The Humans Behind the Healing
Real humans. Shared purpose. Healing with intention.
Behind every breath, posture, and moment of stillness at Y4MH, there are humans holding space — with lived experience, trauma-informed training, and deep compassion.
We are yoga coaches, yes — but more than that, we are here to walk beside you. We are practitioners of presence, guides in the work of reconnection, and witnesses to the
strength it takes to show up for yourself.
This is the team that makes space sacred, accessible, and supportive.
Each of us brings a unique lens, but we are united by one mission:
To make healing possible through the powerful intersection of yoga and mental health.
sara cain da-costa
E-RYT500
For me, yoga has never been just about the body. It’s been a way to steady my mind, to soften in difficult moments, and to reconnect when life felt overwhelming.
I began practicing in 1998, not because I was seeking a new path, but because I needed one. Over the years, I’ve lived through both visible and invisible struggles — mental health challenges, a breast cancer diagnosis, and the long, quiet process of healing. Through it all, yoga and mindfulness weren’t a cure, but they were a lifeline. They helped me stay present in my own skin, at times when that felt nearly impossible.
My mother lived with severe mental illness. Her story shaped mine. I saw how little support existed, how stigma shaped everything, and how easily people can be left behind. That experience has stayed with me. It’s one of the reasons I now serve on the board of NAMI Charlotte and help facilitate support groups and mental health education programs in schools.
Yoga for Mental Health came from the space where all those parts of my life meet — my personal history, my professional training, and my belief that people deserve more than either clinical treatment or self-help advice. They deserve a space that honors their nervous system, their story, and their humanity.
This is deeply personal work for me. It always has been. And every time I teach, I carry with me not just what I’ve learned professionally — but what I’ve lived.
rachel glibbery
E-RYT500
I’m Rachel, a yoga teacher, personal trainer, and educator passionate about the intersection of movement, mindfulness, and mental health. My teaching journey began unexpectedly while working as a high school teacher when my school offered yoga classes to help faculty manage stress. At the time, I was a workaholic and long-time runner who rarely paused to stretch, rest, or recover. That first class was transformative. I left feeling like a new person, and from that day forward, yoga became an essential part of my life.
I have been teaching yoga since 2018 and have been fortunate to be able to share in a wide variety of settings, including studios, universities, corporate programs, and community events. In 2022, I began co-leading 200-hour yoga teacher training programs, sharing my passion for yoga education and personal growth.
My journey with mental health is deeply personal. I’ve lived with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I received a later-in-life diagnosis of ADHD that I truly began to understand myself with clarity and compassion. Yoga and mindfulness have been powerful tools in navigating these challenges, offering me a path to self-awareness, healing, and resilience.
Today, I am proud to align my work with organizations and community initiatives dedicated to mental health and well-being. I provide yoga and mindfulness programming to support individuals in clinical settings and collaborate with local schools to offer free yoga classes for educators, helping them manage stress and cultivate resilience through mindful movement.
Through my teaching, I aim to create an inclusive and supportive space where students can reconnect with themselves and find balance both on and off the mat. Whether it’s through movement, breath, or stillness, my goal is to meet each student where they are and guide them toward greater well-being. I can’t wait to connect and share this practice with you!
Five years ago, a pivotal moment in my life began with a medical diagnosis that compelled me to re-evaluate my lifestyle and priorities. Struggling with the accompanying waves of anxiety, I found myself seeking solace and balance in practices that nurtured both my mind and body. It was during this period of reflection and transformation that yoga entered my life—not just as a physical practice, but as a profound path of healing and self-discovery.
Initially drawn to yoga for its capacity to calm my anxious mind, I immersed myself in the art of breathwork, meditation, and slow, intentional movements. These practices became my sanctuary, a way to reconnect with my inner resilience and cultivate a sense of peace amid uncertainty.
In 2024, I completed yoga teaching and certification that deepened my understanding of the practice and reinforced my commitment to share its benefits with others. This accomplishment marked the next chapter of my journey: sharing the transformative gifts of yoga with others. My focus has been on teaching classes, where I aim to create a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their own paths to healing. Whether guiding students through gentle slow flow movements, introducing meditative techniques, or emphasizing the power of mindful breathing, my goal is to offer tools that empower others to find balance and clarity in their lives.
grace slaton
My teaching is deeply informed by my ongoing commitment to learning. I continue to participate in advanced trainings that expand my understanding of the interplay between body, mind, and spirit. Each session I lead is shaped by this evolving knowledge, as well as by my belief that yoga is for everyone —
regardless of where they are in their journey.
Today, I am honored to guide others through practices that have profoundly shaped my own life. I believe in yoga’s ability to foster connection, reduce anxiety, and inspire meaningful change, and I am passionate about helping others discover these possibilities for themselves. Together, through breath, movement, and mindfulness, we can create a space where growth and healing flourish.