About Valerie Knopik, PhD
Valerie is the Ben and Maxine Miller Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University and E-RYT in Indianapolis, Indiana. Formally trained in classical ballet, as well as a former runner, Valerie has always been a believer in staying active but yoga is the perfect marriage of her work in mental health and her love of movement and anatomy.
With a PhD in Psychology, Valerie is extremely active in mental health research, focusing on how our internal biology and our external physical environment (including yoga, mindfulness, and meditation) can interact to positively change our mental health landscape. Valerie’s sincere hope is that, while the physical asana practice might be the introduction to yoga (as it was for her), her students can utilize the asanas as a tool to find cohesion of body, mind, and spirit in order to experience fullness and purpose in their lives. Valerie lives with her husband and their two children (and a big, lovable Great Dane named Justice) in Indiana..
Yoga Medicine® Certifications
1000 Hour
In Progress
500 Hour
Complete
Dissection Lab
Detox
Research
Sequencing With Purpose
Hip
Anatomy, Dysfunction & Application
Spine
Anatomy, Dysfunction & Application
Shoulder
Anatomy, Dysfunction & Application
Myofascial & Chinese Medicine
Yin & Meditation
Nervous System & Restorative Yoga
Online Courses with Valerie
Articles By Valerie
Back to Basics: Breath is the New Black
By Valerie Knopik for Yoga Digest. Lately I’ve been fascinated by the human brain’s proclivity for being seduced. Yoga students are seduced by the fancy
Polyvagal Theory and the Breath
By Valerie Knopik for Yoga Digest. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been hearing a lot about the vagus nerve of late. From its association
Epi-What? Change Your Internal Landscape Part 2: Epigenetics and How It Reduces Depression and Increases Longevity
By Valerie Knopik for Yoga Digest. In my last Yoga Digest article, we explored the concept of neuroplasticity as it relates to yoga and mindfulness.
