Nicole Koleshis, OTR/L (she/her)
Nicole is a former school-based occupational therapist, a longtime trainer of Kids Yoga teachers, and the author of Yoga for Little Kids and KIDS YOGA: A Complete Practice. A lover of all things yoga and mindfulness, she has been teaching yoga to children and families since 2002 and is widely regarded as a leader in the Kids Yoga industry.
Nicole began teaching yoga to children as a brand-new OT at a Special Education Collaborative in Massachusetts. After moving to Seattle in 2004, her work expanded beyond therapy sessions into studio and school classes, summer camps, Family Yoga retreats in Costa Rica and Hawaii, teacher trainings, and international travel to share her knowledge. In 2014, she transitioned out of her OT role with Seattle Public Schools to focus on increasing access to Kids Yoga in schools and communities.
In 2018, Nicole founded Seattle Kids Yoga, building upon her long-established Kids Yoga programs. She now manages SKY classes and a team of instructors, facilitates SKY Teacher Trainings, mentors and coaches Kids Yoga teachers, and continues to teach weekly classes. Nicole approaches each class as an opportunity for shared growth, not just for children and families, but for herself as well. Children remain her greatest source of inspiration, continually guiding her with their insightfulness, creativity, and ability to live fully in the moment.
Nicole has been facilitating Kids Yoga Teacher Trainings since 2011. She brings the same enthusiasm, knowledge, expertise, and laughter to these trainings as she does to the classes she teaches. Here’s what people have to say about Teacher Training with Nicole:
“Kids yoga teacher training was truly an eye and heart opening experience! I left with a clear vision for how to teach yoga to youth, countless ideas for classes, and a profound sense of well being. Nicole is a fantastic leader — she is fun, compassionate, a patient listener and a great facilitator.” - Annie L., Teacher Training Graduate
“I graduated from Kids Yoga Teacher Training with Nicole. The moment I began learning from her, I knew that there was something special about her style of teaching and training. I consider Nicole to be my most valuable mentor and have learned how to effectively create and execute Kids Yoga programs in schools and yoga studios from her. I continue to be impressed by Nicole’s ability to fully listen and be present with whomever she is with. This skill is so important when teaching others and it truly shows!” - Charlotte L., Teacher Training Graduate