ABOUT KIDS HEART YOGA
We believe that when children learn calming techniques for self regulation and concentration they can navigate life's challenges with a little more ease. Yoga at an early age encourages self-esteem and body awareness with a physical activity that’s noncompetitive. It fosters cooperation and compassion and builds community.
THAT’S WHY WE FOUNDED KIDS HEART YOGA.
Created with kids unique-needs-in-mind, Kids HeArt Yoga combines the power of imagination, playfulness, movement and fun. Each class introduces a new theme that is explored through yoga games and poses, dramatic play, art and music, all while incorporating teamwork, empathy, self confidence and gratitude.
Kids HeArt Yoga provides programming at schools, play centers, community centers and fitness studios for kids of all ages, as well as birthday party services, summer camps and workshops.
FOUNDERS & LEAD TEACHERS
AIMEE NOFFSINGER
Aimee has a background in performing arts and started working in fitness in 2003. In 2014, Aimee became a certified 200 hour Yoga Instructor which led to a teaching opportunity at a local gym teaching kids yoga. This experience sparked a passion to share yoga with more kids in her community and she received her kids yoga certification from Rainbow Kids Yoga in 2015 and co-founded Kids HeArt Yoga. Aimee hopes that her love for yoga and the arts can provide kids with a foundation for a growing practice and the ability to self express themselves so they can be the very best version of themselves. When Aimee is not teaching, she is usually hanging out with her husband and 2 daughters singing and dancing to the latest and greatest pop song. Sometimes, you may find her in a sound booth, as a Voice Over Talent or doing a headstand - her favorite yoga pose. She is also on the board of The Voices and Faces Project, an award winning nonprofit storytelling initiative in the hopes of making our world a better place for our children.
MARISSA WOODS
Marissa is a certified kids yoga teacher and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling. She began her career as a therapist in NYC working with teens and adults who struggled with anxiety and self confidence issues. She continued her career as a therapist after moving to Madison, Wisconsin and working at UW with their student population. After one final move to Evanston,IL. she decided she wanted to make a change and use much of what she learned and practiced as a therapist and blend it with yoga and the arts for kids. She received her kids yoga certification from Rainbow Kids Yoga in 2015 and co-founded Kids HeArt Yoga. Movement, breath, and letting go are all key components of yoga and much of what she worked on with clients when she was a therapist. Marissa now practices yoga multiple times a week which she feels helps her stay calm and present. Her favorite pose is tree pose because it makes her feel grounded and strong. When she’s not teaching and practicing yoga, she is often with her family and dogs enjoying the outdoors whenever possible. Marissa looks at life through another lens as well. She can sometimes be found photographing kids and families doing the things they love!
TIFFANY CAVANAUGH, PROGRAM MANAGER & LEAD TEACHER
Tiffany has a background in Early Childhood Education and has taught in the Evanston Community for over 20 years. She is also the owner and director of a summer day camp program in Evanston. When Tiffany’s middle child was 5, she was diagnosed with ADHD and SPD. Along with traditional therapies, Tiffany sought other ways for her daughter to increase her flexibility, strength, balance and calm. Yoga was the answer! Once she began to see the benefits yoga offered her daughter, Tiffany knew she wanted to bring them into her preschool classroom! After receiving certification through Om Slice Kids Yoga, Tiffany quickly added yoga, breath and mindfulness into her daily classroom routine. Her class fell in love and the shift in the energy was seen almost immediately. With a desire to bring yoga to more children, Tiffany began teaching children’s yoga at a local health club. In 2015, she joined Kids HeArt Yoga where she gets to combine her passion for teaching and her love of yoga. When not teaching, Tiffany enjoys time with her family, walking, playing tennis, listening to live music, cooking, baking & spending time with friends.
