SenseYoga
Blending Yoga with OT Expertise
Shira Picard
Yoga Instructor
Please click the Book Online tab in the menu bar to register for all classes.
I look forward to working with you!
My Story
Yoga is a personalized journey. I started practicing yoga 16 years ago. It was a natural complement to my 23 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist (OT). Throughout my OT career, I collaborated with students and clients to modify movements, and develop personalized plans to fit their specific needs.
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I was at the peak of my OT career at the beginning of the pandemic when I got COVID, and struggled with long-term fatigue. It began to take a toll on my mental health. Yoga and meditation became a source of comfort and strength for me. It has increased my quality of life, helped me calm my mind, and develop my ability to be present in the moment. As I began to heal, I made the decision to pay it forward and help others heal. I enrolled in an intensive yoga teacher training through Universal Power Yoga. It has been life-changing!
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My goal is to bring a unique yoga experience to my clients using my yoga training and my skills in sensory integration, anatomy, physiology, and cognitive behavioral techniques. I want to help my clients learn mechanisms to calm their minds and strengthen their bodies through the combination of the physical, or asana, part of yoga, paired with breath work.
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Participants in my classes are on their own path, which they will follow at their own pace. It is my honor to guide you as you build resilience to handle whatever obstacles life has to throw at you.
ABOUT
Shira is a 200-Hour CYT, Certified Yoga Instructor. She has been practicing yoga for the past 16 years. She is also a licensed and registered occupational therapist, with over 20 years of experience in the field of OT. Shira draws on skills from anatomy, physiology, and sensory integration to help her students increase their body awareness while focusing on safe alignment and breath work. Shira's classes assist her clients in becoming more in tune with the information coming from their senses. They benefit from an increased mind/ body connection by moving their bodies in order to quiet their minds.
Shira offers classes that balance effort and ease, encouraging clients to reach slightly outside their comfort zones, while being accessible to all levels. Her goal is to empower others to follow their passion using lessons from yoga as a tool.
Happy Clients
"Shira is such a wonderful person and she is a very dedicated teacher who always shows kindness. Her classes continue to bring me overall peace and contentment. I feel supported throughout the entire experience and I just know you will have this same encounter."
D’Angela Alberty
Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher & Emotional Rebirth Coach
"Shira is amazing! I was aching and tense, but after a session with her I was so relaxed and calm. She made me feel so comfortable, and pushed me to do my best but not go too far. I highly recommend her!"
Malky Pinhas
"My friends and I love Shira’s yoga classes! She’s a talented and skilled yoga teacher who takes us through a journey to find our best selves. She’s especially effective because she safely caters to all levels of flexibility and experience. We feel great after each class! Highly recommended!"
Rivka Chaya Rowan
"As a therapist in the OT department who worked for Shira, I learned so much. She has a gentle and kind way of instructing that makes us want to keep growing and learning."
Rebecca Hackett, COTA
"Shira Picard is an extremely knowledgeable Yoga teacher. She teaches with compassion. She is able to tailor a yoga practice just right for you during her private sessions. Her warm personality and positive outlook enlighten her students and makes them want to try harder for their own benefit. At the end of the session, I notice my peace of mind improves and many anxious feelings ease away She is a joy and a Blessing."
Marsha Schaffel (weekly private client)
"Thank you, Shira Picard, for a wonderful morning of stretching, deep breathing and an hour to myself!"
Chanie Wolosow Minkowitz
Yoga with Shira is one of the most empowering experiences for me. Shira is very attentive to her students’ abilities and limitations.
She is extremely intuitive re when to encourage you to push your limits and when to be kind to your body.
Shira’s classes energize your body and quiet your mind.
Tanya Flig
"Sense Yoga extraordinaire, Shira, is a dedicated and inspiring teacher. She is devoted to making sure each participant is warmly welcomed and each experience is deeply meaningful.
Shira is an absolute delight as a yoga teacher.
Her approach is fresh and warm ~ ensuring that each participant has a healthy, balanced experience. Highly recommended! Challenging you to gently push yourself at all levels…guaranteeing an extraordinary experience for all.
Beth Hoffman
Shira is a caring and thoughtful yoga teacher. Her classes teach you how to be mindful and in the present moment. Shira is amazing and welcomes all levels of students.
Julia Mariani 200 hour RYT
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