Footprints to Recovery NJ: What Was Built Within Those Walls

Yesterday I deconstructed my yoga room at Footprints to Recovery NJ, my teaching home for the past seven years.

I piled everything into the center of the room for removal. All pictures and decor are down. All shelving, props, lighting, etc., pulled together. Just like that, the room lost its purpose. But our spirit will forever remain.

I needed that deconstruction for closure. It felt like shutting the door so I could open the next.

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I found out a few weeks ago that the Footprints location in New Jersey would be permanently closing. Stunned by this news, my heart fell in and out of heaviness over the following days and weeks.

I spent the first weekend after hearing this completely flat, with no excitement, joy, creativity, or focus. My body felt lifeless. I gave in to this, allowing myself to feel this deep loss.

This was not just the loss of a job. This community was more than that. A certain dynamic emerged, creating something very special that can only be experienced, not written about. But I will try to express it the best I can. There are very few words to describe the level of care for staff and clients simultaneously that built what it was.

What made this loss so deep was not just what was ending, but what had been created within those walls.

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I have worked at many recovery centers since 2014, and when I landed at Footprints, I felt the spirit. Those involved truly cared about creating a program that was rich and deep. The team cared about the clients, their wellness, and ways we as a team could do better for them.

I truly felt this at my first meeting with the staff.

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My interview with three wise and inspired women consisted of a presentation of my program, which generated excitement on both sides. We were all on the same page, and the most beautiful part, which I will never forget, was when they asked me, “What do you need from us?”

My response was simple: “I just need your support of the program.”

They were already in, I already had the support, and the program began.

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At first, it was only my front-loaded format, education on the chakra and the step, followed by the corresponding yoga practice. After a year or two, I presented the self-regulation program (great for managing trauma triggers, anxiety, and depression), and once again, there was full support.

We added the groups to teach our people to embody the tools they needed. Simple and highly effective tools.

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The clients interested in the yoga program came to every practice they could. Witnessing people become alive to the practices, seeing them shift within our group from start to finish, whether subtle or big, those shifts were felt, allowing for an easier, softer day. Their shift in comfort was palpable to one another.

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It wasn’t just one approach; it was an ecosystem of care:

Yoga4Sobriety, chiropractic work, dance movement therapy, art, equine, horticulture, reiki, meditation, in addition to amazing groups doing parts work, empty chair, flip the script, trauma education, relapse prevention, not to mention EMDR, brain spotting, and more that I can’t even name.

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Individually, these modalities are supportive. But when they are interwoven, they give people a fighting chance. We need everything to battle this epidemic, every tool we can possibly offer, because one size does not fit all.

Addressing the core wounds takes courage and is emotionally exhaustive. Having programs to balance the deep dives is essential.

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Over the seven years, I watched the program take shape and flourish. I walked into the building, and the energy always put a smile on my face.

Everyone seemed ready to go, even on days when they were not. I always received smiles and connection. I loved greeting the staff, and the clients never failed to lift that energy even higher.

Our yoga groups were fun and intentional, with a well-curated curriculum.

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I also had the opportunity to support staff through self-care yoga classes and training. This was near and dear to my heart.

People in the field go through their own struggles, and the work can feel hopeless at times. Long hours writing notes after holding space for others can build tension, and it was a gift to be able to support them.

The training allowed the team to be more deeply connected through the work and utilize the practices for self-care and in their own sessions with clients.

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I want to take this time to honor every person who contributed to my experience, both staff and clients. To honor those who did not make it, those who did, and those who are still working on it.

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It is my hope that every treatment center can find leadership that is grounded, supportive, understanding, and, most importantly, caring.

Caring for faculty and clients.

Grounded means having the capacity to hold space for both the team and clients because you are clear, steady, and your own affairs are in order.

Supportive, listening to understand, and moving into a solution.

Understanding, realizing the humanity of all involved, and what individuals need to excel using their personal gifts.

Caring, because if you don’t, it will be felt on every level.

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This entire experience has been a gift. And now, I carry it forward into a new chapter at the Rutgers Center for Recovery and Wellbeing, once again alongside one of the women from my initial interview at Footprints.

May you all continue to hold sacred space for others so they may recover with dignity and be met with grace.