Updated 10/5/24
Spouses of active duty military personal may now qualify for $2000 to pursue their yoga teacher training. Check out the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) of the Department of Defense. Overall, it is an educational financing program for spouses of active duty service members and active guard and reserve members. It is an effective option for funding for military spouses for a broad range of activities including Yoga Teacher Training
Soma Yoga Institute offers both residential intensives in Hawaii and Costa Rica. Their programs focus on Therapeutic Yoga and Alignment Based Vinyasa Flow. All of their programs are registered through Yoga Alliance.
About the program
Participants receive 200 hours of instruction and practice. The asana (yoga pose) focus is on alignment-based flow. Additionally, It includes a variety of sequencing for various levels of potential students. Participants are also exposed to frameworks, concepts and methodologies. These inspire each trainee to adapt the practices, awaken their creative energy and find their own genuine voice as a teacher. Graduates of this program are confident to teach a variety of yoga class types. This includes: all levels flow, new students, golden age, gentle, and restorative. While funding for military spouses may be necessary to complete the program at times, this program offers an additional flexible career path.
Soma Yoga Institute founder, Liz Heffernan, says, “This opportunity is really significant. Our programs aim to inspire our graduates to bring the healing practices of yoga out to diverse populations. As well as to touch the lives of individuals. We aspire to do so regardless of their fitness level, cultural orientation, age, health or circumstance. The health benefits of yoga are tremendous and the MYCAA funding for military spouses will enable many, many people to be positively effected.
Liz Heffernan, is a Integrative Yoga Therapist and an E-RYT 500. She is the founder and a beloved instructor at Soma Yoga Institute. With over 20 years experience in yoga, she holds variety of certifications in various styles of yoga. She has successfully created a business as a yoga instructor that is flexible and mobile.
A recent graduate of the Hawaii intensive program shared about her experience:
This was a very transformative course for me. Not only do I have more confidence in myself but also I have the strength and the courage to set healthier boundaries in my personal life. I also feel I have come to a great space in my being to go out and teach others from a space of love, respect, nonjudgmental and lightness.
–Eryn Copeland, Maui, Hawaii
My CAA Funding for Military Spouses
MyCAA is part of the Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program. It offers comprehensive counseling, information, tools and resources to support military spouse career exploration, education and training, employment readiness and career connections. This includes funding for military spouses to engage in training which fits their lifestyle. Yoga teachers have a great deal of flexibility within geography and scheduling which is beneficial for spouses of active military.
In terms of Yoga Teacher Training qualifying with MyCAA for funding for military spouses, there are a number of benefits. There are a number of reasons Yoga Teacher Training is a good fit for Military Families. Firstly, the certification provides valuable skills that benefit the spouse’s family. These include breath work and meditation, which are tools to create vibrant health. Also, participants become versed in the physical practice teaches balance and clarity. Simultaneously, the wisdom of yoga and its philosophy provides insights into how to live with greater ease. Lastly, YTT is effective in strengthening communication through the assignments and raising confidence
The entry level program to become a yoga teacher includes 200 hours of instruction. Complete it online at your own pace or through a three week immersion program in retreat settings such as Hawaii or Costa Rica.
For more information on applying for the grant, please visit: www.somayogainstitute.com
