Michelle Heidami
New York City,New York
Summary
Michelle holds an Ed.M and M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her background as a performer and yoga instructor fosters a deep curiosity in the human experience. Past traumas, losses, and attachments that affect our body, mind, and spirit can be pathways towards understanding and peace. Michelle's commitment to therapy as a social justice practice is deeply rooted in her experiences as a person of color. She acknowledges the significance of examining privilege and biases within a cultural context. Utilizing a psychodynamic lens, Michelle's individualized approach creates a warm and authentic environment where clients feel supported on their journey towards empowerment and healing.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Advanced Clinical Fellow
Intuitive Healing Psychotherapy Practice
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Conducted in-person and remote therapy sessions for a diverse group of individuals and couples.
- Employed an integrative approach encompassing Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques to effectively address diverse concerns such as PTSD, eating disorders, self-harm tendencies, anxiety and depression symptoms, trauma recovery, and life transitions.
- Displayed a firm commitment to multicultural competence and advancing social justice by offering culturally sensitive care and advocating on behalf of BIPOC clients.
- Developed and implemented evidence-based treatment plans focused on client-centered goals and measurable outcomes.
- Delivered professional support through intake assessments, consultations, and crisis interventions.
- Coordinated holistic care by facilitating referrals and establishing community linkages, while advocating for clients across multiple agencies.
Virtual Yoga Instructor
Be Well with Michelle
03.2020 - Current
- Provided personal online offerings in movement, breath work, meditation, and yogic philosophy to students, facilitating the development of a sustainable practice for liberation and healing.
Virtual Yoga Instructor
Bread and Yoga Co-Op Founder
03.2020 - 10.2021
- Implemented a democratic teacher owned Co-Op model with at least 50% representation from BIPOC communities, prioritizing the dismantling of white supremacy in the yoga industry.
- Fostered a wellness community based upon a foundation of social justice, equity, and liberation.
Corporate Yoga Instructor
Namaste New York, MECO, & Culture of Fit
01.2016 - 08.2022
- Optimized mobility, stress reduction, and mindfulness by delivering open level movement incorporating meditation, breath work, grounding strategies, and increased awareness.
Yoga for Athletes Instructor
Studio In The Heights
01.2019 - 05.2022
- Utilized dynamic yoga as a cross-training method to enhance range of motion, balance, flexibility, and strength.
Vinyasa Flow Instructor
Community Yoga - Hudson Heights
10.2018 - 07.2023
- Designed and taught a variety of yoga styles, catering to a wide range of clients from demanding to relaxing.
Asana Apprentice
Breathe For Change
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Contributed to the leadership of the Asana Curriculum for the B4C 200hr Teacher Training program for educators.
Vinyasa Flow Instructor
Unity Yoga
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Instructed 40 open level students in invigorating warm yoga classes featuring creative flows that fostered increased consciousness, balance, and strength.
Illumina Flow Instructor
Illumina East
09.2018 - 12.2018
- Crafted diverse class experiences by integrating creative sequencing, mantras, and Kundalini elements into Vinyasa style instruction.
Vinyasa, Corporate & Private Yoga Instructor
Sonic Yoga
06.2016 - 09.2018
- Developed customized practice sessions that incorporated movements, breathing techniques, increased flexibility and mindful meditation.
- Guided large student cohorts in Beginner, Level 1, and Power Flow Vinyasa sessions.
- Instructed employees in a wide range of yoga practices for the workplace including flow sequences, restorative poses, chair/desk exercises, and stress reduction strategies.
Vinyasa Yoga Instructor
Bread and Yoga
09.2016 - 12.2020
- Provided guidance and instruction to students ranging from beginners to experts in Vinyasa and Hatha Flow, leading groups of up to 20 individuals.
Yoga Instructor
Morris Jumel Mansion
02.2016 - 09.2016
- Provided low cost, high quality yoga classes for Washington Heights Community.
Yoga Instructor
Bohemia Realty Group
01.2016 - 08.2016
- Designed comprehensive wellness programs integrating dynamic flow, restorative, and relaxation techniques for staff.
Assistant Manager/Corporate Yoga Liaison
Sonic Yoga
10.2016 - 10.2018
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Nurtured positive working relationships with colleagues to cultivate a supportive and productive atmosphere.
- Managed a team of 45 studio volunteers, oversaw scheduling and maintenance of the studio space while coordinating with multiple vendors for supplies.
- Coordinated with various corporations to develop customized wellness programs for their employees, overseeing all aspects of invoicing, contract management, and scheduling.
Hospitality Specialist/Assistant Event Liaison
P.J. Clarke’s
08.2008 - 08.2016
- Coordinated numerous corporate and social events with a guest capacity of up to 300
- Successfully increased client engagement by leveraging industry trends and competitive analysis.
- Provided top-notch customer service to VIP guests while managing a high volume of customers in an engaging hospitality environment.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing personalized solutions.
Administrative Assistant
Atrium Staffing
02.2006 - 07.2009
- Supported executive staff through scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing crucial documents.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
Education
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling
Teachers College of Columbia University
New York, NY05.2024
Masters of Education - Mental Health Counseling
Teachers College of Columbia University
New York, NY05.2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX12.2006
Skills
- Trauma and Mindfulness Training
- Active Listening
- Cultural Competence
- Empathetic
Certification
- 200Hr Certification: Vinyasa Flow, Sonic Yoga NYC 2016
- Mentorship Program: Johanna Bell, Sonic Yoga NYC 2017
- 300Hr Certification: Illumina Yoga, NYC 2018
- 16Hr Certification: Exhale to Inhale, NYC May 2021
- 5Hr Certification: Ergos Institute of SE-Peter Levine and Sue Johnson, Oct 2021
- 300Hr Certification Eligible: Embrace Yoga's Roots- Susanna Barkataki, Dec 2021
- CE: Conscious Life: Trauma Super Conference, Dec 2021
Affiliations
- American Counselors Association
- Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development
- Yoga Alliance
Timeline
Advanced Clinical Fellow
Intuitive Healing Psychotherapy Practice
09.2023 - 05.2024
Virtual Yoga Instructor
Be Well with Michelle
03.2020 - Current
Virtual Yoga Instructor
Bread and Yoga Co-Op Founder
03.2020 - 10.2021
Yoga for Athletes Instructor
Studio In The Heights
01.2019 - 05.2022
Vinyasa Flow Instructor
Community Yoga - Hudson Heights
10.2018 - 07.2023
Illumina Flow Instructor
Illumina East
09.2018 - 12.2018
Asana Apprentice
Breathe For Change
06.2018 - 08.2018
Vinyasa Flow Instructor
Unity Yoga
01.2018 - 12.2019
Assistant Manager/Corporate Yoga Liaison
Sonic Yoga
10.2016 - 10.2018
Vinyasa Yoga Instructor
Bread and Yoga
09.2016 - 12.2020
Vinyasa, Corporate & Private Yoga Instructor
Sonic Yoga
06.2016 - 09.2018
Yoga Instructor
Morris Jumel Mansion
02.2016 - 09.2016
Corporate Yoga Instructor
Namaste New York, MECO, & Culture of Fit
01.2016 - 08.2022
Yoga Instructor
Bohemia Realty Group
01.2016 - 08.2016
Hospitality Specialist/Assistant Event Liaison
P.J. Clarke’s
08.2008 - 08.2016
Administrative Assistant
Atrium Staffing
02.2006 - 07.2009
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling
Teachers College of Columbia University
Masters of Education - Mental Health Counseling
Teachers College of Columbia University
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Sam Houston State University
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