Renee Zambo

The Academic Coordinator of the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy (KSIYT) is responsible for supporting the effective development, delivery, and continual improvement of a high-quality Yoga Therapy training program that provides a consistently positive learning environment and student experience.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Collaborates with the Director of Faculty and Learning, the Director or Kripalu Schools, and Lead Faculty to deliver an up-to-date and integrated Kripalu curriculum and positive KSIYT professional training experience.
• As directed by the Director of Kripalu Schools, executes the functions necessary to effectively run the academic arm of KSIYT.
• Serves as advisor to KSIYT students and maintains tracking of student information and progress.
• Maintains relationship with IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists), serves as representative for Kripalu, and with collaboration with Director of Kripalu Schools, ensures adherence to standards and completes tasks related to reaccreditation process.
• Acts as a liaison and spokesperson for the KSIYT both internal and external to Kripalu.

KSIYT Curriculum Development

• Develop, draft, format and update manuals, handouts, and other materials.
• Review classes and evaluate areas of strength and improvement.
• Assist with implementing curriculum adjustments or changes.
• Research Yoga Therapy topics for curriculum development as assigned.
• Manage creation and updating of KSIYT marketing materials.

Student Relations and Classroom Management

• Assist admissions staff with prospective student inquiries and follow-up.
• Assist in student interview process as needed.
• Provide input on admissions decisions and review applications as needed.
• Oversee and support the effective launch of training programs.
• Communicate as needed with enrolled students through on-line forum, e-mail, in person meetings, and module office hours.
• Create and review homework, grade quizzes, exams, and research papers.
• Responsible for teaching review sessions as needed.
• Manage attendance records, homework, student progress, student issues and student evaluations.
• Support the relationship of KSIYT with visiting faculty and ensure faculty needs are met when in-house.
• Address student concerns, answer logistical questions, and field potential "red flag" situations to be passed on to the Director of Kripalu Schools.
• Track students’ development throughout training and help provide additional assistance when needed to help students successfully complete the training.
• Teach sessions as needed within the School of Integrative Yoga Therapy.
• When on campus, lead R&R workshops and/or other teaching or training sessions in support of the integration of Yoga Therapy into various areas of the organization including the School of Yoga.
• Meet with students, assistants, faculty, or Director to resolve any individual student or group issues.
• Conduct regular evaluation processes to keep students informed of their performance and clearly outline and document any corrective measures needed for the student to successfully complete the training.

Systems Maintenance and Development

• Maintains student database, transcripts, certificates, contact lists, etc.
• Identify ways to improve communications with students and faculty, classroom and curriculum flow, and policies enforcement.

Work with yoga teachers, trainers, and psychotherapists to create healing and empowering workshops for students and community.

Design weekly schedule of yoga classes with offerings that focused on mindfulness, meditation, gentle movement, and trauma sensitivity.

Manage yoga studio teachers, partnerships with psychotherapists and yoga teachers, and continuing education opportunities for yoga teachers.

Lead, development, and manage a yoga alliance certified 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training specializing in trauma sensitivity and therapeutic adaptations for various populations.

Lead, develop, and conduct a 65 hr Advanced Yoga Teacher training.

Lead, develop, and conduct free community offerings.

Initiate relationships with like-minded businesses and organizations throughout Chicago.

Work closely with Director on various projects including but not limited to curriculum development, community connections, strengthening relationships between psychotherapists and yoga teachers for dynamic workshop offerings.

Implement changes to online format due to COVID-19; including but not limited to: 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, weekly schedule, and training yoga teachers to an online format, workshops and individual sessions.

Create, implement and co-lead free community events.

Create, implement, and lead and support groups for COVID related mental health and physical health complications, Chicago riots in May 2020 and societal and racial injustice.

Conduct individual yoga therapy sessions with patients; including use and understanding of electronic medical records.

Work with other clinicians such as M.D's, D.O's, nurse practictioners, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and nutritionists on the healing paths of our patients.

Collaborate, create and implement workshops with clinicians and energy medicine practitioners on various topics such as heart health, restoration and sleep, vaginal and pelvic floor health and wellness, chronic pain and chronic fatigue.