Our practice blends healing Taoist methods, flow yoga, focused breath work with strength & mobility training into clear, effective dynamic practices.

My Teaching Approach

I meet you exactly where you are and we build from there. Using accessible movement, mindful practices, and inner development tools, I help you improve daily functioning, mobility, strength, stress management, and emotional balance — while increasing your overall vitality and performance.

My approach is clear, simple, and direct — focused on delivering real improvements in well-being. I draw from ancient practices that still offer powerful benefits today, and I’ve also created simple methods that easily fit into our busy, modern lives.

Training & Lineage

I am a certified Universal Healing Tao Associate Instructor under Grand Master Mantak Chia, studying directly with Senior Instructor Walter Kellenberger. I also train as a disciple in the Thundering Dragon Dharmapala Lineage with Grand Master Rakta Yamaraja and Grand Master Padmakila Rajini. I completed a 200-hour Unified Yoga Teacher Training at Peak Beings with Troy McPeak and studied Vinyasa yoga with Michelle Gigante at Shakti Yoga in Buffalo. My path began in 2004 with Spiritwind Internal Arts under Sifu Chik Mason in Dao Yin Lung Shen, Tai Chi, and Baugau.

My Passion

I have a deep commitment to working with people who have disabilities, mental illness, trauma, medical needs, or limited mobility. Working with this population led me to simplify the practices into the most effective forms that can be done in a short amount of time. This resulted in simple tools that are highly beneficial and easy to practice independently away from the mat. Many of my students arrive very stagnant, highly medicated, or dealing with diseases, illnesses, injuries, addictions, and chronic mental illness. These practices consistently deliver measurable improvements in coping skills, daily functioning, and overall well-being.

I have worked as a yoga instructor contractor in the Buffalo Psychiatric Center since 2015 with individuals receiving mental health services in the hospital, at the residents and those transitioning to independent living.

Credentials & Community Partnerships

I hold TRUST Trauma-Responsive certification (NYS Office of Mental Health) and served on the ACCES-VR Workforce Development Committee. Partnerships with People’s Inc.,  Autism Services & Child & Family Services support inclusive programming. Leading classes in psychiatric and marginalized settings prove these simple tools consistently offer measurable benefits to the participants. This has led me to develop simple tools that are effective, highly beneficial & easy to practice away from the mat.

 
Before dedicating myself full-time to wellness and teaching, I spent years in creative entertainment facilitating the growth of Buffalo's rich cultural and arts scene as well as the artists, musicians and performers.
I owned and operated Filigrees Gallery & Boutique on Elmwood Avenue for 9 years, curating artists, musicians and performers while hosting workshops, concerts, and community events. 
I also assisted in organizing local festivals such as The Cherry Blossom Festival & the Elmwood Festival for the Arts.  I served as the ‘PR Guru’ for the Buffalo Infringement Festival bringing needed attention to the 11 day festival featuring theater groups, performers, street activism, political theater, musicians, radical performance, visual artists, films, marginalized arts, spoken-word & open creativity.

The Hula Hoop Lady

The Before Times

I created Ultra Hoops, a fun and energetic hula hoop fitness and flow arts program, I taught thousands of people hula hoop fitness and creative movement at festivals, special events, private parties, group fitness classes, corporate wellness sessions, company picnics, birthdays, and bachelorette parties.

I also organized the annual Hoopathon in partnership with the Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo and regularly set up at community events including Buffalo Pride, Live at Larkin, and the Elmwood Festival of the Arts.

This creative era, drawn from my duel degree in psychology & fine art, built my ability to connect with people and create supportive, joyful spaces. I still draw from these foundations in my wellness work today.

May you have an abundance of that which you consider to be of great value.

—Melissa Campbell