Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Burrell.
Hi Alisha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Movement has always been a creative outlet for me. It all started when I was a child contortionist. I wasn’t really a professional contortonist, I just had fun moving my body in different ways. My parents would have me entertain guests that came over with the body movements I would do for fun around the home! A typical weekend, you could find my mom in the kitchen preparing meals (with Louisiana spice) and laughing with guests, my dad tending to our home garden, and my siblings and I playing games and trying to avoid garden work. Connecting with who we are, nurturing our abilities, and growing fresh foods have always been a part of me and how it all started.
As an adult, I saw the importance of growing fresh foods, making time for intentional movement, and connecting our minds, body, and spirit as one. There were many ups and down throughout my time. The most important lesson for me was learning how to love all parts of myself the way that God/Divine Spirit loves me. Having great yoga trainers (Yirser Ra Hotep) and teachers along the way have supported my journey to self-care through movement and loving everything despite circumstances. This inspired me to take it further by learning more about healing practices and instructing others how to tap into their own power.
After becoming a certified Kemetic Yoga teacher, I taught yoga classes locally and internationally, started 1:1 wellness coaching, instructed students as a school garden coordinator, trainer for school leaders, science curriculum specialist, founded the non-profit organization Roots to Wellness, and became the author of the book, Worrier to Warrior.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We all have had some temporary struggles in life; I had some major life changes. I’ve experienced caring for a family member as they healed from a terminal illness, healing from shame as a woman embracing her femininity in a very masculine world and starting over after breaking up from a challenging relationship. Those experiences were the catalyst to create changes within my being. In each of these seasons of my life, I learned and acquired better habits needed to nurture my growth. We are meant to evolve as a people, and I am so grateful to invest in books, mentors, retreats, healthy meals, spiritual texts, and practices that allow me to get through the ups and downs I experience.
The hardest part was changing the identity of who I knew myself to be. In my book, Worrier to Warrior, I share parts of my journey in hopes to transform other people’s lives using Ancient Kemetic principles and teachings from nature. As I continue to explore and appreciate all parts of myself, I learn to respond to life’s challenges and not just react.
We’ve been impressed with Roots to Wellness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Roots to Wellness is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that focuses on health empowerment. We support schools and communities by using yoga and mindfulness to connect the mind-body-spirit, nurture children and adults with holistic educational services and grow high-quality produce for optimal wellness.
Using my background experience as a school educator, garden coordinator, and yoga instructor, I combined my passions into an organization that can support schools and communities. I am the Founder and Director of Roots to Wellness. Where we have four programs and services for schools and community organizations:
1. We provide training, consultations, and curriculum lessons for creating and maintaining Wellness and sustaining nature spaces. Explore ways in which you can enhance or start your own community, school, or personal garden and/or protect natural habitats.
2. In the Youth Entrepreneur Program, we offer business practices, soft-skills and teach youth ages 13-18 how to grow, sell, and consume fresh food in our communities.
3. Grow Green for elementary schools-assisting teachers and guiding students with support for lessons in Social-Emotional Learning, gardening/nature lessons, activities, and special school events. All of our lessons are aligned to state standards.
4. Yoga and mindfulness classes offer coaching, retreats, weekly classes, and events for corporate or small groups. We target special populations and rising communities for adults and children with wellness liberation.
We are creating a foundation for health empowerment. We have many volunteer opportunities and ways to donate to our vision and mission of supporting well-being for children and adults. This summer, my sister, Adanna Burrell, with Speak it Therapy, and I are offering a summer camp that infuses social emotional therapy, speaking skills and yoga mindfulness into the lives of elementary aged children,
You can visit our website at www.rootstowellnessnow.com Contact Info:
- Website: www.rootstowellnessnow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alishab.well/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alishabwell
Image Credits
https://bizzybteephotography.pixieset.com/
