“Yoga is more than a posture — it’s a practice of presence and purpose.”
OCTOBER 10–12, 2025
SANKOFA YOGA & WELLNESS CENTER
302 MAIN STREET • LAUREL, MD 20707
Join us this October for Yoga as a Peace Practice®: Cultivating Resilience, Strengthening Community, a gathering designed to support your resilience as a teacher and practitioner navigating a shifting world. Let’s restore together — and explore new ways to serve ourselves and our communities with clarity, compassion, and courage.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, October 10 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, October 11 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 12 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTRATION RATES
Early Bird until October 1, 2025
BYTA Members & Sankofa and Spiritual Essence YTTs | $195
Non-Members | $225
After October 1, 2025
BYTA Members & Sankofa and Spiritual Essence YTTs | $225
Non-Members | $250
NEED HELP REGISTERING?
For questions or assistance, contact —
Toya Y. Moore, YPP Coordinator
Toya.y.moore@gmail.com
or contact
blackyogateachers@gmail.com
About Sankofa Yoga & Wellness Center
We are proud to host Yoga As A Peace Practice®: Cultivating Resilience, Strengthening Community at Sankofa Yoga & Wellness Center in Laurel, Maryland.
Founded by Tamisha and Marcus Ponder, it is a welcoming space dedicated to physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Based on the West African principle of Sankofa—which encourages us to honor the past as we move forward—the studio promotes reflection, healing, and community growth.
With its inclusive approach and dedication to cultural connection, Sankofa is more than a yoga studio — it’s the perfect venue for this year’s Yoga As A Peace Practice® gathering in the DMV. We are proud to partner with them for this impactful event.
MEET THE GUIDES
JANA LONG
Jana Long is a yoga therapist, educator, nonprofit leader, and co-creator of Yoga as a Peace Practice® a contemplative program based on restorative yoga and social justice. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance (BYTA) and owns Power of One Yoga, where she develops therapeutic practices for older adults. Jana has studied and practiced yoga for over 50 years, dedicating her life to wellness, representation, and community transformation through yoga.
TOYA Y. MOORE
Toya Y. Moore is an Air Force veteran who returned from active duty in 2016 after 23 years of service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology from Park University and a Master’s degree in Positive Psychology from Life University. She is a master resilience trainer, a certified/registered yoga teacher, a mental health first aid instructor, and a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant.
Dr. Tamisha Ponder
Dr. Tamisha J. Ponder is the founder and CEO of Sankofa Yoga & Wellness in Laurel, MD, where she develops holistic healing spaces grounded in cultural restoration and equity. With a background in community organizing, higher education, and holistic health, she guides initiatives that enhance access, cultural competency, and decolonized education. A yoga and meditation instructor, doula, and Reiki Master, Dr. Ponder also directs the Sankofa Yoga School, training others to continue the work of healing and advocacy in their communities.
Dana A. Smith
Dana A. Smith is the founder and owner of Spiritual Essence Yoga and the creative visionary behind the international YES! Yoga Has Curves movement. She is a wife, mother, certified yoga teacher/trainer, coach, and wellness practitioner. Since 2003, she has been a pioneer for inclusive yoga in the West. Dana teaches yoga as a tool for powerful life transformation. Although she has trained over 500 yoga teachers since 2008, she considers herself a lifelong student.
ABOUT LAUREL, MARYLAND
Halfway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Laurel is a river town with a retro heartbeat. Main Street is its crown jewel—lined with vintage shops, global markets, and family-run cafés that invite you to linger. Historic buildings, friendly faces, and the scent of spices and fresh coffee make every stroll a little adventure. Come for the yoga, stay for the charm.
HOW TO GET THERE
Whether you’re arriving by car, plane, train, or bus, Laurel is conveniently located between Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD. Below are directions from all major points of entry:
EVENT LOCATION
Sankofa Yoga & Wellness Center
302 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707
BY CAR
From Washington, DC
(approx. 30 mins)
Take I-295 North (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). Exit at MD-197 North (Laurel-Bowie Rd). Turn left onto Main Street.
From Baltimore, MD
(approx. 30 mins)
Take I-95 South to Exit 35A for MD-216 East toward Laurel. Follow signs to Main Street.
From Annapolis, MD
(approx. 45 mins)
Take US-50 West to MD-197 North. Follow MD-197 to Main Street in Laurel.
From Northern Virginia
(approx. 45–60 mins)
Take I-495 toward Baltimore. Exit at I-95 North toward Baltimore. Exit at MD-216 East and continue to Main Street.
Free parking is available on Main Street and in nearby public lots.
BY AIR
From BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
(approx. 25 mins)
Take I-195 West to I-95 South. Exit at MD-216 East and follow to Main Street.
From Reagan National Airport
(approx. 40 mins)
Take George Washington Parkway to I-495 North, then I-95 North to MD-216 East.
From Dulles International Airport
(approx. 1 hour):
Take VA-267 East to I-495 North to I-95 North. Exit at MD-216 East.
Rideshare and rental cars are available at all airports.
BY TRAIN
Amtrak or MARC Train
Take the MARC Camden Line or Amtrak Northeast Regional to Laurel Station. The station is a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk to Main Street.
From DC (Union Station)
Take the MARC Camden Line toward Baltimore. Exit at Laurel Station.
BY BUS
Greyhound or Megabus to Baltimore or DC
From either terminal, take local transportation or ride-share to Laurel.
Metrobus Route 87 / 89M / 302
These connect with Greenbelt Metro Station (Green Line) and serve the Laurel area. Plan your trip at WMATA
Need help planning your trip? Email us at blackyogateachers@gmail.com
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO LAUREL!
WHERE TO STAY
If you require overnight accommodations, several hotels are conveniently located near Sankofa Yoga & Wellness.
WHERE TO EAT
Olive on Main, 504 Main Street (Mediterranean)
Oliver’s Old Town Tavern, 531 Main Street (Gastropub)
Skyvibe Restaurant & Lounge, 352 Main Street (Restaurant)
Red Hot and Blue Laurel, 677 Main Street (Barbeque)
Pho Viet 75, 363 Main Street (Vietnamese)
Caribe Express, 338 Main Street (Caribbean)
RagaMuffins Coffee House, 385 Main Street (Cafe)
Myste Lounge, 349 Main Street (Lounge)
Tampico Grill, 42 Washington Blvd. (Mexican)