Today we’d like to introduce you to Rasheedah Villarreal.
Hi Rasheedah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a former high school counselor, and my journey into Social Emotional Yoga began with my students. During the school year, students receiving mental health services at my school were offered the opportunity to participate in weekly yoga sessions. At first, many were hesitant, but once they gave it a try, they shared how much they enjoyed the class and how it helped ease their anxiety and depression.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed a significant rise in anxiety and depression among my students, and I wanted to do more to support their emotional well-being. That’s when I decided to deepen my knowledge by earning my 200-hour yoga certification and a Social Emotional Learning Facilitator Certification through Breathe for Change—a yoga school designed for educators.
When I transitioned to working at a middle school, I began teaching yoga to my students regularly, and they absolutely loved it. Their positive response inspired me to ask the after-school program if I could offer sessions there as well. They agreed, and by the following semester, the coordinator invited me to teach at additional sites as a contracted instructor—and the rest was history.
From there, I decided to officially launch my business, Social Emotional Yoga with Mrs. V, while completing my licensure hours to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. My work now combines my passions for mental health, education, and yoga—helping children and youth build emotional awareness, resilience, and self-regulation through mindful movement and connection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
laughs Not at all—but it’s been a beautiful journey!
Today, we’re proud to have Social Emotional Yoga in 24 locations on a regular basis. We’re often invited to do pop-up sessions in schools and throughout the community, and we recently secured our first corporate client, which has been exciting.
That said, one of our biggest challenges has been the reduction in funding for schools and nonprofits. Most of our partnerships are with these organizations, and when budget cuts happen, even though they love, need, and truly value our services, we’re often the first to be cut. In fact, just one month into this school year, we’ve already lost two partnerships due to funding issues.
Another ongoing challenge has been helping youth-based programs understand that yoga is so much more than poses—it’s about supporting the overall wellbeing of students. Once people see the impact firsthand—the calmer classrooms, the improved emotional regulation, and the happier kids—it starts to click. Those moments make every challenge worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Social Emotional Yoga with Mrs. V is the only Social Emotional Yoga business in the Greater Kansas City area that serves all ages—from babies to retirement age. Our curriculum is built around the CASEL Social Emotional Learning Framework, so every session feels like a school counseling lesson infused with mindfulness and yoga. It’s truly the perfect combination—fun, engaging, educational, and deeply relaxing.
Through our youth programs, children learn how to regulate their emotions, practice mindfulness, and build healthy, positive relationships. But our work doesn’t stop there—we also provide sessions for adults. We’re proud to currently partner with two senior programs, and we hope to continue expanding in that area.
What sets us apart is our focus on the whole person. We don’t just teach yoga poses; we teach emotional awareness, connection, and lifelong wellness skills that participants can carry into their daily lives.
In addition to leading Social Emotional Yoga, I also work in mental health as a Licensed Qualified Mental Health Professional for a local community mental health agency. I assess children, adolescents, and adults experiencing crises and support the 988 Crisis Initiative as a mobile responder. That work continues to shape my approach—it reminds me every day of the importance of accessible, preventative wellness practices like yoga and mindfulness.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes! We’re excited to share that Social Emotional Yoga with Mrs. V recently won two pitch competitions—the Prospect Business Association Pitch Competition and the Square One Small Business Pitch Competition with the Mid-Continent Public Library. These wins have been such a wonderful affirmation of the impact our work is making in the community.
We’re always looking to build new partnerships and collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and organizations that care about wellness and emotional growth. We also love doing pop-up sessions at community events, schools, and workplaces—anywhere we can help people connect, breathe, and feel their best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mrsvyoga.com
- Instagram: mrsvyoga
- Facebook: Social Emotional Yoga with Mrs V
