MEET OUR CO-FOUNDERS
BETH HOUGHTON
Beth Houghton founded Bendy Berry Yoga in 2009 - a unique and playful introduction to yoga for kids. She worked her way through several careers (film, tech. teaching, non-profit) before deciding on her final career of teaching yoga to kids. She loves bringing calmness, stillness and humor to both teaching and practicing yoga. Beth has been practicing yoga for 15 years. She was certified to teach children's yoga by Karma Kids Yoga, based in New York City in 2009. Beth received her certification to teach adult yoga in 2011 by completing 200 hours of training through Yoga Alliance and Flying Yoga Shala under Laura Camp.
After a decade of teaching in Bay Area schools, and with the encouragement of her business partner, Iman Mills Gordon, Beth decided to fulfill her dream and start the East Bay’s first yoga studio dedicated solely to teaching yoga to children. Yama Kids Yoga is the realization of that dream. So few people can or get to do what they love for work and she knows what a gift this studio is, both to her, to Iman, and to the kids who will come do yoga in this special space.
Beth lives in Oakland with her two kids - her best teachers, and many pets. Maybe too many pets. Her family reminds her to breathe deeply and laugh regularly - supporting, teaching and humbling her every day.
IMAN MILLS GORDON
Iman first experienced the Yama Kids Yoga model of kid-centered yoga almost three years ago through her 5-year old daughter. Iman was particularly inspired by the idea that the foundation of balance, mindfulness and wellness could start from a early age. With the strong belief that this would be a powerful experience for all Bay Area children, Iman and Beth discussed the possibility of increasing the number of children served by joining together to create the first kid’s yoga studio in the East Bay.
As a proud Oakland native, Iman is eager to contribute her energy and skills to ensure that Bay Area children have an opportunity to move, breathe, build confidence, and gain a broader understanding of our universal connection, all while having fun in a nurturing and kid-centered community.
Iman's education and professional experiences afford her business acumen, and strategic and logistical expertise. Most recently Iman has served as an education policy consultant for the University of California and previously as Director of Special Projects for Great Oakland Public Schools.
Iman lives in Oakland with her husband and two kids. Like many of us, Iman is actively pursuing her ultimate balance. Yoga and meditation have served as sanctuary in this journey. Moreover, the love, support, and encouragement from her family enable her to pursue her passion of empowering the next generation with tools for happy and healthy lives.
