Hi, I’m Michelle
Founder of Redwoods & Ferns
How Redwoods & Ferns came to be
My yoga journey began in 2004, and over the years, I’ve experienced tremendous personal growth and self-discovery through the holistic nature of the practice. However, as a student attending various classes, I often felt something was missing—a supportive community of like-minded individuals to uplift each other. I also noticed how inaccessible yoga seemed to many people due to preconceived notions of what yoga is "supposed to be." Whether it’s feeling like they’re not flexible enough, not knowing which class is right for them, or thinking they need perfect circumstances to start, these mental roadblocks can be limiting.
Recognizing this missing piece and hearing these concerns sparked my drive to create a space where those who feel out of place in the yoga world can find belonging. I’ve been there, too. Throughout my own journey, I’ve seen the transformative power of breaking through these mental barriers and how contagious personal growth can be when we do. Being open to new experiences, meeting new people, and investing in ourselves is key to unlocking our full potential. I didn’t get here by accident—this journey is about embracing growth and inviting others to do the same. That’s why I created Redwoods & Ferns.
My ultimate goal is to create a community that fosters self-awareness for underserved and disadvantaged groups who often lack access to spaces offering support, comfort, and rest. I also aim to help people break free from the harmful societal norms that affect us all.
My North Stars
In Life And Business
1
Life Long Learning
I’ve always been a teacher but I also love being a student. Truthfully, my favorite classroom is in nature. From the people we can meet and the new experiences we can have. There’s something to learn in every corner of life that nature allows us to look at.
2
Self Care
With how fast-paced our world is today, it can be hard to take care of ourselves. This is why I put a lot of emphasis on building self-care into my personal and professional spaces.
3
Compassion
There is power to the act of compassion. Building empathy for others has to start with caring for ourselves and recognizing our own worth and value. Yoga has been my favorite tool for this.
Inclusion
To me, inclusion means challenging limiting beliefs to expand opportunities for joy. My favorite ways to do this are by meeting new people, traveling to new places, and experiencing new things!
4
My work & teachings are rooted in…
The belief that we are all interconnected and can lean on the support of each other to overcome limiting beliefs. Therefore, the communities we engage with significantly impact our ability to embrace new experiences and discover new versions of ourselves that we might otherwise overlook.
My Certifications
200 Hour Wellness, Social Emotional Learning, Yoga Teacher Training (3/2022) Breathe For Change
CA Elementary and High School Physical Science credentials