COMMUNITY // ACTIVISM
by Felicia Tomasko // Photos by Natalie Moser
UPLIFT Teen yoga
Mentors and Youth Embark on Education of the Heart
P
owerhouse youth education leader Eri-
ca Austin is the founder of the innova-
tive UPLIFT Teen Yoga program. She
says, “UPLIFT Teen Yoga connects teen girls
with their truest sense of self, which is the
basis for all well-being.” The core curriculum
of the UPLIFT Teen Yoga Journey includes
cumulative eight-week sessions of yoga,
mindfulness, journaling, and compassionate
discussion. Erica and the other mentors are
inspired by teachers including Dr. Dan Siegel,
Gabby Bernstein, Brene Brown, and Rob Bell.
Beyond the foundational journey, the work
becomes a constant in the teens’ lives and the
teen girls can become junior mentors.
This summer, the first UPLIFT Teen Yoga
retreat took place on a lavender farm. Erica
says this of the experience, “I witnessed ma-
jor transformations at our Butterfly Retreat.
The teens went into the cocoon and emerged
as their beautiful selves. I believe it was the
first time that many of our girls realized they
are not alone in their emotions and experi-
ences, and that there are like-minded girls out
there to support and love them. It’s exciting
and rewarding to be part of this much-needed
education of the heart.”
To support the mission of UPLIFT, Erica
is joined by other women leaders in the com-
munity who serve as mentors in the pro-
gram. These women include: Camilla Bruno
(UPLIFT co-founder), Nicole Chavez, Lena
Parker, Kelsey Delane, and Avery McCaslin.
We had the opportunity to talk to them
about their passion for yoga, their superpow-
ers, and what they learn from being a mentor.Camilla Bruno Co-Founder + Mentor
What brought you to yoga?
Growing up, I danced competitively. After
high school I knew I was not going to dance
professionally, so I opened myself up to find-
ing another venue of movement and mind-
body connection. My parents were getting
a divorce as I transitioned into my college
years, which rocked my foundation. Yoga
became a place for me to process safely, feel
fully, and connect to solidarity.What do you learn from being a mentor?
Vulnerability is a super power. It awakens the
truth within each of us. It gives our processes
room to breathe and flow. It unites our hearts
to each other with the thread of empathy. Vul-
nerability is contagious. It ignites our authentic
voice to come forward. It asks for us to remain
curious, open, and accepting of what comes up.
Our UPLIFT Teens are brave superheroes.Could you share an inspirational book?
How to Be Here by Rob Bell. He has a way to
put a language around so much of what I feel
and his words of wisdom have inspired our pro-
gram in many ways. In a world that bombards
us with food for thought all the time, Rob’s
work has reminded me to listen within, to the
“you that is you that is deepest and true.”Nicole Chavez Mentor
What’s your go-to personal practice?
For me, stepping into a space to take a class
is a very special experience, almost sacred. I
am a mom of two kiddos, and I teach yoga