About Us

Our Mission

Community Connection Service

Higher Ground Recovery & Yoga’s mission is to create a vibrant yoga community where everyone can feel connected, grow in their yoga practice, and find liberation through the power of service.

Higher Ground Studio is dedicated to providing community space for individuals to embrace yoga as a tool for personal growth, empowerment, and connection. We believe in giving back, supporting one another, and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusivity that extends beyond the mat.

Our trauma-sensitive recovery yoga program mission supports personal and collective healing through yoga to individuals and communities that have been impacted by trauma and/or substance use disorder.

Meet the Team

  • Cheryl Spera

    Founder, Studio & Facility TSRY Recovery Instructor

  • Molly McCollum

    Social Media & Studio Manager, Studio Instructor

  • Nina Wong

    Program Coordinator, Facility TSRY Recovery Instructor

  • Kate Simmons-Souell

    Facility TSRY Instructor

  • Barney McGale

    Facility TSRY Instructor

  • Gemma Mears

    Facility TSRY Instructor

  • Danielle Neathery

    Facility TSRY Instructor

  • Tina Mathis

    Facility TSRY & Studio Instructor

  • Sarah Ilvento

    Facility TSRY & Studio Instructor

  • Blaire Cain

    Studio Instructor

  • Robyn Dooley

    Studio Instructor

  • Linda Greer

    Studio Instructor

  • Sema Larry

    Studio Instructor

  • Alexis Sennett

    Studio Instructor

  • Jen Malkoun

    Studio Instructor

Trauma-Informed

Higher Ground embraces the following SAMHSA’s six key principles of a trauma-informed approach in all we do (SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma, 2014):

  1. Safety:  Physical and psychological safety. 

  2. Trustworthiness and Transparency:  Honesty, respect, and transparency create a healthy foundation for the recovery process.

  3. Peer Support:  Establishes safety and hope, building trust, enhancing collaboration, serving as models of recovery and healing, and maximizing a sense of empowerment.

  4. Collaboration and Mutuality:  Healing happens in relationships and the meaningful sharing of power and decision-making. 

  5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice:  The experience of having a voice and choice is validated and new skills developed. 

  6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues:  The organization actively moves past cultural stereotypes and biases, offers gender-responsive services, leverages the healing value of traditional cultural connections, and recognizes and addresses historical trauma.

Blog & Newsletter

Welcome to our blog and newsletter, where we share inspiration, tips, and updates to support your yoga journey both on and off the mat.