Amanda stepped onto the yoga mat after being diagnosed with arthritis. Although she turned to yoga for its physical benefits, the world of yoga helped her develop a sense of inner peace after feeling the effects of teacher burnout. She quickly learned that a consistent yoga practice allowed her to navigate the ups and downs of teaching with awareness and ease. During the transition to post-pandemic teaching, Amanda witnessed the difficulties her students had with navigating anxiety and regulating their emotions. She began emphasizing social emotional learning, mindfulness, and playful learning experiences to help meet her students' needs. Amanda was amazed by her students’ progress in identifying their emotions, advocating their needs, solving conflict, following directions, competing non-preferred tasks, and controlling impulses. Her students became some of her best teachers and inspired her to create Breathe & Play Wellness.

After teaching special education in Montgomery County Public Schools for 10 years and receiving her yoga teaching certificate from extendYoga in 2025, Amanda created Breathe & Play Wellness. Amanda hopes that Breathe & Play Wellness fosters a space where children of all abilities can authentically be themselves while practicing self-awareness, social-emotional awareness, and empathy. She also hopes that parents can find their community, gain expertise in the field of special education, and feel empowered when supporting their child’s overall wellbeing. Amanda believes that through prioritizing wellness and community, families can lead a more peaceful and connected life while helping their children grow into successful and kind adults.