Missy comes to this work through lived experience—of healing, burnout, disability, and beginning again. After more than 15 years supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she faced severe burnout and had to find a new way forward.

Soon after quitting her job and leaving her career, she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor, the successful removal of which resulted in incomplete spinal cord injury and is now navigating the long, ongoing process of rehabilitation. Through rest, breath, movement, and nervous system care, she continues to learn what it means to live in a body that is both sensitive and strong.

Missy completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at Yoga Now under the guidance of Susi Amendola. Over the last three years, she has worked closely with Susi as the editor of The Centered Heart and as a collaborator on stress management programming and mind-body practices.

She hopes to serve as a connector—bringing together like-hearted, open-minded humans to witness one another, soften into their own healing, and remember they’re not alone.