Philosophy

I believe in people and their capacity to grow and that all human beings have internal wisdom. I began studying eastern philosophy in 2007, including buddhism, the Tao, and yoga. Additionally, as a doula for almost 15 years and over 200 births, I found that we are all capable of great things. Sometimes we need support, reminders, and discernment. As a therapist, we will go as fast or as slow as decided by the client and explore how the mind + body has become organized throughout life and make tune-ups and changes to enhance daily life.

Lived Experience

Thankfully, I have lived a full life and have a range of lived experience that I draw from as a therapist. My motto is "life is messy" and when we let go of what is supposed to happen and embrace what is happening, we find a new place inside of ourself that can guide us differently. Going back to graduate school in my mid-forties as a mother of four and business owner, I had a lot of life behind me that has humbled me and taught me that judgement of myself and others is detrimental to our growth. Although the path has been windy, I would not change what has happened because life has been my biggest teacher. The challenges that I have faced are invaluable in my role as a therapist, as it helps me know how to stay present in difficult situations with an open heart. Doing hard things is hard but doing them alone is excruciating. My personal journey with a therapist changed my life and I am dedicated to being that for others.

After taking my first yoga teacher training in April 2005, I never looked back and knew I found something really important. I immediately started teaching prenatal / mommy & me yoga at my parenting center called Natural Lullabies. I also continued taking trainings and studying yoga philosophy. After closing Natural Lullabies, I began teaching yoga classes to the public and found my way to vinyasa yoga. I loved the way vinyasa yoga integrated and emphasized breathing with the movements. I felt the changes in my mind and body and could see the changes in my clients. In 2011, I partnered with community members to create the first yoga festival in Tulsa, called I AM Yoga, Art + Music Festival. The festival continued to happen each year until 2019 when we hosted our final one. During that time, I also opened 2 yoga studios, taught at several yoga studio, gyms, clubs, fitness centers, etc. In 2016 when I opened Cherry Street Yoga solely, I began to focus more specifically on learning the techniques of vinyasa yoga.  I renamed the yoga studio, I AM Yoga, and moved it down the street in 2018. I took more trainings and found myself a mentor who changed my life and my understanding of vinyasa. Together, we partnered to host our first yoga teacher training in 2019.

I AM Yoga Studio has been dedicated to providing safe, trauma-informed, inclusive, and evidence-based yoga. In May 2025, we are closing our doors. Through our beloved community, we learned a lot, met wonderful human beings, and felt a great sense of belonging.

From 2005 - 2025, I estimate having taught over 10,000 yoga classes. Through that time, each person who took a class with me became my teacher. To say I learned a lot is an understatement. I am forever grateful for the opportunity this provided and will take it with me into the work I do at ORA.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance from the Unversity of Tulsa - 1999

• Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Oklahoma - 2022

Work Experience

• Psychotherapist, 2023 - current

• Owner, Director, Yoga Instructor - I AM Yoga, 2011 - May 2025

• Children's Mental Health Initiative Grant Coordinator, City of Tulsa, 2024 - 2025

• Owner, Director, Doula - Natural Lullabies, 2003 - 2012

• Freelance Graphic / Web Designer, 2003 - 2024

• Adjunct Instructor, Tulsa Community College & Tulsa Tech, 2015 - 2023

• Business Analyst III, Williams Communications/ WilTel, 2000 - 2003

• STAIR (Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation) through the Department of Veterans Affairs

• Cognitive Professing Therapy

• Psychological First Aid

• First Aid, CPR, ADP

• Suicide-Specific Interventions and Best Practices

• Overview of How Behavioral Health Disorders are Impacted by Trauma

• Overview of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Supporting Persons with Serious Mental Illness toward Recovery

• Counseling on Access of Lethal Means

• CAR

• Clinical Processes and Documentation

• Adaptations and Applications of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Natural Lullabies, opened 2003

• Morrill Consulting (web design), opened 2003

• Pure Birth, opened 2008

• I AM Yoga Festival, opened 2011

• I AM Yoga, Art + Music Studio, opened 2012

• Cherry Street Yoga, eventually I AM Yoga Studio, opened 2016

• I AM Yoga School, opened 2018

• ORA Mind + Body, opened 2025

• Melissa Cameron Therapy, opened 2025