A Book That Inspires You – Melissa Curtis
Lisa: Hi Melissa, is there a certain book that comes to mind that has inspired or motivated you to become a better teacher?
If I had to pick one it would be Spiritual Midwifery written by Ina May Gaskin in 1975.
This is a book I kept on my bedside table for many years especially before the birth of my first child. This book is not just about natural childbirth, its a book about how powerful the body is, the miracles it can perform, how the support around a pregnant, birthing and mothering woman is crucial and how finding your tribe is so important before bringing a baby into this world. The stories written by women and midwives are truly empowering.
At the moment, by my bedside table, I have Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup, which is also a timeless book that was first written in 1994. This is a book I pick up many times depending on what my body is going through. Many women call this their health bible as it really does covering everything a woman may go through in her body and mind. I have met women of all ages that say how much this book has helped them. Not only are their holistic approaches to becoming an ageless goddess but it is packed with scientific studies that back up many of Christiane Northrup’s advice who is also a qualified Medical Doctor. Its one of those books that you could read over and over again which I have but each time I learn something new.
Melissa Curtis
Melissa has been teaching women yoga for over 15 years and is a Mother to 3 children. Having started yoga in her 20’s in San Francisco, Melissa’s yoga journey has been fairly colourful. She is a fully trained Bikram, Hatha, Yin, pre & postnatal yoga teacher, kids yoga teacher, Pilates teacher, Infant massage Instructor and Cuidiu breastfeeding counsellor.
Melissa is very passionate about birth which led her to start facilitating birth preparation classes, complete a doula and postnatal doula training and a Well Woman/Womb yoga training with the well-known women’s health advocate, Uma Dinsmore-Tuli.
Melissa’s passion for women’s health is obvious regardless of what style of yoga she is teaching due to her nurturing approach and being able to respond to the needs of women’s health issues. Whether in or out of the yoga room and knowing well how challenging life can be, Melissa loves to empower and support women from all walks of lifeRobin Sale in Santa Cruz, California. She has also taken workshops with Colette Johnson, one of West Coast America’s most renowned prenatal yoga teachers. Melissa’s prenatal yoga classes combine a mixture of postures, breath work and relaxation in a positive, safe and comfortable environment. The class is also a wonderful opportunity for the Mother-To-Be and Baby within to connect. It also gives the mother time for herself on this very special journey.
Having just returned to Ireland after 10 years with her husband Jim, Melissa is delighted to be able to teach in The elbowroom and to share her knowledge of yoga with others.
Teacher Training
Melissa Curtis is one of the lead instructors on our Pregnancy Teacher Training, Children’s Teacher Training, Mum & Baby Teacher Training and is also part of our 300 Hour Advanced Teacher Training team.