With a lifelong passion for nurturing young minds and hearts,
I bring decades of experience working with children in both educational and creative settings. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Voice Performance, and I’ve worked with children in many capacities—as a classroom teacher, substitute teacher, camp counselor, and librarian. At Ashland Nature Center I introduced young children to the wonders of wildlife—snakes, owls, lizards, bats, and more—sparking curiosity and confidence through nature education.​
I understand how deeply children need kindness, presence, emotional support, and space to be themselves. My background gives me a strong foundation in child development and emotional wellness, and I feel honored to bring all of this into my YES! for Youth classes—where children feel seen, supported, and free to grow.
YES – Yoga for Emotional Support- for Youth
YES for Youth is a playful, supportive yoga and emotional wellness class designed just for children/ young adults- Elementary through High School. Through movement, breath, games, and imagination, children explore their feelings, build self-awareness, and learn calming tools they can use anytime—at home, at school, or during challenging moments.
Led by Christine Shaw, an experienced educator with decades of working with children in classrooms, camps, libraries, and nature centers, YES for Youth offers a nurturing space where kids feel seen, supported, and free to grow.
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Common Emotional Challenges:
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Home Life Stress: Changes at home (divorce, new sibling, moving) can feel overwhelming or confusing
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School work and Scheduled Activities: Overscheduled days can lead to fatigue and reduced capacity to self-regulate
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Worry & Separation Anxiety: Concerns about being away from caregivers, new teachers, or unfamiliar environments
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Emotional Regulation: Difficulty understanding or expressing big feelings (anger, sadness, frustration)
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Peer Interactions: Learning to share, take turns, navigate social conflicts and bullying
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Developing Self-Esteem: Early signs of self-doubt or “I’m not good enough…” mindsets
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Sensory/Attention Needs: Some children experience heightened sensitivity or difficulty focusing (including signs of ADHD)
YES! Explorers supports emotional literacy, regulation, and body awareness through movement, games, and breath—empowering kids with tools they can use at school, at home, or in challenging moments.
YES Sessions are created to:
Guide young children to explore body, breath and emotions in a safe environment with a playful and engaging class. The focus is on movement through imagination, basic yoga shapes, emotional vocabulary, and calming techniques.
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Key Themes: Exploration, curiosity, fun, grounding
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Tools: Games, props, stories, breath buddies, creative movement
YES! Explorers (Grades K–5):
Every Friday 4:45-5:45pm, beginning October 3, 2025
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This foundational YES class helps children:
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Build emotional vocabulary and body awareness
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Develop skills for emotional regulation and self-confidence
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Navigate worries, big feelings, and social challenges through creative play
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Classes feature movement through imaginative storytelling, breath practices with fun props, restorative and gentle/ fun movement and activities that make yoga accessible and engaging for young explorers.
Coming Soon in 2006:
Common Emotional Challenges:
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Fitting In & Peer Pressure: A strong desire to be accepted, along with pressure to conform or perform
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Body Image & Self-Doubt: Physical changes and increasing self-awareness can lead to insecurity and comparison
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Anxiety & Worry: Heightened due to social dynamics, academic expectations, and changes in routine
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Schoolwork & Falling Behind: Increased academic load can cause overwhelm, especially for kids with ADHD or executive functioning difficulties
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Too Many Activities: Balancing school, sports, and extracurriculars may lead to stress and burnout
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Family Conflicts or Disconnection: Shifting independence can create friction or confusion at home
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Identity Exploration: Beginning to question values, identity, and sense of self
YES! Momentum provides a space to slow down, breathe, and connect—while building confidence, focus, and emotional resilience.
YES Sessions are created for:
Tweens and early teens navigating social change and inner shifts. Building momentum through movement, breath, and emotional self-regulation while supporting self-confidence and belonging.
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Key Themes: Self-awareness, identity, energy shifts, emotional literacy
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Tools: Journaling, music, structured movement, breathwork, peer sharing
YES! Momentum (Grades 6–8)
YES! Horizon (Grades 9–12)
Common Emotional Challenges:
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Academic Pressure: Fear of falling behind, GPA worries, test anxiety, college or future decisions
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Relationships & Social Stress: Romantic relationships, friendship changes, heartbreak, and betrayal
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Self-Esteem & Anxiety: Deepening self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or feeling “not enough”
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Mental Health Concerns: Heightened stress, anxiety, and signs of depression often emerge in these years
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Disconnection or Isolation: Feeling misunderstood, disconnected from peers or family
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Overwhelm from Overcommitment: Many teens struggle with managing their time, boundaries, and expectations
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Neurodiversity Needs: Teens with ADHD or sensory sensitivity often mask symptoms, leading to exhaustion and emotional crashes
YES! Horizon is a grounding space for teens to reconnect with themselves. Through breath, mindful movement, and reflection, they develop lifelong tools for emotional self-regulation, clarity, and self-trust.
YES Sessions are created for:
teens stepping toward adulthood. These sessions provide space to pause, reflect, and ground themselves with resilience tools. Focus on mindfulness, stress relief, and self-compassion.
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Key Themes: Emotional resilience, reflection, empowerment, stability
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Tools: Meditation, deeper breath practices, guided discussion, yoga postures, optional writing
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
302-367-5074