James Woods:

From Therapist to Yogi to Renowned Education Speaker

I learned to care for people early in life. I was always the quiet child and ready to lend an ear to friends and family who needed someone to trust and confide in…

That lead me to the ultimate career for quiet listeners (nosey people) that nod and say “un huh, I understand”. I became a mental health therapist...

Thats right! However, after all those years of listening to others, I got into yoga and finally started listening to my own body and, mental, and emotional needs. Being there for others and finally learning the power of listening to my own self is why I am so passionate about sharing Social Emotional Wellness tools with young people and those that care for them.

 Academic & Professional Milestones

James earned:

• A BS Degree in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA)
• A MS Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mt St Mary’s University (Los Angeles, CA)
• A 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training from Yogalution  (Long Beach, CA)

Likewise, as a wellness expert, I was fortunate to be featured in the California Science Center Sports and science exhibit, as well as  for esteemed organizations such as Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, Riverside County Behavioral Health Department, and Featured as a Carnegie fellow (now Alcon).

My Personal Triumph Over Self-Doubt

Well, Here's My Story...

As an inspirational motivational speaker focused on wellness and Social Emotional Regulation, Burnout prevention, and Yoga, I've spent over a decade speaking at school assembly programs, educational conferences, and teacher training seminars across the globe.

With over 15+ years of wellness and mental health, I have gained first-hand insight into what it takes to not only inspire students and educators but also fuel them with the momentum necessary for success.

Also, I have had my own struggle with self-doubt.

As illustrious as my accomplishments, I did not always think that I could. I struggled as many do with a low self-esteem and bouts of self-doubt.

You see… I grew up with "stinking thinking" because of how I saw myself, “I can’t… I won’t… and I’ll never!”

This thinking kept me fearful and doubtful about my academics and my future career.

However, after hearing (and understanding) a few words from teachers, mentors, books and people that loved me; along with learning strategies for life success and personal achievement, I’ve went from yelling to yoga!

The Core of My Message: Engaging, Exciting, Empowering

Like you, I’ve spent some time asking myself what can I do to help students and educators in the classroom and beyond to achieve massive.

What I’ve discovered, is students need practical success principles which they are able to connect with in a fun, relatable way (just like I did).

“ My message, is Awareness, Access, and Application."

Using humorous life stories and my expertise on success (and failure), I share with them the tools and techniques it takes to succeed on and off campus, so they can ultimately succeed in life.

These are some of the same strategies and mindsets that have helped me:

• Teach thousands of students in districts and within organizations
• Train hundreds of educators and parents on how to bring Yoga to their campus
• Create content for over 10,000, plus views
• Host international festivals and conferences
• Featured as an exhibit for the sport and science exhibit for the California Science Center

Ready to Improve Campus Success with Dat Yoga Dude

• Book me to speak at your next education conference, school event, or professional development session. Let’s Beat Burnout statistics together — one school, one classroom, one student at a time.