Alysa Rosa Escobar

My involvement in movement and mental health began when I started my career as a teacher and performing artist in 2004. I became interested in mental health as a public school teacher because many students had experienced trauma in their lives and I could see how creating and being involved in the arts served them. Yet I felt I did not have a clear enough understanding of how I could best support them. I went back to school and got a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling and started working as a School Social Worker. My work as a counselor was greatly influenced by the therapeutic value of arts and breath work.

At age 30 I was diagnosed with cancer and went through treatment. In response, I leaned heavily on my connection to the arts and movement. It was a gateway to living a fuller, healthier life, and I am now 5 years cancer-free. The intimacy with my body and accepting it's limits during treatment opened my eyes to a new relationship with my body. It was a great privilege for me to learn about the divine feminine and my connection to nature. It is a pleasure to hold spaces for other people to honor themselves which I learned to do through struggle and illness. I enjoy helping my clients build a more compassionate and caring relationship with their bodies today.

I am a traveler and often find myself in Mexico or outside of the US. During my travels. For me, traveling is about being in new places that helps me see my life from a different perspective. Communicating with others who may speak a different language than me is humbling and a beautiful cultural experience that shapes how I view the world. Many of my teaching experiences across cultural differences have shown me that every person brings their unique experience and energy to the space I hold. I encourage participants to show up authentically and speak their truth which provides further enrichment for everyone.