About Us
How it Started
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My yoga journey began at home, when I was battling migraines. For years, I searched for relief, but nothing worked until I tried yoga. The gentle stretches, focused breathing, and calming movements gave me a peace and sense of well-being I had never experienced before.
Inspired by how much yoga had helped me, I decided to get my certification, knowing I wanted to share this gift with others. My first step was reaching out to my local library, and they suggested I teach a group of children aged 4-7 from the Special Olympics program. I was nervous, but quickly realized this was exactly where I needed to be. The enthusiasm from the kids and their resilience blew me away, and I saw firsthand how yoga could empower them.
That experience sparked a deeper commitment to teaching, and as I began working with young adults, I saw even more connections growing in the individuals and the community. What started as a small, personal mission has now become Yoga Beyond Boundaries. It is a reflection of my journey from seeking relief from pain to helping others break their own limitations. For me, yoga is not about perfect poses. Yoga is about finding strength, resilience, and connection, no matter where you start. And this is why I am passionate about welcoming people of all abilities. It is about progress, self-compassion, and community, not perfection.
Yoga for Special Needs
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Yoga is a powerful tool for individuals with special needs, offering physical and mental benefits that enhance overall well-being. For individuals with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental or physical challenges, yoga provides a structured but adaptable practice that focuses on strength, balance, and focus. Studies show that yoga can significantly improve physical and psychological outcomes for people with special needs. Yoga helps improve motor skills and balance in children with cerebral palsy, enhances social interaction in those with autism, and reduces anxiety in individuals with ADHD. Through mindful movement, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, yoga helps reduce stress and improve focus.
Our Mission
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At Yoga Beyond Boundaries, we provide an inclusive, encouraging environment where individuals of all abilities and backgrounds can experience the power of yoga. Our mission is to promote emotional resilience, physical activity, and social connections, helping everyone unlock their full potential. Yoga is for all, empowering individuals with strength and freedom in mind, body, and community.
Meet the Founder
Mahalakshmi "Mahi" Mopal
Mahi is the visionary behind Yoga Beyond Boundaries, a program dedicated to making yoga accessible and empowering for all individuals, including those with intellectual and physical disabilities. With years of experience leading community wellness initiatives, she has designed and taught adaptive yoga classes that focus on balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, and social connection.
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Her journey combines a strong foundation in healthcare, advocacy, and education. As a leader in teen wellness programs and community health initiatives, she has partnered with organizations like Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, Rowan University, Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common Project, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to develop sustainable, inclusive health and wellness programs nationwide.
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In addition to founding Yoga Beyond Boundaries, Mahi has served as Director of Teen Community Programs with Teen Lifestyle Medicine, created engaging wellness content for local schools and libraries, and volunteered extensively as a yoga instructor and community health advocate. From teaching adaptive yoga for Special Olympics athletes to leading stress-reduction workshops for underserved youth, her work reflects a passion for equity, inclusion, and holistic well-being.
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Mahi believes yoga is more than movement—it’s a pathway to community, confidence, and resilience. Her mission is to break down barriers so that everyone, regardless of ability, feels supported in their practice and empowered to thrive.
→ 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher
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→ American College of Lifestyle Medicine Member
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→ Girl Scout Ambassador