Meet Aprhyl: A Peer Support Specialist Offering Hope 
Aprhyl knows firsthand the courage it takes to heal. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, she brings lived experience to Safe Alliance, offering survivors not only guidance but also the reassurance that healing is possible. Having been drug-free for over eight years, she understands the challenges of overcoming trauma and finding a path forward.
"I can't do the work for them, but I try to give as much advice as I can," Aprhyl shares. "It takes them to do the work to make it happen, but I'm here to walk alongside them."
One of the most rewarding moments for her came when a survivor approached her, reflecting on a conversation they'd had months before. "She told me she took my advice and moved forward in life. She has her own place now and is growing in her faith. It's moments like these that remind me why I do this work."
Yoga At Safe Alliance
Yoga was first introduced at Safe Alliance when Kelly reached out to donate mats to the shelter. Kelly was connected with Aprhyl. What started as a small effort quickly grew into a transformative practice for residents and staff alike. "We offer yoga mats that guests can sign out for 24 hours," Aprhyl shares. "It's incredible to see them using the practice as a tool for healing on their own."
The impact of yoga has been particularly profound for survivors with children. "One guest had her kids participate, and after yoga, they had dinner. That night, for the first time in a long time, she didn't have to struggle to get them to sleep. They fell asleep quickly, feeling safe and relaxed. She was so grateful."
Meet Kelly: A Yoga Instructor with a Mission
Kelly, a senior at Davidson College studying communication and history, has always been drawn to movement as a source of strength. A former cross-country runner, she was introduced to yoga as a way to prevent injuries. Over time, she realized its power extended far beyond the physical, it became a tool for emotional and mental well-being.
Determined to make yoga more accessible to trauma survivors, Kelly became a certified yoga instructor and reached out to Safe Alliance in the summer of 2024. Now, she leads weekly yoga classes, creating a space where survivors can reconnect with their bodies in a safe and supportive environment.
"I really enjoy the agency and empowerment in moving your own body," Kelly says. "Yoga is about giving back to yourself, and that's something everyone deserves."
Kelly ensures that every session is trauma-informed and tailored to the needs of the participants. "I always introduce myself and share why this practice means so much to me," she explains. "We establish safe poses that participants can return to at any time, and I emphasize modifications and breaks so that everyone moves at their own pace."
Unlike traditional trauma-informed yoga approaches that advocate for keeping lights on, avoiding music, and maintaining fast-paced movements, Kelly realized that some of these guidelines didn't always align with what survivors at Safe Alliance needed. "The women weren't getting the stretch they needed, so I adapted," she says. "Sometimes, what works in theory doesn't work in practice. It's about listening to what survivors need and making adjustments accordingly."
The benefits of yoga at Safe Alliance have been deeply felt. Aprhyl recalls one guest who initially approached yoga with skepticism and frustration. "She only attended two classes, but afterward, she told me how much it helped her release stress and worry. That experience led us to start a guest book where participants can share their reflections after sessions."
Beyond immediate relaxation, Kelly believes yoga fosters long-term empowerment. "Most people don't realize the connection between trauma and the body," she explains. "Studies show that women, in particular, store trauma in their hips and back. Yoga helps release that, creating space for healing."
For those who are hesitant to try yoga, both Kelly and Aprhyl offer words of encouragement.
"Be open," Aprhyl advises. "Being in a new setting with others can be overwhelming, but sometimes, that's exactly the push you need. Recovery is hard, but stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth. I recently wrote a poem about stepping out of the boat. Sometimes, you're afraid to leave what feels familiar because you think you'll drown. But you never know, you might walk on water."
Kelly echoes this sentiment. "You don't have to do anything elaborate. Just sitting or standing in a class is already a step toward healing. You can even stay in child's pose the whole time, and that's okay. Movement, in any form, is empowering."
At Safe Alliance, yoga is more than just a class, it's an opportunity for survivors to reclaim their sense of self, build trust in their bodies, and take meaningful steps toward healing. Whether through guided sessions or independent practice, movement has become a vital tool in the recovery journey. With compassionate instructors like Kelly and supportive advocates like Aprhyl, survivors are reminded that healing isn't just possible. It's within reach.
