Cristina Ortiz CV
Education & Certifications
Masters of Arts in Teaching – Manhattanville College
Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts and Foreign Languages – SUNY New Paltz
CIAYT Yoga Therapist – Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy (Expected 2025)
500 Hr. Advanced Teacher of Therapeutic Yoga – Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy
200 Hr. Yoga Teacher Certification – Wainwright House
Yoga & Wellness Experience
Wellness Expert, Semper ad Meliora dba Sam 2025-Present
Individualizes wellness coaching and Yoga Therapy for trauma, chronic pain & chronic illness
Yoga Therapy, Private Practice 2024- Present
Supports clients with specific wellness goals and individually selected principles and practices of yoga, through a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework
Studio Yoga Teacher, Kaia Yoga Studio & Everyone Yoga Studio 2023-Present
Gentle yoga and restorative yoga with modifications for injuries, pain and aging
Sound healing, group yoga therapy workshops
Meditation Teacher, Insight Timer 2020-Present
Hosts virtual interactive workshops on meditation, mindfulness and self-care
Mindfulness for Teens, White Plains Public Library 2020
Increase emotional regulation & coping skills for students in virtual & in person workshops
Yoga Teacher for People with Disabilities, (Multiple Organizations) 2018-2019
Adaptive practice for youth and adults with developmental disabilities & Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chair Yoga for Alzheimers, My Second Home & Alzheimers Association 2017-2020
Adaptive chair yoga, breath practice at memory care center and caregivers workshops
Cancer Recovery Meditation & Yoga (Multiple Organizations) 2017-2019
Relaxing meditation and gentle yoga to support mobility and manage stress during recovery
Bilingual Chair Yoga for Seniors, (Multiple Organizations) 2017-2018
Implement dual-language practice for group with mixed abilities
Trauma-Informed Yoga, Bergen County Jail, Drug Rehabilitation Center 2017-2018
Yoga practice emphasizing recovery and emotional regulation through a wholistic framework
Yoga Business Owner, Sun and Moon Yoga 2016-2019
Led therapeutic, vinyasa, and gentle yoga classes for individuals, groups and families
Leadership and Program Development
Executive Director, Create QuanYin 2017-2020
Directed development and operations for a nonprofit focused on therapeutic yoga and mindfulness
Managed a 20-member team and developed community based wellness programs
CORE Yoga Program, Westchester County Jail Mental Health Block 2018
Created a trauma-informed yoga curriculum, trained and coordinated team of teachers to launch first yoga program at Westchester County Department of Corrections
K-12 Education Experience
Certified New York State Teacher, White Plains & Pelham School Districts 2012 - 2019
Curriculum planning in adherence with Common Core Standards for rosters of up to 300 students per semester including students with IEPs. Collaborate with faculty to lead school-wide initiatives.
Virtual Academic Tutor 2019-2022
Teach ESL, reading, and math with international E-learning companies based in China and India