The Story of EverybodyForYoga

The seeds for EverybodyForYoga were planted in 2006 when Monica Fish began creating outlines for yoga and mindfulness plans under the guidance of her mentor, Tao Porchon-Lynch. As one of the world’s most renowned yoga teachers, Tao’s wisdom and unwavering belief in the transformative power of yoga deeply influenced Monica’s approach. Inspired by Tao’s teachings, Monica envisioned a way to bring the benefits of yoga to diverse communities, making the practice accessible and meaningful for everyone. In 2007, travels to India brought Monica to life lasting experiences and again, closer to yoga. 

Finding studios such as Yoga Loft that had a more buddhist approach to life also deepened the practice. Snowy mornings at the Bedford Post were a transformative time for me as a person and a yogi. (Thank you Rebekah!)

In 2014, Monica further deepened her understanding of holistic wellness and spiritual practices by studying with Gabby Bernstein. Through these courses, Monica gained valuable tools for integrating meditation, intention-setting, and inner alignment into her yoga offerings. These teachings became pivotal in shaping her vision for EverybodyForYoga as a platform that could empower individuals to heal and thrive.

Taking over NYC in 2014 with Yoga in Times Square for summer solstice contributed to the outward community practice that helped the outward effects of the yoga community be apparent. 

The following year, after completing a transformative yoga training with Seane Corn, Monica took a significant step toward making her vision a reality by purchasing the domain EverybodyForYoga.com. With a mission to make yoga a unifying and healing practice for all, she began by introducing yoga and meditation programs into her local school district. These programs quickly gained traction, positively impacting thousands of children by helping them build emotional resilience, focus, and self-awareness.

As the success of EverybodyForYoga grew as a popup group, so did Monica’s understanding of the broader potential of yoga. Recognizing the deep need for trauma-informed approaches that regulated the nervous system, she expanded the program to include healing modalities specifically designed for those affected by personal and collective trauma. Drawing from her extensive yoga training, as well as her learnings from Tao Porchon-Lynch, Gabby Bernstein, and Seane Corn, Monica crafted practices rooted in safety, empowerment, and inclusivity. These offerings provided a pathway for participants to process trauma, rebuild trust in their bodies, and cultivate inner peace.

The trauma-informed expansion of EverybodyForYoga extended its reach beyond children to include adults, educators, caregivers, and other community members. Workshops, community events, and specialized programs helped individuals navigate grief, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

Today, EverybodyForYoga stands as a testament to Monica’s commitment to using yoga as a tool for personal and collective transformation. Guided by the wisdom of her mentors and her own experiences as a teacher and healer, Monica has created a dynamic platform that unites people through yoga, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, proving that yoga truly is for everybody.

The reconnection

Yoga was first introduced to me as a healing modality in Arizona in 1988, offering me a glimpse into the power of mindful movement and breath.

I had a picturesque introduction into yoga for not so beautiful reasons. Nevertheless, it has always been a tool in my personal care toolbox. I am lucky to say so are the colors of the Sedona sunsets.

Yoga became a tool again, this time  to overcome grief in 1995, after the loss of my mother. Health is our truest wealth.

However, it wasn’t until 2005, after the demands of corporate life in NYC had left my body and soul drive- broken and depleted, that I turned to yoga as a lifeline. Diving into the orgin of Yoga in India,in 2007 expanded my knowing and unlearning.

Becoming a mother in 2009 and again in 2013, yoga met me each time and grew and expanded the depth of my own practice through a daily practice of showing up for myself in all of her forms. I knew this discipline made me a more mindful mother, and that was worth it.

Yoga guided me , along side of my faith to honor how I show up in the world. It became a tool of survival in 2017 after escaping domestic violence and needing to heal physical and emotional injuries with nothing more than my own toolbox.

Through creating my own practice and letting it evolve each time, I began to rebuild not just my physical strength, but also my connection to self and inner peace, laying the layers of impermeable foundation for the work I do today.

Yoga is the tool, because it meets the human where they are today. 

Monica Fish

Vinyasa - Hatha - Yin - Meditation - Breathwork

Monica Fish

Founder / Instructor

Yoga Teaching Credentials

With over 20 years of teaching experience, I bring a deep passion for guiding students on their journey to physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. I am a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and have pursued advanced studies and certifications throughout the United States to enhance my teaching and personal practice.

Specialized Training:

• Trauma-Informed: Integrating trauma informed yoga to support healing and resilience.

• Meditation Trained: Integrating mindfulness and yoga to support healing and resilience.

• Psychology of Dance Certification: Exploring the connection between movement and emotional expression.

• Reiki Practitioner: Incorporating energy healing techniques to promote balance and relaxation in students.

• Mental Health First Aid Certified : To further recognize mental crisis versus behaviors resulting from immediate trauma.

• Somatic Yoga Training: Specialized in blending yoga and somatic practices to deepen the mind-body connection, focusing on movement awareness and emotional healing. This training equips me to guide students through personalized, body-informed practices that enhance physical alignment, release stored tension, and foster greater self-awareness and resilience.

• Harvard Culture of Health Certificate: Leveraged advanced knowledge in health and wellness to enhance yoga instruction, emphasizing the integration of social, environmental, and behavioral health factors. This certification supports trauma-informed meditation practices and the creation of holistic workshops that promote physical, mental, and community well-being.
  

• Ayurvedic Certification: Applied the ancient principles of Ayurveda to complement yoga teaching, fostering a deeper understanding of mind-body balance, personalized wellness practices, and holistic healing. This certification enhances the ability to guide students toward sustainable health and harmony through lifestyle, diet, and mindfulness practices.

Teaching Philosophy:

I create inclusive, nurturing spaces where individuals can connect with their inner selves, fostering self-awareness and growth. My approach combines traditional yoga practices with modern insights, offering students a well-rounded and transformative experience. I help you to take your yoga off the mat, and into the world, with love.