About
Meet Your Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapist, Devon DeLeonardo
Devon DeLeonardo
MS, 200 YTT, RCYT
With a background in education and advanced training in trauma-informed yoga and somatic practices, I bring a unique perspective to supporting children and families. My experience working in schools and with diverse learners has shaped my understanding of how stress, anxiety, and sensory challenges impact behavior, learning, and overall well-being.
Through yoga, yoga therapy and nervous system support, I help individuals develop practical tools for self-regulation, focus, and emotional balance in a way that feels safe, accessible, and empowering.
My Approach to Nervous System Support
My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, which means I prioritize safety, choice, and connection in every session. I understand that behavior is often a reflection of the nervous system, and use body-based practices like yoga, breathwork, and mindful movement to support regulation and healing.
This approach is especially effective for children and teens experiencing anxiety, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, or emotional overwhelm.
Who I Work With
I provide yoga therapy in Sykesville, MD for:
Children, including those with autism and sensory needs
Teens experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges
Parents and caregivers
Educators and school communities
Adults seeking nervous system support
Why This Work Matters
I believe that every individual deserves to feel safe in their body. By supporting the nervous system through gentle, consistent practices, we help create lasting changes in emotional regulation, confidence, and overall well-being.
Shining Light was created with a passion for helping children develop the tools they need to navigate their inner world with confidence.
Through years of working with kids, families, and schools, I saw a growing need for support that goes beyond talking—and instead helps children connect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and build lifelong coping skills.
As a trauma-informed children’s yoga teacher and somatic healer, as well as a former middle school educator and behavior coach, I use movement, breathwork, and mindfulness practices to support the whole child—body and mind.
My work is rooted in a trauma-informed, nervous system-based approach.
This means I focus on helping children:
Feel safe in their bodies
Understand and manage their emotions
Build awareness of how their body responds to stress
Develop tools they can use in everyday life
Rather than asking children to simply “calm down” or “sit still,” they learn practical, body-based strategies that actually work.
I support children and teens who may be experiencing:
Anxiety or excessive worry
Difficulty focusing or sitting still (ADHD)
Emotional outbursts or shutdown
Sensory sensitivities
Stress related to school or social situations
I also partner with parents and educators to create supportive environments where children can thrive.
Why work with Devon?
Devon brings extensive expertise in designing and delivering professional learning, coaching educators, and fostering inclusive environments. Her work has made a measurable impact on the hundreds of students, teachers, and school leaders she collaborates with—contributing to higher teacher retention rates and improved student outcomes.
Explore her background to learn more about her work!
Certifications and Experience:
Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher
Children’s Yoga Certification
Advanced Somatic Practices Training
Master’s Degree in Biology
Educational Leadership Certification
Experience as an educator, adjunct instructor, behavior coach, and elected member of Board of Education
Check out Devon’s publications on Action Research in ASCD and Thinking Deeply and Differently.
Reach out to learn more or book a session!
If you’re looking for trauma-informed yoga and yoga therapy in Sykesville, Maryland, we’re here to support you.