About

Meet Devon Rothschild DeLeonardo

Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapist, Educator, and Founder of Shining Light

With experience spanning science education, educational leadership, school governance, neuroscience-informed teaching practices, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic healing, Devon brings a uniquely integrative perspective to supporting children, families, educators, and school communities.

Devon Rothschild DeLeonardo

MS, 200 YTT, RCYT, TCYM

Partner with Devon today!

At Shining Light, I believe healing begins with safety, connection, and understanding.

As a trauma-informed yoga therapist and educator, I support children, teens, families, educators, and schools in developing practical tools for emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, and nervous system wellness.

My work combines yoga therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, somatic practices, nervous system education, and years of experience working directly with children and families. I am especially passionate about supporting children experiencing anxiety, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivities, school-related stress, and challenges with self-regulation.

Through compassionate, individualized support, I help clients build greater confidence, connection, and ease within themselves and their environments.


Why I Created Shining Light

My path to yoga therapy began through my work in education and my desire to better understand how stress, trauma, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation impact learning, behavior, relationships, and overall well-being.

Over time, I witnessed how many children and families needed support that extended beyond traditional academic or behavioral approaches. I became deeply interested in body-based practices that help individuals understand their nervous systems, develop self-awareness, and access a greater sense of regulation and safety.

Shining Light was created to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support that helps children, families, and educators navigate challenges while building resilience, confidence, and connection.

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Education, Training, and Specialized Experience

Devon has completed advanced training in:

  • Trauma-Informed Yoga

  • Yoga Therapy

  • Children’s Yoga

  • Mindfulness Practices

  • Nervous System Regulation

  • Social-Emotional Learning

  • Breathwork and Meditation

  • Somatic and Body-Based Wellness Practices

She also brings extensive experience working within educational settings and supporting children with diverse emotional, behavioral, sensory, and learning needs.

Education & Professional Background

  • Master of Science in Biology, Frostburg State University

  • Certification in Educational Leadership, McDaniel College

  • Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Licensure in Middle School Science Education, Secondary Science Education and School Administration

  • Trained in Mind Brain Education through the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning

  • Former Member, Carroll County Board of Education

Yoga & Wellness Training

  • Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)

  • Registered Children's Yoga Teacher (RCYT)

  • Certified in the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method (TCYM)

  • Advanced Training in Somatic Healing and Nervous System Regulation

  • Currently completing an International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)-accredited Yoga Therapy Certification Program (anticipated completion September 2027)

Areas of Specialized Focus

Devon's work integrates education, neuroscience, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, yoga, and somatic practices to support emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, and well-being in children, families, educators, and school communities. Check out Devon’s publications on Action Research in ASCD and Thinking Deeply and Differently.

What makes Devon's approach unique is her ability to bridge the worlds of education, neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and yoga, helping children and adults develop practical skills for emotional regulation, resilience, and nervous system wellness.

  • Shining Light provides trauma-informed yoga therapy and wellness services for:

    • Children experiencing anxiety

    • Children with ADHD

    • Children with autism and sensory differences

    • Teens navigating stress and emotional overwhelm

    • Families seeking nervous system regulation tools

    • Educators experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue

    • Schools implementing wellness and emotional regulation programming

    Services are individualized and adapted to each client's developmental needs, goals, and strengths.

  • I view behavior, emotions, and stress responses through a nervous system lens.

    Rather than asking, “What is wrong with this person?” I ask, “What is this person experiencing, and what support do they need?”

    My approach is gentle, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Together, we explore practices that help clients build awareness of their internal experiences while developing practical tools for emotional regulation, self-compassion, confidence, and resilience.

    Yoga therapy sessions may include:

    • Gentle movement

    • Breathwork

    • Mindfulness

    • Grounding practices

    • Nervous system education

    • Relaxation techniques

    • Sensory regulation tools

    • Strength-based reflection

  • Shining Light proudly serves clients throughout:

    • Sykesville

    • Eldersburg

    • Westminster

    • Carroll County

    • Howard County

    • Baltimore County

    • Central Maryland

    Services include private yoga therapy sessions, school wellness programming, educator workshops, mindfulness classes, and community wellness offerings.

Let’s Connect

Whether you are seeking support for your child, family, classroom, or school community, I would be honored to connect with you.

Together, we can create a personalized approach that supports emotional well-being, nervous system regulation, resilience, and growth.

Schedule a free consultation