About Us
A Path to Mindful Growth
Our Program
Our program offers a unique opportunity for schools and businesses across the country to invest in the well-being of children and young adults from different regions, communities, and cultural contexts. By incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices, the program is providing the tools needed to manage stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and foster emotional regulation.
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Overall, our kids' yoga and mindfulness program is an innovative and impactful solution for promoting wellness and supporting healthy development in children. We create an interactive and engaging environment for everyone to learn and thrive while also having fun. SEL is weaved through each of our classes and programs and is specifically tailored to each age group and their competencies.
Meet the Team
Aly Parnell
Founder & Instructor
Meet Aly, a passionate and dedicated kids yoga and mindfulness instructor with a heartwarming blend of expertise in childcare and holistic well-being. With several years of experience as a nanny, she possesses a deep understanding of children's unique needs and a natural ability to connect with young minds.
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When she isn't teaching with Mindful Roots Academy, she is growing her other business as an Ayurvedic Counselor and handcrafting all-natural products with an Ayurvedic focus.
Austin James
Program Director & Instructor
With a genuine commitment to helping children thrive, Austin creates engaging and playful yoga sessions that make mindfulness accessible to even the youngest yogis. Through storytelling, creative movement, and gentle guidance, Austin empowers children to embrace their individuality and build a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
When he isn't teaching with Mindful Roots Academy, he enjoys playing basketball and training with children ages 8-18+. He also created a business with his sister offering mentoring services to students of color.
Dedicated & Certified
Our Background
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Mindful Roots Academy was born from a passion for nurturing children's well-being through yoga and mindfulness practices. Founded by Austin and Aly, our academy is driven by a shared commitment to empower children with essential life skills that promote physical, mental, and emotional balance.
Aly's journey with mindfulness and yoga is deeply personal. Having struggled to maintain focus and presence during her middle and high school years, she understands firsthand the challenges many children face in today's fast-paced world. Reflecting on her own experiences, Aly recognizes the profound impact that early exposure to mindfulness practices could have had on her academic and personal growth. Determined to make a difference, Aly is passionate about providing children with the tools and techniques to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.
Austin brings a wealth of experience in working with children on the autism spectrum and those with diverse learning needs. His background in education spans preschool through high school, where he has dedicated himself to creating inclusive environments that cater to every child's unique abilities and challenges. Through his work, Austin has witnessed the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness in enhancing children's focus, self-regulation, and overall sense of belonging.
At Mindful Roots Academy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to cultivate a strong foundation rooted in mindfulness and self-awareness. By combining Austin's expertise in special education with Aly's firsthand understanding of the benefits of mindfulness, we strive to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive, flourish, and discover the limitless potential within themselves. Join us as we embark on this journey to empower the next generation with the skills they need to lead happy, healthy, and balanced lives.