Our Story

Higher Ground Recovery & Yoga was founded by Cheryl Spera in 2021. Cheryl is a dedicated yoga practitioner and trauma-sensitive yoga instructor, as well as a woman in long-term recovery. Higher Ground reflects Cheryl’s commitment to offering inclusive and accessible yoga to the community as well as trauma-sensitive yoga programs for facilities as another tool for recovery to individuals recovering from SUD and trauma.  Cheryl was first introduced to trauma-sensitive yoga through training with Transformation Yoga Project and served as part of the Transformation Yoga Project team for over six years.  Previous to Higher Ground, Cheryl worked as a therapist at inpatient treatment centers and served on the leadership team at a local college. She currently teaches yoga, facilitates trainings, and volunteers in the recovery community. She holds a B.S. from Penn State and an M.S. from Neumann University. Cheryl was recognized by the Shevlin Foundation in 2023, receiving their special Hometown Hero award for her service work. She also received the Father Bill Spirituality Award from the Caron Foundation in 2024.

Higher Ground’s mission is to create a vibrant yoga community where everyone can feel connected, grow in their yoga practice, and find purpose through the power of yoga service. Dedicated to supporting people recovering from substance use (SUD) and mental health disorders through trauma-sensitive yoga, Higher Ground Recovery & Yoga provides trauma-sensitive yoga to treatment facilities, organizations, and communities. Our team of instructors is experienced with specialized training in trauma-sensitive yoga methodology and has a passion for guiding others through the healing practice of yoga. Higher Ground is in over seventeen SUD and behavioral health facilities, as well as community spaces, with a team of trauma informed, highly trained instructors.

In July 2023, Higher Ground opened a yoga studio located in Aston, PA. The studio serves as a home for community yoga, connection, and 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. The Studio was featured in the Delco Times and has provided over 75 free/donation yoga classes and training in 2024.

We believe that from a holistic perspective, recovery from SUD and trauma is about healing the whole person physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.  Research shows that trauma-sensitive yoga is a practice that complements 12-step recovery and supports the healing process.   Our team of instructors is either in long-term recovery from SUD or is recovering from the impact of a loved one’s SUD.  With that, we will leave you with the end of Chapter 11 in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, A Vision for You:

“We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny”.

With love and peace,

The Higher Ground Recovery & Yoga Team