Programs I Teach
Yoga Therapy Dept. & more specifically yoga philosophy as it applies to yoga therapy, health, healing and beyond
Department
Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) — Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Education: Curriculum and Instruction Specialization: Educational Psychology 1999 Master of Arts (M.A.) University of Northern Iowa (UNI) — Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Department of Health Education Major: Health Education Research Interest: Health Behavior Change in Worksite Wellness 1993 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) University of Northern Iowa (UNI) — Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Department of Health Education Major: Health Education 1992
Certifications
- C-IAYT Yoga Alliance 500 Certified Yoga Therapist (1200 hr)
- Krishnamacharya Tradition (Chennai, India) Certified Teacher-Trainer, (500 hr)
- Krishnamacharya Tradition (Chennai, India) Certified Yoga Teacher, (500 hr)
- Krishnamacharya Tradition (Chennai, India) Certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist,
- Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Certified Yoga Teacher
Biography
As an experienced leader in the fields of yoga therapy and Ayurveda, my objective is to contribute to the academic and professional advancement of these disciplines by serving as Chair of a university-based Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda program. I am committed to fostering a dynamic and innovative educational environment where students are empowered through mentorship, hands-on clinical experiences, and high-quality online learning opportunities. With a strong foundation in teaching, program leadership, and curriculum development in yoga and yoga therapy, I seek to collaborate with university-based researchers and interdisciplinary teams to advance the integration of yoga therapy and Ayurveda into health and wellness fields. My goal is to lead the development of rigorous, evidence-informed curricula that align with the credentialing standards of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and the Yoga Alliance, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared to enter professional practice as skilled and ethical providers. In addition to academic leadership, I bring experience in strategic planning, program administration, faculty and staff leadership, and the oversight of experiential learning components. I am dedicated to expanding program reach through student recruitment, alumni engagement, and public outreach, with a vision of cultivating future generations of yoga therapists and Ayurvedic practitioners who are well-equipped to contribute to both clinical practice and research in integrative health.
Research Interests
Sohl, S. J., Strahley, A. E., Tooze, J. A., Levine, B. J., Kelly, M. G., Wheeler, A., Evans, S., & Danhauer, S. C. (2024). Qualitative results from a randomized pilot study of eHealth mindful movement and breathing to improve gynecologic cancer surgery outcomes. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 42(2), 223–241. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2023.2221236 Sohl, S. J., Tooze, J. A., Levine, B. J., Zeidan, F., Wheeler, A., Kelly, M., Shalowitz, D., & Danhauer, S. C. (2023). A randomized pilot of eHealth mindful movement and breathing to improve gynecologic surgery outcomes. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 41(3), 251–266. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2022.2095974 Sohl, S. J., Tooze, J. A., Johnson, E. N., Ridner, S. H., Rothman, R. L., Lima, C. R., Ansley, K. C., Wheeler, A., Nicklas, B., Avis, N. E., & Wagner, L. I. (2021). A randomized controlled pilot study of yoga skills training versus an attention control delivered during chemotherapy administration. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 62(1), 52–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.02.018 Sohl, S. J., Tooze, J. A., Wheeler, A., Zeidan, F., Wagner, L., Evans, S., Kelly, M., Shalowitz, D., Green, M., Levine, B., & Danhauer, S. C. (2019). Iterative adaptation process for eHealth Mindful Movement and Breathing to improve gynecologic cancer surgery outcomes. Psycho-Oncology, 28, 1774–1777. https://doi.org/ Wheeler, A., & Wilkin, L. (2007). A study of the impact of yoga āsana on perceived stress, heart rate, and breathing rate. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 17, 57–63.
Publications and Presentations
- Wheeler, A. & Sullivan, M. (2026). Applying Therapeutic Yoga in Integrative Health: A Guide for Re-Imagining Well-Being.
- Wheeler, A. (2021). Foundations of yoga as therapy: Assessment and healing approach. In D. Finlayson & L. H. Robertson (Eds.),
- Yoga therapy foundations, tools and practice: A comprehensive textbook. Singing Dragon. Balayogi Bhavanani, A., Sullivan, M., Taylor, M. J., & Wheeler, A. (2019).
- Shared foundations for practice: The language of yoga therapy. Yoga Therapy Today, Summer, 44–47. Criswell, E., & Wheeler, A. (2016, Summer).
- Establishing professional ethics in the field of yoga therapy. Yoga Therapy Today, 12, 20–21.
Professional Affiliations and Membership
- International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT)
- Yoga Alliance (YA)
- Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM)
- Healing Yoga Foundation (HYF)
- California Yoga Teachers Association (CYTA)