YogaX Science Meets Soul
Who we are
YogaX champions therapeutic yoga through the fusion of ancient wisdoms with scientific principles. Through YogaX at Stanford Psychiatry, our passion fuels a mission: to inspire, support, and implement science-driven, holistic yoga education, training, and services, dedicated to nurturing the wellbeing of individuals and entire communities.
Our team stands on the shoulders of Dr. Laura Roberts, the esteemed Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. Her invaluable support and vision have been pivotal in establishing the bedrock of YogaX. Dr. Roberts' contribution has been instrumental, laying the groundwork for this groundbreaking initiative and exemplifying our shared commitment to advancing wellbeing of individuals and communities.
“Our vision of yoga is one of inclusiveness, access, diversity, health, wellbeing, and resilience for all. Ours is a yoga of integration that honors the mind as much as the body, the breath as much as the calming of the nervous system, stillness as much as movement, and effort as much as ease.”
-Dr. Christiane Brems, PhD, ABPP, ERTY500, C-IAYT - YogaX Director
Connect with YogaX Professionals
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Christiane Brems (She/Her)
PhD, ABPP, E-RYT500, C-IAYT
Clinical Professor, YogaX Founding Director
Dr. Brems integrates yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and imagery in her work as a psychologist, teacher, researcher, mentor, supervisor, consultant, author, administrator, and service provider. As an integrated holistic yoga teacher and therapist, Dr. Brems incorporates all eight limbs of yoga in her practice, teachings, and therapeutics. She honors trauma-sensitive teaching practices and cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and humility. She encourages individual tailoring of yoga to contexts and needs of each practitioner, offering variations and adaptations that make yoga accessible to all.
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Geno Carvalho (He/Him)
MPH, E-RYT500, CPT, FNTP, HWC
Geno is an experienced health educator working in clinical settings integrating yoga services with exercise and nutrition protocols for disease prevention, injury rehabilitation, and pain management. He is a community health educator working to address health equity through coalition building and policy innovation. This is aimed to increase access to integrative care and building capacity in communities to empower people to proactively embrace a healthy life informed by the collective experiences of the community.
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Abri Munoz (She/Her)
M.S. Digital Marketing, RYT200
YogaX Marketing and Admin Coordinator
Abri holds a Master of Science in Mass Communications & Digital Marketing from San Jose State University, with a specialized focus on social media dynamics, content strategy, and cultivating brand resonance. Her professional journey encompasses diverse roles across several marketing agencies, where she honed her expertise in devising marketing strategies for prominent B2B enterprises. Amidst the pandemic's onset, Abri discovered a passion for yoga that has now steered her towards completion of a 200hour YTT certification through YogaX.
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Heather Freeman (She/Her)
PsyD, E-RYT500
Dr. Freeman has extensive yoga and clinical experience in college counseling, primary care, and community mental health. She has led yoga classes, workshops, and trainings in studios, community centers, community mental health settings, on college campuses, in a psychiatric hospital, and a prison. She synthesizes the ancient wisdom of yoga teachings with modern psychology and neuroscience to make the teachings accessible. Her styles aim to help individuals cultivate curiosity and accept what it is to be changing, growing, and evolving human beings.
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Alex Schmidt (She/Her)
PsyD, RYT200
YogaX Active Founding Member
Dr. Schmidt has a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Pediatric Psychology. Dr. Schmidt initially turned toward yoga in early adolescence from sport-related injuries. She has integrated yoga interventions into her practice in promoting the physical and mental health of adolescents, graduate students, and adult populations.
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Lauren Justice (She/Her)
PhD, E-RYT500
YogaX Active Founding Member
Dr. Justice is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Hood River, Oregon, where she offers individual and couples counseling along with therapeutic yoga classes. It is her joy to share with others the many ways through which yoga can foster community and a sense of contentment within ourselves. Dr. Justice has worked in a range of integrative and primary care clinics as a behavioral health specialist, counselor, clinical supervisor, and yoga instructor. Her passion is the integration of yoga and mindfulness to facilitate growth and inspire transformation.
