Amarisa Marie MS, RYT, SEP
My Approach
As an ICF certified Process-Oriented life and executive coach, certified Intuitive Eating counselor, Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, and registered yoga teacher I provide space for deep inquiry, curiosity, and imagination. The foundation of my work is based on the tools of presence, observation, active listening, and reflection to evoke awareness or insight. We work together to build a relationship with what’s here, with what is experienced inside, as the path of development. We cultivate an understanding of self and aspirations beyond the limited mind. The process can be a reorientation in how we approach change in ourselves.
This work is deeply influenced by my personal healing, a life long practice of yoga, and lived experience. I am a perpetual student. I excel in identifying signals and patterns that might open deeper inquiry, and I can easily synthesize what is shared by clients as they explore a topic. The breadth and depth of my background and studies continue to inform my work with groups and individuals. I work online and in person.
About Amarisa
I absolutely love the work that I do. It is crazy to think that it took a brain injury to bring me to this path of healing trauma. I am humbled by the unexpected circuitous journey from marine conservation biologist, teacher, mentor, and community organizer to an embodied practitioner working with folks navigating the complexities of being human. I once restored small island sanctuaries, and now I support radical transformational journeys.
I become a coach to offer a healing space for folks navigating the challenges of life. I have been through a lot including years of terror after the accident. As someone currently on the journey of living with sensory processing impairments and engaging in ongoing professional training I am especially equipped to support trauma survivors and neuroexpansive individuals.
In my professional life I have worked with a wide range of people, cultures, and perspectives. I have worked in conflict resolution as well as collaborative care of youth, wildlife, and community. I am equipped to sit in discomfort or joy.
My commitment is to fostering an environment of mutual care to support reciprocal growth and collective resilience. I work with creatives, leaders, healers, change makers, teachers, and folks in the helping professions. My not so hidden agenda is individual and collective restoration, which I believe is a precursor for ecological protection and repair.
I grew up in Hawai‘i and feel a depth of gratitude for the cultural and ecological influences that are integral to who I am today. This along with my time with the people, lands, and waters of Southern Africa and Southern India shaped my values and way of moving in the world. I value humanity and nature, leadership and service, humility, integrity, kindness, reciprocity, stewardship, and a broad sense of family and community.
Currently based in Hawai’i and Santa Cruz, California, my practices and inspiration include daily yoga sadhana, paddling around kelp beds, art as reflection, community appreciation beach walks, and forest bathing.
I know what it is to muscle through challenge and to learn new ways of moving forward. I would not have survived brain injury and trauma without the brave people and animals who have been willing to accompany me on this journey.
We all need encouragement at some point in life. I am here to partner with you on your journey!
Credentials
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Bachelors of Arts in Biology - University of Hawai’i Hilo - 1999
Masters of Science in Fisheries - Oregon State University - 2003
Yoga Alliance 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification - Svastha Yoga - Chennai, India - 2006
Svastha Yoga Therapy Certificate (300 hours) 2014
Conservation Conflict Resolution Training (40 hours) - Human Wildlife Conflict Collaboration - Volcano, HI, 2011
Community-Based Social Marketing Workshop (22 hours) - Fostering Sustainable Behavior - Honolulu, HI, 2013
International Coaching Federation Certified Executive & Systems Coach (129 hours) - Global Coaching Institute - 2021
Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor 2023
Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner 2023
Somatic Experiencing® Assistant 2025
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ACTP Accredited Process Oriented Executive and Systems Coaching Program (Level 1-3, 129 hours) with Global Coaching Institute Director of Training Rho Sandberg MCC, 2021
PQ® Coaching Grant Program (24 CEs) with Shirzad Chamine, 2022
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Intuitive Eating PRO Skills Intensive (7.5 hours) with Evelyn Tribole MS, RD, 2023
Intuitive Eating Helm Publishing Continuing Education Self-Study Course (46 hours), 2023
Intuitive Eating Supervision (4.5 hours) with Evelyn Tribole MS, RD, 2023
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Somatic Experiencing® Training Program 2020-2023
Certification as a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner October 2023
Beginning I-III with Abi Blakeslee SEP, CMT, MFT, PhD
Intermediate I with Ariel Giarretto SEP, CMP, LMFT, MS
Intermediate II with Linda Stelte SEP, CCC, MEd
Intermediate III with Glyndie Nickerson SEP, MA
Advanced I with Dave Berger SEP, LCMHC, MA, MFT, PT, PhD
Advanced II with Dea Parsanishi SEP, CCC, MEd
Making Friends with Our Brain with Kathy Kain SEP, MA, PhD and Tony Richardson MD, 2022
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Svastha Yoga Trainings (in the lineage of Krishnamacharya)
Svastha Yoga Teacher Training (200 hours Yoga Alliance Certification). Chennai, India with Dr. Ganesh Mohan C-IAYT, Indra Mohan, and A.G. Mohan, 2006
Svastha Yoga Therapy Introduction (100 hours). Chennai, India with A.G. Mohan, Indra Mohan, and Dr. Ganesh Mohan C-IAYT, 2006
Svastha The Legacy and the Teachings of Sri. T. Krishnamacharya. Berkeley, CA (35 hours) with Indra Mohan and A.G. Mohan, 2013
Svastha Pleasant Pranayama and Effortless Asana. Berkeley, CA (35 hours) with Indra Mohan and A.G. Mohan, 2014
Svastha Yoga Therapy Program (in the lineage of Krishnamacharya)
Svastha Yoga Therapy Certificate (7 modules 300 hours) with Dr. Ganesh Mohan C-IAYT, 2014
Module 1 Musculoskeletal System- Low Back, Pelvis & Lower Limb. New York City, NY, 2011
Module 2 Musculoskeletal System- Cervical & Thoracic Spine, Upper Limb, Anatomy of Breath. New York City, NY, 2012
Module 3 Internal Medicine & Breath - Physiology and Sequencing of the Breath, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders. New York City, NY, 2012
Module 4 Internal Medicine & Breath - Pranayama, Yoga and Ayurveda, Neurological/Digestive/Immune Systems. Berkeley, CA, 2013
Module 5 Yoga Psychology & Psychiatry - Depression, Addictions. Berkeley, CA, 2013
Module 6 Yoga Psychology & Psychiatry - Anxiety, Stress. Berkeley, CA, 2014
Module 7 Integration and Systems View - Holistic Case Studies and Assorted Topics. Berkeley, CA 2014
Radiant Body Yoga Trainings (in the lineage of Yogi Bhajan and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait) with Kia Miller E-RYT
RBY Prana & Pranayama: Unveiling the Sacred Science of the Breath (60 hours). Mount Madonna Center, CA, 2019
RBY Meditation and the Mind: Awakening our Spiritual Heart (60 hours). Mount Madonna Center, CA 2019
RBY Awareness & Lifestyle: Cultivating Self Mastery (60 hours). Joshua Tree, CA, 2020
RBY Kriya, Flow & the Art of Teaching (60 hours), 2021
RBY Mantra & the Yoga of Sound (60 hours), 2023
Collective Resilience
Trauma Informed Yoga Fundamentals Modules 1 & 2 (40 hours) with Kyra Haglund LCSW, SEP, E-RYT and Hala Khouri MA, SEP, E-RYT, 2020
Tune Up Fitness
Breath & Bliss Immersion Teacher Training (18 hours) with Jill Miller C-IAYT, E-RYT, 2020
Interactive Mentorship Series (10 hours) with Jill Miller C-IAYT, E-RYT, 2020
Roll Model® Method Training (15 hours) with Nancy Bellantoni E-RYT, YACEP, 2022
Yoga Medicine®
Pranayama Teacher Training (18 hours) with Tiffany Cruikshank LAc, MAOM, E-RYT, C-IAYT, and Katja Bartsch BSc, ATSI, 2024
Lymphatics Yoga Teacher Training (14 hours) with Tiffany Cruikshank LAc, MAOM, E-RYT, C-IAYT, and Doreen Wiggins MD, 2024
Other Yoga Trainings in the Lineage of Himalayan Institute/ Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
Himalayan Institute Weekend Seminar: Yoga, Yoga Therapy, and Yoga Sadhana. Honesdale, PA with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, 2012
Himalayan Institute Weekend Seminar: Breath of Life: Yoga and the Five Prana Vayus. Honesdale, PA with Sandra Anderson, 2012
Open Space Weekend Workshop: Bhuta Shuddhi The Body as Yantra. Honolulu, HI with Mary Bastien and Chanti Tacoronte-Perez E-RYT, YACEP, MA, 2012
ParaYoga Master Training: Tantra Shakti The Power and Radiant Soul of Yoga (40 hours). Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with Rod Stryker E-RYT, YACEP, C-IAYT, 2013
Additional Yoga Trainings
OM Yoga Pranayama Teacher Training (20 hours). New York City, NY with Cyndi Lee E-RYT, YACEP and Joe Miller E-RYT, YACEP, C-IAYT, 2010
OM Yoga Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training (15 hours). New York City, NY with Bec Conant, 2010
Open Space Weekend Workshop- Discover Ayurveda: The Sister Science to Yoga (4 hours). Honolulu, HI with Mary Bastien, 2011
Art of Rest Restorative Yoga Teacher Training (20 hours): based on teachings of Judith Lasater. Honolulu, HI with Chanti Tacoronte-Perez E-RYT, YACEP, MA, 2013
Open Space Weekend Workshop: Foundations of Tantra Yoga. Honolulu, HI with Gary Kraftsow E-RYT, YACEP, C-IAYT, 2013
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DPT 730 Foundations of Depth Psychology for Healing Professions (2 units). Pacifica Graduate Institute with Christine Downing PhD, 2020
DPT 761 Jungian Psychology and Contemporary Healing I: Applied Theory and Practice (2 units). Pacifica Graduate Institute with Lionel Corbett MD, 2020
Dreams: Awakening Soul (9 hours). Yantra Wisdom Virtual Online Temple with Chanti Tacoronte-Perez E-RYT, YACEP, MA, 2020
In-Depth Astrology: Foundation Series (10 hours) with Harmony Raye MA, 2016
Astrology and your Shadow (16 hours) with Harmony Raye MA, 2020
IF YOU ARE FEELING CALLED
Reach Out
Interested in working together? We appreciate thoughtful questions and look forward to hearing from you! Your experience is meaningful and this emergent process can be vulnerable.
Thank you for being a brave beautiful soul.