About Us
Priya Gopalakrishnan
Founder, Yoga Teacher
Priya is a certified yoga teacher and a mother of two. Her experience raising a son with autism shapes the patience, flexibility, and understanding she brings to every class.
She teaches neurodiverse children through individual yoga sessions. Also, leads weekly group yoga in a high school special day classroom.
She takes time to understand each child’s interests, communication style, and comfort with movement, adapting her guidance so they can participate at their own pace.
Training and Qualifications
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification (YTT-200) — Vinayasa Yogashala, Rishikesh, India.
Yoga for Special Needs and Vulnerable Communities — Praful Oorja, Bengaluru, India. Specialized training in adapting yoga for different needs and abilities.
Kids Yoga Teacher Training (100 hours) — Yogamu, Rishikesh, India.
Brain and Sensory Foundations, First Level — Washington State, USA.
— Training in rhythmic movement and primitive reflex integration.
Priya draws on her Brain and Sensory Foundations training to blend gentle rhythmic movements with adapted yoga poses, bringing a reflex-informed approach to her classes.
Ongoing Training
Priya is currently undertaking further training through Yogamu in:
Trauma-Informed Yoga
Women’s Health and Yoga
Our Story
Happy Yoga began with Priya’s experience parenting her neurodivergent son. Seeking a balance between academics and emotional well-being, she began exploring yoga, breathing, and mindfulness with her younger son.
Over time, she noticed moments of greater independence and an increased ability to settle and regulate. These experiences encouraged her to explore yoga further and seek a private teacher for him.
When she encountered hesitation from other yoga teachers about accommodating her son’s needs, her older son suggested that she create yoga classes specifically for children with special needs.
That suggestion became Happy Yoga, established in May 2022. Inspired by her own family’s experience, Priya created a welcoming space where children could explore yoga with guidance that respects their individual needs, strengths, and pace.
Join Us Today...!
Early yoga practice with breathing and relaxation techniques positively impacts children’s body and brain development.