Meet Laura (Atmadarshan)
Laura Atmadarshan Santoro is a yoga instructor, yoga therapist and the author of The Song of Your Soul books on yoga philosophy. She originally came to yoga for stress relief, but when she noticed unexpected benefits - her allergies decreased and she no longer needed eyeglasses - she changed her career to share yoga with others.
Since she started teaching in 2001, Atmadarshan has become a sought-after international instructor. Her unique background in biological psychiatry, respiratory therapy, radio, martial arts and storytelling help her convey ancient concepts in a down-to-earth, humorous manner that engages modern Westerners. She currently leads group classes, private sessions, workshops, retreats, teacher trainings and book events. Her greatest joy is helping students tap into and trust their own inner wisdom.
More about “Atmadarshan”
Try a meditation practice with Laura Atmadarshan Santoro
Atmadarshan means "vision of the true self." She received that name at a yoga ashram in India. She has studied abroad extensively at yoga ashrams in Australia and India. Some of her professional qualifications include:
presenter at International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)’s 2024 Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
registration with Yoga Alliance at their highest level, E-RYT 500 (Experienced Yoga Teacher with at least 500 hours of training and 2000 hours of teaching)
Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) (an instructor qualified to teach other instructors)
Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) with International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University
worked in the Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry and the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units as part of the Respiratory Therapy Department at University Hospitals of Cleveland
second author of a paper on using biological markers to predict medication response in patients with chronic schizophrenia
university diploma in yoga instruction
senior instructor for Yoga Academy of North America (YANA), providing Yogic Studies, Teacher Training and Certification courses, through 2017
produced and hosted The Sound of Yoga radio show for WRUW 91.1 FM
black belt in the martial art of Aikido and wrote an internationally published book, Aikido for Kids
Contact Laura Atmadarshan Santoro
Please note that the yoga therapy components of my instruction or practice are based on my educational degrees, training background and certification through the International Association of Yoga Therapy, not derived from my status as an RYT® with Yoga Alliance Registry.