About Us
Our MissionTo make yoga a practice that is accessible to all members of the community, in particular those who are on the fringes or marginalised. The benefits of these practices create a ripple effect which benefits the whole community.
Our Services
-
Programs within correctional facilities or in Community Corrections spaces.
Learn More -
Program for youth in supported settings, eg PCYC, YMCA, or in detention.
Learn More -
Programs delivered in collaboration with organisations that support people affected by Family & Domestic Violence.
Learn More -
Programs delivered within the community e.g. free community classes.
Learn More -
Private classes for individuals.
Learn More -
Our Story
In 2003, I (Sonia) experienced the stillbirth of my twin sons (Izaak and Kurtis). This devastating loss brought about an insurmountable level of grief that was difficult to process to say the least.
I had taken up yoga in 2005 as a form of gentle exercise. Little did I know, profound changes would begin within myself. These ‘shifts’ were seismic.
More than 10 years after this event, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Although this diagnosis wasn't at all surprising, it did make sense as to why I had deeply been disassociating with my body and why I had been experiencing significant depression.
The practice of yoga, as an ‘adjunct’ to other modalities of support and care that I was receiving, has been one of the ‘constants’ in my life and has assisted me to deal with the rollercoaster of life which always has something new and challenging (as well as joyous) installed for us,
Being able to share this practice with others impacted by trauma has seen me take on professional development in Yoga Teacher Training, as well as further education with Prison Yoga Project, Frontline Yoga, and Evolve Communities (learning about culturally informed care.
Our Team
Sonia Brown-Diaz
Founder and Director of Yoga
0432 510 106
admin@yogaontheinside.com.au
LinkedIn
I'm Sonia Bown-Diaz, a yoga practitioner since 2005. I'm the Founder and Director of Yoga on the Inside (founded in mid 2018) and the humble Australian Ambassador of Prison Yoga Project. Since starting this work of 'service' I've been pleasantly surprised and inspired by those who come to practice each week, regardless of whether they are in incarcerated settings or part of a program offered by support organisations that assist people impacted by trauma, addiction and / or mental health concerns. This work is empowering for those who participate and their feedback on a continual basis is what fuels my passion to bring this service to those who are in the most need.
Kaleb Thom
Administration & Marketing Assistant
0432 510 106
admin@yogaontheinside.com.au
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
Kaleb commenced at Yoga on the Inside as a Volunteer in December 2024. In late January 2025, Kaleb joined the team in a part-time capacity as the Administration & Marketing Assistant; bringing with him a broad range of skills, including digital marketing and general admin which he looks forwarding to developing further.
Kaleb has been working as a digital marketer since November 2022 and has a background working with various organisations, including other Social Enterprises such as yourtown. His goal is to continue to grow his career in Digital Marketing.
In Kaleb's Spare time he loves to go for walks, go to the gym, attend yoga classes at his gym, read books and spend time with his family & friends.
Yoga for Healing
The transformative effects of my practice of yoga and the mindset changes that began to emerge through consistent practice has allowed me to process and determine my actions and reactions on a daily basis to what shows up in my life.
The way in which we talk to ourselves and in how we practice compassion towards ourselves and others is imperative in today's world more than ever.
The Yamas and Niyamas outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras provides us with the ethical and moral codes by which to live and are the essential foundation for our whole practice.
A trauma-informed yoga practice has allowed me to be gentle on myself and remind myself that in every moment that arises, I have choice and control as to how I will behave and respond (instead of react), and that being aware of my body movement and breath is always a place I can come back to, to centre and ground myself.
Contact Us
Curious to find out more about our programs or looking to start a program for your organisation?
Hand-Written Messages
TestimonialsWe receive heartfelt handwritten messages from participants, including those in correctional centres, sharing how yoga has brought healing and strength into their lives - read their stories.
