The Healer’s Path | Shalanda’s Yoga Teacher Training Journey
When you meet Shalanda Smith, one of the first things you notice is her calm energy. You know those people. You pause in their presence. As a nurse by trade, she’s built a life around supporting people in moments of need. But when she stepped into Sol Academy’s Yoga Teacher Training, she found new ways to extend that same care—through breath, movement, and that magical presence.
Why She Chose Yoga Teacher Training
“For me, it’s always been about caring for people,” Shalanda shared. “Nursing is my profession, but I wanted to keep exploring other ways of helping people heal. That’s what led me to yoga—and specifically to Sol.”
What drew her here? The guidance of Erin Short, ERYT-500, one of Sol’s lead instructors. “Erin was the teacher I’d connected with most in my yoga journey. When I learned she was leading this program, it felt like the right path.”
The Power of Community
Like many students, Shalanda came for the curriculum but stayed for the community. “Every Saturday and Sunday we came together—not just to learn but to grow. The camaraderie we built is something I’ll never forget. We stretched each other, supported each other, and celebrated each other’s wins.”
She recalled one milestone moment: “We were holding a squat, and I was convinced I couldn’t do it for a full minute. But with the group cheering me on, I pushed past what I thought was my limit. And I did it.”
Why In-Person Training Matters
Shalanda doesn’t shy away from encouraging others to choose an in-person yoga teacher training. “You see all these programs online—six weeks, ten weeks, twelve weeks—but there’s no comparison to being in the room, side by side, with others. The learning is deeper. The friendships are real. The experience is unforgettable.”
Dreams for the Future
Looking ahead, Shalanda hopes to bring yoga into nature. “I want to teach classes outdoors—mats in the grass, by a creek, listening to the birds as we flow. Eventually, my dream is to create a retreat space in Alabama. A place where people can rest, reconnect, and find peace.”
Shalanda’s “Magic Sauce”
When asked what unique gift she brings as a teacher, Shalanda didn’t hesitate: “Listening. Caring. Being a comforter. I think my magic sauce is helping people feel at peace.”
Gratitude at the Heart
At the close of her training, Shalanda simply said she felt grateful—for her teachers, her peers, and the chance to grow into a new way of serving others.
Ready to Begin Your Own Journey?
If you’ve been searching for Yoga Teacher Training in Lexington, KY, Sol Academy is the place to grow. Our 200-Hour, Yoga Alliance–certified program blends yoga, fitness, and career readiness in a supportive, small-group environment—right here in your community.
Like Shalanda, you’ll find more than a certification. You’ll discover confidence, connection, and the tools to share yoga with others.
✨ Next Training Starts: October 18
✨ Scholarship Deadline: September 12
👉 Learn more and apply today: https://www.solacademylex.com/
