Rachel Hessen Connelly
Rachel Hessen Connelly was one of the first teachers who joined our team in 2020 and is one of the kindest and most sincere people we know. Her ability to help others (including us!) find calm within a crazy world is unparalleled. She’s been on our team ever since joining in 2020. She’s supported one of our flagship Chicago based nonprofits, Connections for Abused Women and their Children from the start.
She originally worked a desk job, but then was inspired by the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, “the essence of which is to do something that scares you.” In 2010, she decided that life is too short, and left it all for something that would inspire her. It was then she took her first yoga teacher training and never looked back. She’s since obtained multiple certifications and has helped train other yoga teachers.
Rachel has found that physical strength and focus of yoga led to the mental counterpart of confidence and peace and that much can actually be gained through the act of letting go. In addition to yoga, Rachel enjoys a vibrant life in Chicago with her partner Jim, her morning coffee, eating ice cream as often as possible, and strolling by magnificent Lake Michigan.
Rachel has supported Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) from the beginning. CAWC is a nonprofit committed to ending domestic violence. Using a self-help, empowerment approach, they provide a shelter for adults and children, counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for people affected by domestic violence. They work for social change through education, service collaboration, and institutional advocacy.
CAWC believes that all people have a right to violence-free lives. They believe that abusive acts are acts of power and control that the victim does not provoke, enjoy or deserve. They believe in holding perpetrators of abuse accountable for their actions. They believe that all people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. They believe that victims of abuse can regain control of their lives through appropriate support services, information and referral to community services.
