History of the Project
The purpose of the Black Girl Yoga events are to help Black women reconnect with the inherent wisdom of their bodies and breath—essential tools for healing trauma and navigating everyday stress. These gatherings are designed with intention: they are somatic, evidence-based, culturally responsive, and grounded in the belief that healing happens in community. This collective approach stands in contrast to the dominant, individualistic models of mental health care that too often ignore systemic harm, reinforce inequities, and burden individuals with the task of healing alone.
These spaces remind us that rest and play are not luxuries but imperatives—especially for Black women. They are essential to our health, our liberation, and our practice of building the world we envision and deserve, a world where our ways of being are aligned with our health, where we are no longer invisibilized, but deeply seen, honored, and free.
Get to know our team
Dr. Mishelle
Dr. Mishelle Rodriguez is a psychologist and founder of Collaborative ChangeMakers, a counseling and consulting practice in Washtenaw County, Michigan. She has more than 15 years of experience providing counseling in university counseling centers, community mental health settings, and private practice. Her work focuses on empowering people to break patterns and create change in themselves, their relationships, professional field,s and their communities. She specializes in Black mental health and wellness, trauma, and helping people excel in high-achievement settings. Dr. Rodriguez served two years as the president of the Metro Detroit chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists. She has been featured on national platforms, including the Wall Street Journal and Therapy for Black Girls Podcast. As a speaker, trainer/educator, and author (book chapter in Why Wakanda Matters) Dr. Rodriguez loves to integrate art and pop culture, and bring community together for discussions that cultivate healing and growth. IG @dr.mishelle
Domnique
Ann Arbor native and a trauma sensitive yoga teacher. She works 1- on-1 with clients with a combination of breathing and specialized movement, providing an avenue by which individuals can begin to feel connected in every aspect of themselves and understand their body’s sensations and rhythms.
IG @dominiquetheophilus
Symone
Symone is a limited-licensed professional counselor. She brings experience from diverse settings, including non-profits, residential programs, private practice, and correctional facilities. She believes counseling works best collaboratively, with clients guiding the journey.
Symone helps clients explore the stories that shape their lives and uncover paths toward authenticity, connection, and holistic well-being. She provides an affirming space for reflection, difficult conversations, and fresh perspectives, considering clients’ culture, values, and strengths to empower them to feel grounded, equipped, and whole.
Advisory Committee
Kallista Walker
Yodit Mesfin
Nadjma Treadwell
Madeline Gonzalez
Sheyonna Watson
Alison Shores
Aesha Mustafa
Kelley Stoke-Samuel
Amani Lavon
Alexxus Watson
What People Are Saying
"These workshops focused on Black Girl Yoga is a true blessing---a gift to our community. Dominique and Mishelle are a beautiful blend of expertise and kindness. These B.G. Yoga events are an investment in our well-being that those we connect with in our community. Thank you for planning these invaluable events."
"These events have given me space to breathe and take much needed internal journeys. It has created a bridge to my community in an era where it is needed the most. When loneliness and a loss sense of community is at an all time high. These events have been restorative and transformational...in the safest of ways. I am truly grateful and honored to be able to have access to these events. I only wish these were available for more people I know…"
"I felt safe being in the company of Black Women of all ages and safety gives way to more connection to different aspects of myself and those who were present. It was visual joy, the colors, the food, the flowers...I felt truly cared for and like you ladies had me in mind as you were creating these events."