OUR HISTORY
Warriors at Ease was established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2011. The organization was founded by Robin Carnes, Karen Soltes, Colonel (ret) Pat Lillis, and Molly Birkholm. These pioneering co-founders were involved in some of the first clinical studies funded by Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) involving the use of yoga and meditation as an adjunct therapy for combat-related health conditions. In response to the success of these early studies at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as well as VA Medical Centers in Washington D.C. and Miami, the founders developed a teacher training curriculum to meet the growing demand for specially-trained instructors who have the knowledge and skills to share yoga in a way that is safe, effective, and relevant for warriors and their families.
The multi-phased Warriors at Ease Teacher Training is designed to empower certified yoga and meditation teachers with the principles and practices necessary to support the health and healing of service members, veterans and families. Warriors at Ease has trained a world-wide network of teachers who share evidenced-based, trauma-sensitive yoga, meditation, and breathing practices with warriors and their families in clinical and non-clinical settings.
In addition to training teachers, Warriors at Ease offers direct services to active duty members, veterans and their families. Our programs are focused in three areas:
- Retreats for Service Members, Veterans, Family Members and Gold Star Families
- Programs for Veteran Students in Collaboration with Veteran-Friendly Colleges and Universities
- Yoga/Meditation Classes on Military Installations, in VA Facilities, and in Community-Based Settings
Though Warriors at Ease programs have expanded and evolved over the years, our teacher training curriculum and various outreach involve practices and principles that are grounded in an approach that is:
- Trauma-Sensitive
- Evidence-Based
- Informed by the Unique Aspects of Military Culture
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to increase awareness about the power of yoga and meditation and educate a network of professionals qualified to share evidenced-based practices through programs that support the health and healing of service members, veterans and their families.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to integrate yoga and meditation into military and civilian settings to support the health, resiliency, post-traumatic growth, and connection of service members, veterans and their families.
OUR VALUES
Our 8 core values define our approach to this important work.
We respect the diverse perspectives, inherent gifts, and unique talents of the people in our organization as well as those we serve.
Your tax deductible donation to Warriors at Ease brings health and healing to members of the military and veteran communities.
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