workshops

When I was a teenager, I had surgery for scoliosis where the doctor fused a metal rod onto my spine.  As a result, my spine cannot bend in any direction from the area between my shoulders to above my waist.  I didn’t think yoga would be for me because there are many poses that I am not able to do.  However, I have found that yoga is great for me.  It alleviates the tension I feel in my lower back and it is very grounding and relaxing.

Several months ago, I found Monique at Mt. Diablo Yoga.  She has classes that are geared towards people with scoliosis so I tried them.  The classes are small so Monique can give the participants individual attention.  That is particularly helpful to me because I have to modify many of the poses and she helps to guide me in the positions that are best for me. 

I have ongoing lower back tension but after I take one of her classes, I always feel so much better.  My back is much more relaxed and so am I.  It’s a great way to start my day. Jane S.

 I have been working with Monique since 2018 after I retired from teaching. In the past I had taken yoga classes but I always stopped because of back pain. What I learned from Monique is that because of my scoliosis, certain poses are beneficial for my curve pattern and there are others I should avoid. The studio is small and intimate, and she works with each student on our poses and makes suggestions and corrections to help straighten the spine. I have developed more strength, flexibility and balance with no back pain. We work on a variety of poses in class and I have also worked with Monique to develop a home practice routine. She is a wonderful teacher, as well as a delightful and caring person. I highly recommend Monique and feel so fortunate to be able to work with her! JoAnn H.

 At the recommendation of my orthopedist at UCSF, I have been searching for a yoga instructor who specialized in Scoliosis. The only instructor the doctor would recommend was Elise Browning Miller, all the way out on the Peninsula. I tried to work with other yoga instructors who claimed they understood Scoliosis, but after a few sessions, I would end up in pain. A friend suggested Monique, and I figured that she was like all the rest, but I was SO wrong! Monique is truly amazing and not only does she understand Scoliosis, but she was actually trained by the same teacher , Elise, who my orthopedist recommended years ago! Monique has been incredible! She has helped me understand my curve and has taught me how to strengthen and stretch correctly for my back issues. I look forward to each and every session and I can't imagine practicing yoga without Monique by my side, literally. My only regret is that I didn't know about her earlier. Thank you, Monique for always being there for me. - Jill J.

I was so happy to find Monique in 2020.  No one had ever addressed my scoliosis, and I have been practicing yoga for 12 years. 

Monique is very knowledgeable having studied with Elise Browning Miller.   She always knows what pose is best for each participant, and her gentle touch helps move my body into the correct form.

The classes are geared to strengthening your body, help realign your posture and encourage better balance  - - the result has given this 81-old body more energy and confidence in everything I do.

- Marie B.