Em Lederman (she/her)
Emily (she/her) found yoga in 2008 when she was looking to wind down from a day working with middle school kids. Initially thinking of the practice as exercise for her body, she now understands it as vital for her mental, emotional, and spiritual health. She believes the practice of yoga poses, breathwork, and meditation are means of healing from trauma and cultivating a healthy, connected community.
Emily seeks to create a safe space in her classes that allow students to listen to their own bodies and needs. She teaches with a trauma-responsive lens and offers options for all bodies. She’s so grateful to teach at Sangha, where people are welcome to show up as their authentic selves. Her favorite styles to teach include vinyasa, slow breath-based flow, and Move & Restore.
Years working in nonprofit advocacy and community engagement have informed Emily’s teaching style. She first taught meditation and pranayama in programs for justice-involved people. In 2018, she started pursuing formal trainings, including Reiki 1 and 2 at Glowing Heart Reiki School, and restorative and breathwork trainings at Daya Yoga Studio in Brooklyn. She completed her 200 hr teacher training at Studio Satya in Austin, TX in 2020.
Emily has two feline babies and one human baby who all love yoga. When not on the mat, you can find her biking around, swimming, seeing live music, or teaching at UVM.