Meet Isabelle, one of the teachers at Yoga District who focuses on fostering community and growth through an open mind and connecting on the mat. Learn about Isabelle’s journey with yoga and how they help their students practice the best yoga for their needs. Check out Isabelle’s class offerings by clicking here, and filter by teacher in the upper right corner and select “Isabelle D.”
Tell us about yourself—how do you identify? You’re welcome to include anything from background and pronouns to life interests and what brings you peace.
Hi, I’m Isabelle (she/they). I’ve been practicing yoga for about 10 years and teaching for a year and a half. I love spending time in nature—Rock Creek Park is one of my favorite places—and I find a lot of joy in building community and meaningful connections with those around me.
What do you love about being a yoga student and teacher?
I love cultivating a deeper mind-body connection. In a world that constantly pulls us in a million directions, I think it’s more important than ever to slow down, pause, and reconnect—with ourselves and with others. As a teacher, I find so much fulfillment in sharing this practice and helping others create space for more intention and mindfulness in their daily lives.
If you could unroll your mat anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I’d love to unroll my mat in the Swiss Alps. The beauty and stillness of the mountains feels incredibly peaceful—like the perfect backdrop for grounding and reflection.
What does it mean to you to be a yoga practitioner or yogi?
To me, being a yogi means embracing the journey—understanding that no two days are the same and allowing space for both the highs and lows. It’s about staying curious and compassionate with yourself through it all.
Do you feel your yoga practice is a feminist, political, rebellious, and/or revolutionary act? An act of self-care? If so, how?
Absolutely. My yoga practice feels like a quiet rebellion against the relentless pace of modern work culture. It’s also an act of self-love—I’m giving myself permission to slow down, to breathe, and to simply be. That kind of rest and presence has become essential to my mental and emotional well-being.
What does inclusivity and DEI in yoga spaces mean to you?
Inclusivity and DEI in yoga spaces means power. Diversity strengthens communities and makes any space more vibrant, thoughtful, and compassionate. I always learn more and grow deeper in spaces where different voices and experiences are welcomed and celebrated.
How does your yoga practice support your values, identity, or daily life?
Yoga supports my values of intentionality and community. Just like I strive to make space for diverse voices in my life, I try to do the same in my teaching—making sure the mat is a place for everyone, where no one voice or body dominates.
How has yoga changed your relationship with your body or self?
Yoga has transformed the way I relate to my body. Thanks to the incredible teachers I’ve had over the years, I’ve learned to celebrate my body on both good days and hard ones—to appreciate the way it shows up for me, no matter what. I’ve also learned to trust myself more deeply, both on and off the mat.
Has yoga helped you cope with trauma? Are there teachings or advice you’d like to share?
Yes—alongside therapy, yoga has been a big part of my healing. It’s helped me calm racing thoughts and reconnect with my breath, which has become a powerful grounding tool when life feels overwhelming. That consistent practice of coming back to the breath has made a real difference.
What challenges do people face practicing yoga today? How can we be more supportive?
I think one of the biggest challenges today is slowing down. So many of us are caught in the momentum of a fast-paced, productivity-driven culture. But trying to keep that same pace on the mat can lead to misalignment and burnout. When we let the breath guide the practice, we move with more awareness, release tension, and ultimately get more out of it.
Can you share a time you felt included—or excluded—in a yoga class? What advice do you have for teachers, staff, or students to foster inclusion?
As someone who tends to push myself, I’ve always appreciated gentle reminders from teachers that we don’t have to “achieve” in every practice. Encouraging students to honor where they are—without striving for a perfect posture—creates space for acceptance and self-compassion. That kind of environment is much more inclusive and supportive, especially for folks who might feel like they don’t fit the “ideal” image of a yogi.
If you could practice yoga next to any person or being, who would it be?
I would love to practice yoga next to my parents. They’re no longer at the age where they can join me on the mat, but if I could turn back time and share a practice with them, I know it would be a joyful and meaningful experience.
