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Meet Michelle

Hi, I'm Michelle, and I am the founder of Open Door Yoga. I completed my undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology and later earned my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. As an occupational therapist, my goal is help others lead meaningful lives through access. Access to valued roles and routines, access to home and community environments, access to independence. 

Since moving to Utah, I have fallen in love with all mountain activities - trail running, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and various types of skiing to name a few! I began practicing yoga to help me stay healthy, flexible and strong. However, as I deepened my practice, I began to appreciate the lesser known benefits of yoga as well - a clearer mind, better posture, more sense of calm. I wanted to learn more and help others expand their personal practices too! 

My favorite part of my yoga teacher trainings was learning how to modify yoga postures and other aspects of practice for different bodies and abilities. It was an opportunity to combine my healthcare experience with yoga. When I first started teaching, I quickly realized that even "beginner" yoga poses aren't accessible to many bodies. Many of my able-bodied students had difficulty with foundational postures, and I began to wonder what others with underlying health conditions must be experiencing. 

My intention with Open Door Yoga is to create resources and offer support so that everyone can access the health benefits of yoga. I want to support beginner yogis and yoga instructors alike. If you have any questions, please reach out anytime! 

Michelle Thompson, MS, OTR/L, RYT-500
Continuing Education Courses and Certifications: 200-hour YTT, 300-hour YTT, Yoga Therapy, Trauma-Informed Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Adaptive Yoga, Yin Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition
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