Bio
Heather Sevika Ford, C-IAYT, RYT-500, MFA Design. I was introduced to classic Hatha Yoga as a teenager and continued to practice throughout my adult life. In 2008, on a path to deepening my own practice, I became a certified Yoga teacher. Following years of dedicated teaching and training, I furthered my journey by participating in the International Association of Yoga Therapists' grand-parenting program, ultimately achieving certification as a Yoga Therapist in 2017.
My classical training and approach helps me guide individuals towards experiencing the essence of Yoga; a contemplative, mindful practice intended to remove obstacles and restore peace. Collaboratively, I support my clients towards optimal health and wellness through mindful movement, restorative postures, subtle practices such as Yoga Nidra, Pranayama and meditation, often incorporating Reiki, sound healing and aromatherapy. The practices are intended to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, optimize the immune system and reset the nervous system; all in the spirit of self-healing. I design individualized practices for anyone, of any level and ability; floor-based, chair, wall or bed.
My extensive training and experience equip me to work safely and mindfully with a diverse range of clients facing various conditions, including addiction recovery, stroke, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, pre and post-operative care, arthritis, cancer, peripheral neuropathy, post-polio syndrome, PTS, asthma, emphysema, nerve damage, obesity, knee replacements, and limited physical mobility.
Currently, I offer private sessions both online and in-person, in addition to leading workshops for Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco, Stanford Healthy Living, and Alta Mira Recovery Center. My goal is to empower individuals on their journey towards holistic well-being, providing them with the tools and support needed to thrive.
CREDENTIALS
2022 Raja Yoga Certification | with Swami Ramananda, Swami Divyananda & Swami Vidyananda
2018 Classically Based Yoga Nidra | Dr. Marc Halpern & Dr. Andrea Deerheart
2018 Reiki 1-2 Certification | Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki
2017 Deepening Into Therapeutic Yoga | Cheri Clampett, Arturo Peal
2017 Certified Yoga Therapist | International Association of Yoga Therapy
2015 Yoga For Arthritis Certification | Stephany Moonaz, Ph.D
2014 Stress Management Certification | Swami Vidyananda, Swami Ramananda, Jaymie Meyer
2014 Therapeutic Yoga | Cheri Clampett, Arturo Peal
2014 Therapeutic Application of Integral Yoga CORE | Rev. Jivana Heyman, Swami Ramananda
2014 Yoga For Healing | Rev. Jivana Heyman
2009 Intermediate Yoga | Swami Asokananda, Madhuri Fiona Flynn
2008 Basic Yoga RYT200 | Dijon Carew, Rev. Jivana Heyman, Swami Vimalananda
1998 Tibetan Buddhist Studies | Tushita Retreat Center Dharmsala, India
2013 Master of Fine Arts Design California College of the Arts
1993 Bachelor of Fine Arts University of California at Santa Barbara
Deep thanks and gratitude to all of my teachers
Teaching Schedule
Stanford University Health Improvement Program | Yoga Nidra workshops, 2019-present (quarterly)
Alta Mira Recovery Center | Bi-weekly group classes & private Yoga Therapy, 2020-present
Integral Yoga Therapy Clinic | Private Yoga Therapy, 2017-present
San Francisco Bay Area | Private Yoga Therapy, since 2010
Experience
Stanford School of Medicine | Health Improvement Program | Gentle Yoga, Yoga Flow, Healthy Back weekly group classes 2018-2020
Stanford University Contemplation by Design Summit | Yoga Nidra workshop 2019
Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco | Restorative Yoga weekly group class 2014-2020
Yoga Seed Collective, Sacramento, CA | Co-led Accessible Yoga Teacher Training 2018
Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco | Co-led Basic Yoga Teacher Training 2009 & taught Hatha II weekly group classes 2009-2014
Pricewaterhouse Cooper LLP | Hatha Yoga group classes 2017
Stanford University Graduate School of Business Summer Executive program | Restorative Yoga weekly group class 2016 (6-weeks)
Mercy Housing | Gentle Chair Spanish Yoga for Seniors weekly group class 2014-2016
United Studios of Self Defense | Hatha Yoga weekly group class 2015-2016
Trainings available
Certified Accessible Yoga Teacher Trainer | Contact Accessible Yoga to set up a training near you!