​

​

​

“Doing the YTT with Be Free was one of the best decisions of my life. The transformation I went through is quite incredible and has propelled me forward in life with a little more clarity, hope, confidence and connection.”

- Emma Horne '23

​

"Root to Rise was one of the most transformative experiences of my life, thus far. Melanie has cultivated a container that deeply honors the philosophy, tradition and lineage of yoga in all its forms, while fluidly interweaving her own eclectic knowledge and magic. Her emphasis and devotion to inclusivity allowed for me to soften into the experience and delve into self-study with a knowing that I was safe and supported throughout that process. Melanie’s use of the chakra system as a guide helped me to peel back the layers of self and explore the beauty of yoga in a way that felt digestible, yet thorough.

The guest lecturers provided a broad range of information that evoked inspiration and gave me an idea of where I’d like to focus my energy as I continue to deepen my knowledge and practice of yoga. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to get to meet my inner teacher, and to have become more aware of the teacher in all. If you’re looking for a well rounded and deep introduction to yoga teaching, look no more.

Thank you Melanie for exceeding my expectations for what a YTT can be. I am so excited to nurture the seeds that have been planted in Root to Rise 2022!"

- KC Trujillo '22

​

"I completed Root to Rise YTT in August 2022. In the year following, I’ve kept a home yoga practice regularly, but more significantly, I’ve sustained a life yoga practice that defines my purpose and my relationship with the world. I started law school just days after our Root to Rise closing circle. While the glow and freshness of graduation has worn, the warmth has transformed into a feeling of absolute presence in all my actions. What a gift to experience acceptance and gratitude for all the highs and lows of life. Thanks to the heart-centered work of Root to Rise, as I navigate the notoriously anxiety-inducing atmosphere of law school and legal internships, I’ve enjoyed an err of authenticity that is so palpable to others that it can change the tone of conversations to constructive and compassionate exchanges. As I look forward to a life-long legal career, I am so thankful to Melanie for creating an 8-month container where I walked away feeling confident and safe in my body such that I can pursue my passion to restore justice for others, while unapologetically expressing myself. I cannot speak highly enough of this incredibly transformative program. Thank you, Be Free. Thank you, Melanie."

 -Hannah A '22

​

“The entire experience empowered me to have the belief and confidence to be ok with where I am in my own practice of yoga.  This in turn, translates to being mentally grounded and giving myself the grace I deserve in everyday life situations.”

- Angela Polenz '23

​

"I raved about this class to my family and friends for the entire 5 months. I found so much learning, love, and expansion each weekend. Melanie has my great respect. She walks her talk. She is a teacher who is always learning and growing in her own understanding of yoga. She prioritizes the learning and honoring of yoga's roots and the 8 limbs of yoga. She is working hard to be inclusive and to honor the lineages and teachers that have come before us. She invites in speakers with a wide range of skills to expand our understanding. She structures and paces the classes beautifully. She has an incredible depth of knowledge and wide skill set! Melanie is a most remarkable YTT trainer. I feel sure that no one is more competent, compassionate, supportive, collaborative, humble, ethical and qualified for offering 200 hour YTT. This training has impacted my life to a degree that I never anticipated. Thank you Melanie. Much love and appreciation." - Kathy D '21

​

​

I loved Root to Rise. It was probably the best, fullest, most encouraging and deepest challenge to my person growth that I have experienced outside of marriage and parent/grandparenthood. It certainly provided the depth I was looking for to help me explore yoga in its fullest and most rooted expression. And there was so much more to discover and question and receive. I love how the training is centered around the chakras. Melanie has truly developed an amazing training.  She is  also personally very gifted as a teacher, in the physicality of yoga, the anatomy of the human body and in the realms of the spiritual. My hopes for my experience in yoga teacher training were met beyond my imaginings and then there was so much more to drink in. I am profoundly grateful to Melanie and Roots to Rise and all of the teachers that she brought into the mix." - Wendy L '21

​

​