Aleksandra Townsend: Teacher Spotlight August 2022

Aleksandra Townsend has been teaching with Sea Change since 2018, and currently teaches the New Mainers Yoga class for women at Gateway Community Services Maine, as well as a Chair Yoga class for residents of the Woods at Canco senior living community in Portland. She recently graduated from the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Kennebec Valley Community College, and is now working in outpatient orthopedics and neurological rehabilitation home health.  Aleksandra has a special interest in working with people with chronic pain and limited mobility. “I teach the Woods at Canco class with consideration for various limitations, and I adapt the movements to make them accessible for everyone. I choose movements which help build strength and flexibility for daily activities like bending and picking up an object, getting dressed, etc.”

We asked Aleksandra to reflect on the following questions regarding her work with Sea Change Yoga…

Why were you compelled to teach for Sea Change? 

I have been teaching yoga for Sea Change for 4 years now, and I’m drawn to the mission of making yoga accessible to all, offering yoga in settings where it is not easily accessed, and using a trauma sensitive approach in the way we teach.  

What is your favorite part about teaching for Sea Change? 

I love the sense of community and how grateful the students are to be able to access yoga. I love the community of teachers at Sea Change and the transparency of the organization.

What have you learned from your students? 

I learn every day about ways to make yoga more accessible for my students as well as ways to help them overcome any barriers for participation (either physical or mental). 

How do you overcome language barriers for the class you teach for New Mainers? 

I have had a few situations where the language barrier was an issue, but the students can always follow my lead by watching me. That is the beauty of yoga. 

Why do you think your students keep coming back to your class? 

The residents at Woods at Canco rely on yoga to help them stay limber and active. The class is also an opportunity for community building and sharing on their Saturday mornings. The New Mainers Class gives women an opportunity to relax and do something nourishing after a long day of work, and it offers free access to yoga.

We are so grateful to Aleksandra for bringing her many skills to our Sea Change community, and especially for being a consistent, supportive presence for our students week after week. Thank you, Aleksandra!