Community Love: A Tribute to Those Who Support and Uplift Our Communities - Candice Baldwin, Yoga Therapist

I first met Candice in 2016 at Ajna Yoga Therapy College. From the very beginning, there was something remarkable about the way she approached teaching—deeply attuned, compassionate, and grounded. During her mentorship with me, we discovered a shared passion for trauma-informed practice, especially its potential to support neurodivergent folks in meaningful, affirming ways.

What stood out most was how naturally she wove together trauma informed principles and neurodivergent-affirming yoga; she embodied it. I encouraged her to pursue this emerging direction, offering support where I could, but the truth is that she inspired me just as much—sometimes more. What began as professional mentorship soon evolved into a friendship rooted in mutual trust, deep conversations, shared values and a love of Mexican food.

In 2020, Candice’s work received the recognition it deserved when she was invited to participate in Yoga Outreach’s 21-Day Challenge to speak about her neurodivergent-affirming approach. Watching her articulate this work so clearly and confidently was a moment of immense pride for me. It felt like witnessing the beginning of something much bigger, something that would go on to influence many practitioners and students.

Our collaboration with Yoga Outreach continued to grow from there. With the unwavering support of the organization, Candice stepped into co-facilitating Social Justice 101, contributed to workshops for the Knowledge Development Series, and lent her voice and expertise to several fundraisers. Every space she entered became more thoughtful, more grounded, and more inclusive because of her presence. Working alongside her made me better—more attuned to nuance, more committed to accessibility, and more willing to challenge outdated assumptions in yoga and therapy.

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is witnessing her leadership in developing Yoga for Neurodivergent Folks as part of Yoga Outreach’s YTT curriculum. It was a transformative addition—innovative, needed, and beautifully delivered. I am endlessly grateful for her insight, her energy, and her unwavering commitment. That project simply could not have happened without her.

Knowing Candice has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. She expanded my understanding of what truly inclusive, trauma-informed yoga can be. She pushed me to think more critically, to listen more deeply, and to approach teaching with even greater humility and openness. She reminded me that collaboration isn’t just about dividing work—it’s about elevating each other, challenging each other, and holding space for growth in ways that feel safe and supportive.

Most importantly, she has been a steady, generous friend—someone who shows up, who asks thoughtful questions, who leads with heart, and who radiates integrity in everything she does. Her influence continues to shape my work and my perspective long after any single project has ended.

Candice has truly changed the trajectory of my path, and I am grateful to be part of hers.

Find out more about Candice and her work here.