Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Brooks.
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Over two decades ago, while working at a gym in Towson, Maryland, I stumbled upon yoga. At first, it was simply a post-workout stretch, but it evolved into something much deeper. When I began teaching elementary school, I found a Baltimore studio that introduced me to the spiritual side of yoga, transforming my practice beyond just the physical asana (postures).
That was the turning point.
I found a welcoming and safe haven away from the stress and hustle of work. It was a place I could go when I needed calm and balance.
While teaching in Morocco and Taiwan and traveling abroad, I explored different cultural and spiritual healing methods. Practicing yoga around the world and in different languages helped me realize that on my mat, I could find calm, comfort, and confidence. I could find safety and trust within myself no matter where I was.
In 2021, I returned to the U.S. after my father’s passing, which was a whirlwind. I resumed work as a reading specialist just as schools were reopening post-COVID. It felt like we were building the airplane while flying it, which is not at all what you want to happen in a school.
The stress and anxiety swirling throughout the school community was infectious. It was no surprise that behaviors skyrocketed, which increased the stress levels. Educators, students, and parents needed tools to support their emotional needs and worries during this time, but there was little to no support. A lot of blame and criticism was being tossed around in schools and in the media. We had a teacher quit midyear and many were out sick. There weren’t enough substitute teachers, so we were constantly scrambling to get coverage.
I was burning out fast. The pressure to meet the emotional and academic needs of over 400 students was unreal, and the systems in place weren’t built to support students and educators in times of crisis. Within a month, I was ready to quit, but I stuck it out until the end of the school year and resigned from my 18-year career.
Over the next six months, I took time to travel, heal, reflect, and look for a new career path. In January of 2022, I began a yoga teacher training, which sparked a new path I hadn’t expected—starting my own business as a wellness practitioner and consultant.
Now, I help educators find the calm and balance they need to prevent or recover from burnout.
I don’t want any educator to ever feel that their only option is to suffer through their job or quit. There are many ways to manage our stress during difficult times. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
I am passionate about bringing well-being support to educators because when their needs are met emotionally and physically, the entire school community will thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all! My journey has been filled with challenges, both personally and professionally. Even before teaching abroad, I was already nearing burnout. In my second year of teaching, I was hospitalized for illness, and I almost quit. Fortunately, a supportive colleague helped me create systems to manage my workload and encouraged me to give it another year or two.
Teaching internationally, I found space to grow, heal, and experience freedom. Those years gave me a broader perspective on education—less focus on testing and more on creativity and the arts. Returning to the U.S. system after that was harsh. The stressors I had once left behind were waiting for me, and the contrast in teaching environments was eye-opening.
Stepping into the entrepreneurial world has brought its own set of hurdles—learning everything from website design to marketing to managing finances. But through the support of coaching programs and wellness communities, I’ve found my footing. Finding the people who fill you up, guide, and encourage you is extremely important in life.
The path hasn’t been easy, but it’s been transformative. I’m proud to be part of a growing network of former teachers who are dedicated to reshaping education and wellbeing for students, educators, and parents alike.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kim Brooks Yoga & Wellness, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I founded Kim Brooks Yoga and Wellness, LLC to ensure that no one feels unseen or unheard—especially educators. I believe teachers are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve to be valued and supported. The method I use to help educators find balance, stress-relief, and passion in their day-to-day is more than just physical movement; it consists of mindful practices and deep internal work, so they can embody a new way of approaching living life.
I guide them to find clarity within themselves, express their needs, and learn ways to nurture themselves through tailored, holistic well-being practices (either in a group environment or 1-to-1).
What sets my work apart is my deep connection to the world of education. I know firsthand what it’s like to be an overwhelmed teacher, juggling the emotional and academic needs of students. My mission is to support the wellbeing of educators and, by extension, their students. When teachers are cared for, the whole school community benefits.
I curate wellness experiences for individuals and groups/organizations, offering everything from restorative yoga, breathwork, and energy healing to workshops on stress-management. Through the lens of a former leader in schools across the globe, I am able to support schools with creating a school culture where everyone thrives. These tailored experiences are designed to meet people where they are in their wellbeing journey, creating a pathway to healing and growth.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I truly believe we’re on the brink of a major shift in the education system. As teachers leave in droves, schools are beginning to recognize that the mental health and wellbeing of the entire school community—educators, students, and staff—needs to be a top priority. I think we’ll see more outside support being brought in, and it will be crucial for that support to come from people who have been in the classroom and understand the unique pressures educators face.
I see a future where wellbeing practices are not just an afterthought, but a cornerstone of how schools function. I’m excited to be part of this change, highlighting the need for wellbeing to be at the forefront of all decisions regarding schools.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimbrooksyoga-wellness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimbrooksyoga.wellness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/discovery-see-all/?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=kimberly-brooks-md
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KimBrooksWellness
