Carolyn Drake: Yoga Instructor & Cranial Sacral Coach
Photo by Loren Worthington
When it comes to teaching classes at the Sports & Fitness Center, Carolyn is our “go to” yoga instructor. She knows every member that takes her classes. Her class has grown since first opening and now appears on our schedules twice a week. Members enjoy Carolyn’s kind soul and love for life. Anyone that takes her classes or has a one-on-one cranial sacral coaching session with her won’t be disappointed. We are grateful for the services Carolyn provides to our members. ~Brielle Carter
How long have you been with Ability360?
Since we first opened as the Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center in 2011.
What’s your current job title?
Yoga Instructor & Cranial Sacral Coach
For people outside of the organization, what do you do?
I use yoga postures to teach students how to find a centered balance between effort and ease. Within that they find a place of peace.
Is there a work achievement you’re especially proud of?
I am privileged to help people
find peace within their turmoil by helping them explore the pain and vulnerability within themselves and come to resolution.
What brought you here?
Ability360’s Employment Network. Because of that, I was contacted with the opportunity to teach yoga to people with disabilities. I leaped at the opportunity to work with the amazing people at the Sports & Fitness Center.
What do you like most about your work?
I love the people I get to work with. I enjoy the opportunity to fellowship with them and watch them grow in spirit and wellness.
Will you share a little something about your family?
I grew up in a large family in Albany, New York. My late father was an anesthesiologist and my mom stayed home to raise the five of us.
Between my two older brothers, my two younger sisters and my half-sister, I have 15 nephews and nieces.
I was married to my first husband, Richard, for 20 years and have a beautiful daughter, Melissa, who is now 28 years old. I married my current husband, James, four years ago and have two sons-in-law, a daughter-in- law, and four grandchildren. Needless to say, family reunions can be a bit of a challenge to plan.
Will you tell us about your best day ever?
Wow! That’s a tough one to choose because every day of my life just gets better than the last. However, if I had to pick the happiest day of my life, it would be the day that I gave birth to my daughter, Melissa and saw her big beautifully alert eyes looking back at me.
What are people most surprised to know about you?
My age…I’m 51.
Is there a movie or TV show you drop everything to watch?
I rarely watch regular TV, but I do love watching a movie with a good storyline.
If a mega-fortune fell into your lap, what would you do?
I would pay off both my mom’s house & our house, and pray about how to invest into the growth & development of our ministry.