Transformative Movement Practices

My movement classes are shaped by the wisdom of the natural world — cycles, seasons, roots, branches, tides, wind, and grounded presence. I draw on nature imagery, rhythm, breath, and somatic awareness to guide participants into deeper connection with their bodies and their inner landscapes.

This work is also influenced by my commitment to Transformative Justice, Collective Care, Trauma-Responsive Neuroscience, Pleasure Activism, and my certification in Nature and Forest Therapy, where I have deepened my practice of guiding people back into relationship with the land as a source of healing, nervous system regulation, and belonging.

Movement becomes a way of remembering that we are not separate from the natural world — we are part of it.

Each embodied practice session is an invitation to return to your body as a place of wisdom, safety, and truth.

You may experience:

• Movement inspired by earth, water, fire, air, and the rhythms of the living world

• Nature-based imagery that invites rooting, softening, opening, and release

• Breath as an anchor — grounding, warming, and regulating

• Space to move beyond performance and perfection

• A sense of being seen, witnessed, and held in community

These sessions are less about “getting it right” and more about listening to your body's wisdom, your relationship to the music, and the unique messages of the moment.

Brighid leads Nia classes twice a week in Oak Park, IL. All are welcome!

Praise for Transformative Movement Practices

"For me, Nia with Brighid is both a grounding place, emotionally and physically, and a gateway to joy and possibility. This happens every Sunday morning because of the commitment, creativity and loving energy Brighid brings to our class. She fosters community with plentiful breathing space for individuality. P.S. Her music and choreography truly rock!"

— Marion P, Movement Student

"Brighid's Nia classes are the highlights of my week. Energetic, creative, soul-soothing, fun and life-affirming are just some of the words I can use to describe the class. I always walk away feeling better than when I walked in. Her welcoming attitude is contagious, She is an inspiration every time!"

— Barb, Movement Student

"Brighid brings such a positive, welcoming, and wise energy to all of her classes. She creates a space where we not only have a great physical workout that is adaptable and accessible to all, but she also invites us to be more reflective and meditative if we choose to go deeper. She offers us ways to make connections between what we practice in the class to our wider lives. "Take up space! Grow your roots! Spread your wings!" are just a few examples of the invitations that Brighid offers!"

— Isabelle G., Movement Student

Classes & Sessions

This work lives in many forms and is always evolving.

Current offerings include:

• Nia® Classes
  A joyful, grounded fusion of dance, martial arts, and healing arts that builds strength and flexibility while supporting self-awareness, self-expression and community building . Come join her in Oak Park on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 A.M. You can also attend the upcoming Nia Inspired Dance Party on May 29, 2026 at Ridgeland Commons in Oak Park.

• Qoya® Classes
  Feminine, earth-inspired movement that centers truth, intuition, and embodied freedom.

• Forest Bathing Experiences
  Opportunities to slow down, awaken your senses, and find connection to the land, trees, and the rhythms of the natural world. Next Forest Bathing sessions begin mid-June through the Oak Park Park District. Saturdays from 9 - 11 a.m.

• Custom-Created Movement or Forest Bathing Experiences

  If you have a desire to celebrate a milestones, host a special event or offer unique professional development opportunities for your staff, contact Brighid to design something just for you. She has a particular passion for offering individually designed experiences for artists, activists, social workers and mental health professionals, public health advocates, and parents of children who are neurodivergent or who have mental health issues.

Praise for Nature and Forest Therapy Experiences

"Brighid has a soothing and gentle way of inviting you to explore nature through your senses and experience the world in a different way! She creates an environment where time seems to stand still, where you can be fully present, and where you feel like you've been on a mini-vacation once it's over! It's truly a special thing!"

— Heidi M., Forest Bathing Participant

"10 out of 10! I left feeling noticeably more grounded, at peace and in tune with myself. Even though I would have loved warmer temperatures, the snowflakes that started falling during the experience were magical and made the whole experience that much better! I am grateful for Brighid's enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a "fun" mindfulness experience!"

—Lee T., Forest Bathing Participant

"There is something magical about the woods, and we are usually too busy to really relish in that magic. I loved the opportunity to be in my own company, no distractions, experiencing all that was around me. Brighid strikes just the right balance between offering guidance and allowing independent discovery. I left feeling peaceful and grounded. Highly restorative. I will definitely be back!

— Jen M., Forest Bathing Participant