ashley gladden

RYT 200 HR 

Hi, I’m Ashley! I’m a U.S. military veteran, certified yoga and barre instructor, and a passionate advocate for trauma recovery. After two military deployments, I had the privilege of teaching yoga to active service members overseas, offering them a space for healing, both physically and emotionally. Since 2014, I’ve dedicated my time to helping others connect with their bodies, build resilience, and find peace through yoga, breathwork, and meditation, especially those navigating PTSD, TBI, and trauma. Alongside my trauma recovery work, I’ve been teaching Vinyasa yoga since the beginning of my own journey. I love creating flows that are both challenging and invigorating—moving with the breath, building heat in the body, and stimulating the mind. Every sequence I design is meant to open the heart, ground you in the present moment, and leave you feeling deeply connected to your body.

I’ve completed 200 hours of teacher training at Karma Yoga. I also have specialized training in Mindful Resilience for Trauma Recovery through the Veterans Yoga Project. Additionally, I am a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine as well as a trained barre instructor. 

I’ve spent several years working with athletes to improve performance and support their mental and physical well-being. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching teams such as the Springfield College Women’s Gymnastics and Tennis Teams, the American International College and Fitchburg State College Women’s Soccer Teams, the Mass State Wolverine Football Team, as well as both the Men’s and Women’s Springfield Rugby Football Club and multiple Ju Jitsu teams. I focus on cultivating strength, resilience, and recovery, helping athletes and teams thrive both on and off the field.

I began my journey as a barre instructor in 2017 and my focus is on building strength, improving posture, and increasing flexibility in a way that’s inclusive and accessible for all bodies. I create sequences that emphasize functional movement and muscle lengthening, ensuring that each class is a unique experience, regardless of your flexibility or mobility.

Every time I unroll my mat and place my hands down, I feel grounded. The physical imprints of my hands on my mat are like a reflection of the many versions of myself through the years. For me, yoga is like the silent poetry of movement, where I get to feel and express everything all at once without saying a word. It’s the way I regulate my mind, body, and spirit through breath, bringing everything in my life into harmony when life can be so messy, unpredictable and beautiful. It’s the space where I can truly reconnect with who I am. My approach to teaching is deeply personal, and I take pride in meeting each student where they are on their journey. I believe healing happens in the body and mind, and my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and empowered.. I am committed to fostering a supportive, healing environment, whether I'm teaching in the studio or in my community and I can’t wait to meet you on the mat and support you in your practice!