Jon Kabat-Zinn

  • Life Coach Training with Martha Beck

What My Clients Say

Serena is truly the best! This was my first time trying yoga therapy and I couldn’t have had a better first experience. Serena eased my nerves right away with her professionalism and warmth. By using the practices prescribed during my sessions, I have incorporated helpful ways to reflect, cope, and process my experiences into my everyday life. I’ve learned about my mind, body, and heart through this work. What I enjoy most about Serena’s yoga therapy sessions is her supportive, warm, and encouraging demeanor — while always allowing for plenty of space for introspection.

— Alison

I really enjoyed my time working with Serena in Yoga Therapy. We worked through so many deep things with the combination of movement and meaningful conversations, that I hadn’t been able to uncover on my own. So many of the things we worked on together are still part of my every day life now even over a year later! My time with her gave me some wonderful tangible tools to use as well as new perspectives and thought patterns for my daily life. I’m so grateful for the time we spent working together and the lasting positive impact it’s had on my life!

— Patricia

Serena is an empathic yoga therapist who supports your health and wellness by evaluating your body and mind. She supports your personal goals and gives you manageable steps to help move toward meeting those goals.

— Ryanne

Serena put together a yoga class for the morning of my wedding and I felt an overwhelming sense of support and tranquility as I embarked on the most important day of my life. Serena delivered all I wanted and more in our yoga session, and the day would not have been as peaceful without her.

— Caitlin

Serena is a fantastic instructor. She is outgoing, engaging and extremely talented. She is very knowledgable on the subject matter and creates challenging sessions that are tailored to your skill level. I highly recommend her.

— Chris

Serena’s energy is a shining light, and she is able to hold the focus of the room so well that a shield-like veil is formed, allowing each of her students to fully concentrate on themselves.

— Adam

Serena has a gift for creating a safe, compassionate, and supportive space to explore practices that can help both in the moment and when you do them on your own later. She listened when I needed to share and helped me find movements that felt nurturing and relaxing. She also helped me to prioritize what needed to be addressed first.

— Samantha

Serena is a star. As a yoga instructor, I'm extremely picky about my yoga. Serena goes above and BEYOND teaching yoga. I was engaged, sweaty, and felt enLIGHTened after working with her. Serena is the perfect combination of knowing her asana, cheerleader sweetness and tough love edge pusher.

— Kimberly