Pretzel Kids Yoga Teacher Feature: Meet Dejah Morales
By Robyn Parets and Risheek Priyadarshi, Pretzel Kids content writers
Say hello to Pretzel Kids teacher Dejah Morales!
Yoga has been part of Dejah’s life for almost 7 years, and practicing yoga has helped her grow more robust, flexible, and in tune – both on and off the mat.
“Yoga inspires me to live with intention,” says Dejah.
Dejah completed her 200-hour vinyasa flow training at a Boston yoga studio and her children’s yoga certification with Pretzel Kids Yoga.
“I will always be a student of the practice, and I am grateful to pass the teachings to others,” she says.
“In my classes, I love combining slow poses with a nice burn. In my younger groups, I aim for a spirit of playfulness and a dose of inspiration. I seek to help others live in their bodies and be aware of the mind, body, and soul connection. I want to bring that level of awareness on and off the mat.”
Want to learn more about Dejah and her yoga journey? Read on to learn more!
Pretzel Kids: Hi there, Dejah! It is wonderful to get the opportunity to learn more about you. Let’s start with an easy question. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? A little birdie told me you are a student as well as a teacher. Can you explain?
Dejah: I am a student! I am currently enrolled in a grad school program. I’m also a yoga teacher and have been teaching for about one year now. But, I’ve been practicing yoga for almost 7 years.
Pretzel Kids: Can you tell us more about how you got into yoga to begin with?
Dejah: My yoga journey started when I was a sophomore in college. There was a free class on campus and I would attend weekly. I found myself wanting to continue to practice when I returned home but was unable to afford a membership. I continued to practice yoga using YouTube videos, and weekly free memberships at different studios. Later down the line, I became a work-study at a studio, and I was paid with yoga classes. That was where my practice really pivoted. It opened the door for me to get my yoga certification!
How Do You Hope to Make a Positive Impact with Pretzel Kids Yoga Classes?
Pretzel Kids: Where do you live now and where do you hope to make an impact teaching Pretzel Kids yoga classes?
Dejah: I live in Revere (a beach city just Northeast of Boston) and I am hoping to teach in more schools in the East Boston area. Pretzel Kids is already having a positive impact in schools. But spending more time teaching in schools is my intention.
Pretzel Kids: What is your favorite thing or two about teaching yoga to children?
Dejah: Being able to share the teachings of yoga to kids and know that they have this chance to connect with their bodies and learn about the breath.
Pretzel Kids: We love this! What do you feel are the most beneficial aspects of the Pretzel Kids licensing and membership program? How is this helping you teach yoga to kids?
Dejah: I love the supportive community that Robyn has created. She is truly supporting the teachers, and in doing so, kids really enjoy practicing yoga and living in the flow.
Pretzel Kids: Along these same lines: Do you feel that being part of Pretzel Kids gives you more visibility and helps you fill classes that you couldn’t do on your own? How so?
Dejah: I would say so! Robyn has helped me get most of the teaching opportunities I have had.
(Editor’s note: Dejah teaches Pretzel Kids yoga classes at several schools around the Boston area, and she has co-taught the summer Pretzel Kids event at the Boston Common Frog Pond as part of The Highland Street Foundation’s TADpole 10 event/summer series).
Pretzel Kids: Would you recommend the program to friends, moms, childcare providers and yoga teachers?
Dejah: Yes! I would recommend it to anybody that is interested in teaching yoga to youth!
Pretzel Kids: That’s fantastic! Now, let’s change gears and have some fun….Can you tell us one fun fact about yourself?
Dejah: Last year I climbed Mount Princeton in Colorado!
(Editors fun fact: according to AllTrails: Proceed cautiously on this 7.0-mile out-and-back trail near Nathrop, Colorado. Generally considered a highly challenging route, it should only be attempted by experienced adventurers. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.)
Pretzel Kids: We love that you like to hike, and this trail looks quite challenging! Changing direction a bit: Is there anything else you like to do in your spare time?
Dejah: I have started knitting and using that as a mental break in-between reading.
What’s Your Favorite Kids Yoga Pose?
Pretzel Kids: This is awesome! Now, for a bit of a speed round: What’s your favorite Pretzel Kids yoga pose?
Dejah: Horse pose!
Pretzel Kids: What’s your favorite Pretzel Kids yoga game?
Dejah: Salty Says (a variation of Simon Says).
Pretzel Kids: What’s your favorite Pretzel Kids lesson plan theme?
Dejah: A day at the beach.
Pretzel Kids: What’s your favorite food?
Dejah: French fries!
Thank you so much Dejah for talking to us. We are so excited to help you grow your kids yoga business with Pretzel Kids!
Editor’s Note: Dejah’s story is the reason why we do what we do! If you want to share your passion for healthy living and children’s well-being, this is your sign! We can’t wait for you to join the Pretzel Kids yoga family!
