Owner of Raleigh NC Yoga, LLC. y Respira Yoga Studio (2008)

• 500 E-RYT with Yoga Alliance (2008-present)
• Currently Enrolled with Duke Health & Wellbeing Coach Training
• Somatic Massage Therapist LMBT, NC License #17542 June 2018
• Massage Therapist CE Provide for NCBTMB, Provider #1000776
• Certified Yoga Teacher 200 hour – Vinyasa certified by Urban Bliss (2008)
• Certification as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist thru EquissageNC.
• Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner July 2018
• Reiki 2 Practitioner 2014
• Master Herbalist 2014 -Trinity School of Natural Health
• Member of IAYT- International Association of Yoga Therapist Membership #: 32021902
• June 23rd 2016 Graduated from Timberlake Sanctuary with the Inner Life of the Child
• Currently enrolled in The Tempermaments
• Thai Yoga Therapist certified thru the Vedic Conservatory with Mukti Buck (2009)
• Skin Care Specialist – Specializing in Acne, Pre-cancerous lesions, Anti – Aging- 26 years experience
• Aromatherapy Oils - 27 years experience
• University of South Florida - 4 years, studied Business, Arts- Painting & Sculpting (1996-2000)
  
  📷As a child,Claudia struggled with breathing because of Asthma. As a teen she was introduced to aromatherapy and dove deep into learning how eucalyptus and peppermint could help with asthma. She struggled with asthma attacks when attempting to workout, but never gave up in trying to strengthen her lungs. She repeated exercises every day while moving mindfully and in moderation. She learned with mindfulness, respect of nature, and taking care of her lungs were essential to her health, peace and happiness. 
  

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Claudia always had a deep connection to Madre Tierra / Mother Earth and an appreciation of her Awesome healing energies. In her native Puerto Rico, some of her earliest memories of “seeing” were joining her Madre/ Mother in yoga poses, watching her Godfather (a teacher of transcendental meditation) enjoy various yoga asanas and admiring her Great Aunt practicing Thai Chi on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Born with eyes wide open, she would converse with Nature at an early age, and had a desire to learn more about Indigenous People’s way of Life, Their Respect for Mother Earth and all of her creatures. 

At age 16, Claudia was introduced to various medical practices in Florida including Occupational Therapy (1995), and Chinese Medicine (1997). She worked (2000-2005) with Medical Doctors and assisted in patient recovery through treatment and surgeries. She enjoyed attending medical conferences and learned about how the systems of the body work. All of these experiences helped to guide her in the direction of her calling.
By the age of 23, Claudia had her first home and a successful Skin Care Practice that specialized in Acne & Pre-Cancerous Lesions.

Following the teachings of her mother, father, and godfather, Claudia promised herself at a very early age to follow her heart and do what makes her happy in life. She has persisted with this outlook through practicing mindfulness and learning about the ways of the earth her entire life. She sees herself as more of an ally than a healer. She empowers others through education on Doing & Being so that they are able to practice the Art of Self Healing & Self Preservation.

📷Doña Laura Ruiz (my Great Abuela of early 1900’s)

Honoring her Ancestors & Following her path (and a desire to live in North Carolina ever since seeing The Last of the Mohicans movie as an a youth) Claudia arrived in North Carolina in 2005.

Since opening Y Respira in 2008, Claudia has worked with thousands of students from all backgrounds, ages and experience levels. She has worked with students suffering from a number of ailments and injuries including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, High Blood Pressure, herniated or bulging discs, Asthma, Arthritis, Depression, Cancer, Anxiety, stress and other dis-eases of the mind and body. She also specializes in pre-natal yoga.

She continues to create new opportunities for others as she leads a number of training programs, such SPINE ACADEMIA. As an accredited Yoga Alliance School, she has trained more than 80 students with her 200 hour certified teacher-training program. Claudia’s eager to share her experiences with those willing to step out of their comfort zones. Claudia is a Passionate Challenger and Fearless with embracing Fearlessness. She appreciates and values Honesty and sees herself as a LifeLong Student of Life. Her pet peeves are when people waste and cheat their time and the time of others being inauthentic and unwilling to communicate, share or grow.

She walks to the beat of her own drum and can juggle being an Empath alongside an “I don’t give a fk” Warrior.

As part of her wholistic approach to health, Claudia offers a number of other complementary services including skincare, Reiki, Thai Yoga Stretching, Aromatherapy, Bach Flower Essences, & Herbology, Craniosacral Therapy, & Lymphatic Massage for Detoxification.

She is an approved vendor of the Department of Veterans Affairs, where veterans with a disability rating of 20% or higher may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) Training through the Veteran Administration.

“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.”
— Leonardo da Vinci