Movement with a bigger purpose.
Afro Yogi Kids was created from the belief that children's wellness should be joyful, accessible, culturally meaningful and connected to the skills children need in everyday life.
Children shouldn't have to wait until adulthood to learn how to pause, breathe and trust themselves.
Afro Yogi Kids was created from the belief that children's wellness should be joyful, accessible, culturally meaningful and connected to the skills children need in everyday life.
Children shouldn't have to wait until adulthood to learn how to pause, breathe, understand their emotions, trust themselves or recognize their own strength.
Afro Yogi Kids creates spaces where children can move their bodies, use their imaginations, challenge themselves, laugh, connect and practice wellness in ways that actually feel like childhood.
Lakischa Smith, MPH
Founder & Instructor
Lakischa Smith, MPH
Lakischa's approach to children's wellness extends beyond teaching yoga poses. Her background in public health, behavioral health, community programming and children's wellness shapes experiences that encourage children to move, think, connect, express themselves and discover their own capabilities.
Her goal is simple: create spaces where children can experience wellness while still being children.
Background
- Master of Public Health — Healthcare Management & Policy
- B.S. in Allied Health / Health Sciences
- Certified Kids Yoga Instructor
- Certified Shadow Worker
- Experience in behavioral health administration
- Community organizing & community-centered programming
Children already possess creativity, intelligence, joy and potential. My job is to create experiences where those qualities have room to grow.
A journey bigger than yoga.
“Long before this next chapter of Afro Yogi Kids, I had opportunities to work with children from different communities, cultures and parts of the world. I've worked with children in Africa and across the United States, including California, New York and Chicago, along with children in other communities throughout my journey.”
“Those experiences taught me something I still carry with me today: children may grow up in very different places, but their need to feel seen, capable, curious, confident and connected is universal.”
“That's what I want Afro Yogi Kids to make room for. Yoga and movement are part of what we do, but they're not the whole story. We move. We play. We think. We breathe. We problem-solve. We build confidence. And most importantly, children get room to simply be children.”
Hover or tap a place
What we make room for
Children don't need to be perfect at yoga.
They need opportunities to discover what they're capable of.
There is no "best yogi" at Afro Yogi Kids. Children are encouraged to explore movement safely, respect their bodies, try new things and recognize their own progress.
We celebrate:
And sometimes… we celebrate falling out of a yoga pose and laughing about it.
Research meets play.
Research into school-based yoga and mindfulness suggests these practices may support areas including self-regulation, attention, emotional awareness, coping skills and social-emotional development. Our programming combines these practices with developmentally appropriate movement, games and opportunities for children to build confidence and connection.
Resources & references
Research references and a resource list are available on request — we're happy to share what informs our programming with your team.
Request referencesLet's build something joyful for your children.
Afro Yogi Kids meets children where they are — with movement, mindfulness, culture and play. Let's create the space together.