Megan Ridge Morris
E-RYT® 500, RCYT®, RPYT®, YACEP®, CD®
Thank you for visiting my website! Here's a story...
After graduating from Bloomsburg University in 2006 with a degree in theatre arts, I landed my first acting internship. Requirements for interns included weekly yoga. After my very first class, I was in love. I knew in that moment that I had to learn everything I could about this practice, not only for the purpose of my own growth and transformation, but also so I could learn how to share the benefits with as many people as possible.
I've been studying yoga & mindfulness ever since and started teaching as a full-time, professional yoga teacher in 2008. I received my 200-hour & 300-hour certifications through The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem and was a co-teacher of their 200-hour teacher training program for a decade.
I spent several years studying with Seane Corn, completing her vinyasa flow teacher training and additional leadership training programs, integrating yoga with activism. In 2009, I raised over $20,000 to support humanitarian projects in Africa through the non-profit yoga organization, Off the Mat, Into the World. I traveled to Uganda for three weeks with the OTM team to aid in the building of an eco-birthing center and a seven room schoolhouse. Upon returning from Africa, I became a senior leader for OTM, igniting interest in their programs and empowering others to step into sustainable leadership roles in their local communities.
My interest in prenatal yoga began in 2013 when I became pregnant for the first time. Unfortunately, that pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage, but I decided to take a prenatal yoga training anyway. This was a life changing experience for me, and provided the important knowledge I needed not only to start accommodating pregnant students in my public classes, but also to move through my subsequent pregnancies with trust and confidence.
Building community has always been a priority in my life and teaching prenatal yoga has provided a great opportunity to bring people together. I love that my students arrive early and stay late just to chat and share experiences around pregnancy, birth and new parenthood. It is truly a privilege to be a part of each of my students' journeys and as a certified birth doula, I am honored to support growing families outside of the classroom as well. I strongly believe that a combination of prenatal yoga, doula support and unbiased childbirth education greatly increases the chances of achieving desired birth outcomes. And for that reason, I also offer both an in-person and online Childbirth Education Class!
In 2015, I took my first ChildLight Teacher Training, which focused on how to teach yoga to babies and toddlers. This sealed the deal for me! From then on, I chose to specialize in teaching prenatal & postnatal yoga, and yoga for babies and toddlers. However, I am dedicated to making yoga accessible to all. My classes are dynamic and intuitive, with a strong emphasis on mindful breathing and aligning the body appropriately. I provide clear and concise instructions so that beginners learn how to practice yoga safely and mindfully. Of course, the baby and toddler classes are a little different! Expect lots of laughter, singing and active, creative movement.
Over the years, I have taught at yoga studios, schools, corporations, prisons as well as private sessions at students' homes. I also teach virtually over Zoom. I especially enjoy my work as a ChildLight trainer, teaching their Yoga for Babies & Toddlers Teacher Training, 85hr Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, and Gentle Yoga for Seniors Teacher Training. This opportunity has allowed me to remain deeply engaged with the communities that I am called to serve.
In October of 2019, my business partner, Sally Delisle, and I purchased ChildLight! We continue to offer all of the same beloved yoga, mindfulness and new wellness trainings for the whole family! Check out our Doula Training Program here!
I currently reside in Hellertown, PA with my husband and two young children. My children's book, The Omazing Om, was inspired by my youngest child, Gracie!
Thank you for taking the time to read about me!
With Gratitude,
Megan
After graduating from Bloomsburg University in 2006 with a degree in theatre arts, I landed my first acting internship. Requirements for interns included weekly yoga. After my very first class, I was in love. I knew in that moment that I had to learn everything I could about this practice, not only for the purpose of my own growth and transformation, but also so I could learn how to share the benefits with as many people as possible.
I've been studying yoga & mindfulness ever since and started teaching as a full-time, professional yoga teacher in 2008. I received my 200-hour & 300-hour certifications through The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem and was a co-teacher of their 200-hour teacher training program for a decade.
I spent several years studying with Seane Corn, completing her vinyasa flow teacher training and additional leadership training programs, integrating yoga with activism. In 2009, I raised over $20,000 to support humanitarian projects in Africa through the non-profit yoga organization, Off the Mat, Into the World. I traveled to Uganda for three weeks with the OTM team to aid in the building of an eco-birthing center and a seven room schoolhouse. Upon returning from Africa, I became a senior leader for OTM, igniting interest in their programs and empowering others to step into sustainable leadership roles in their local communities.
My interest in prenatal yoga began in 2013 when I became pregnant for the first time. Unfortunately, that pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage, but I decided to take a prenatal yoga training anyway. This was a life changing experience for me, and provided the important knowledge I needed not only to start accommodating pregnant students in my public classes, but also to move through my subsequent pregnancies with trust and confidence.
Building community has always been a priority in my life and teaching prenatal yoga has provided a great opportunity to bring people together. I love that my students arrive early and stay late just to chat and share experiences around pregnancy, birth and new parenthood. It is truly a privilege to be a part of each of my students' journeys and as a certified birth doula, I am honored to support growing families outside of the classroom as well. I strongly believe that a combination of prenatal yoga, doula support and unbiased childbirth education greatly increases the chances of achieving desired birth outcomes. And for that reason, I also offer both an in-person and online Childbirth Education Class!
In 2015, I took my first ChildLight Teacher Training, which focused on how to teach yoga to babies and toddlers. This sealed the deal for me! From then on, I chose to specialize in teaching prenatal & postnatal yoga, and yoga for babies and toddlers. However, I am dedicated to making yoga accessible to all. My classes are dynamic and intuitive, with a strong emphasis on mindful breathing and aligning the body appropriately. I provide clear and concise instructions so that beginners learn how to practice yoga safely and mindfully. Of course, the baby and toddler classes are a little different! Expect lots of laughter, singing and active, creative movement.
Over the years, I have taught at yoga studios, schools, corporations, prisons as well as private sessions at students' homes. I also teach virtually over Zoom. I especially enjoy my work as a ChildLight trainer, teaching their Yoga for Babies & Toddlers Teacher Training, 85hr Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, and Gentle Yoga for Seniors Teacher Training. This opportunity has allowed me to remain deeply engaged with the communities that I am called to serve.
In October of 2019, my business partner, Sally Delisle, and I purchased ChildLight! We continue to offer all of the same beloved yoga, mindfulness and new wellness trainings for the whole family! Check out our Doula Training Program here!
I currently reside in Hellertown, PA with my husband and two young children. My children's book, The Omazing Om, was inspired by my youngest child, Gracie!
Thank you for taking the time to read about me!
With Gratitude,
Megan
Testimonials
"Thank you for all that you do and the care with which you treat this process for all your mom yoga participants and clients - your passionate, caring and thoughtful treatment of all women through their pregnancy is noted and very much valued. I looked forward to yoga with you every week and found especially in this Covid world that practicing with you was very important to my self care and well being." ~ Tierney Gallagher
“I am grateful for all the work Megan does and for the community that she’s created. I am so grateful to have found her prenatal yoga class. Megan is such a skilled and encouraging teacher. Because of her class, I connected with a great group of local moms who have been so essential to my experience as a new parent! Megan has had a really positive influence on my pregnancy and early parenthood.” ~ Melissa Kerr
“I’ve taken several public classes with Megan. She has consistently been a patient, positive yoga instructor with a firm handle on the philosophy and teachings behind the yoga practice. The confidence she has instilled in me as a beginner has inspired me to continue to develop my own yoga skills and try to live more mindfully in the present. In this time, from Megan’s example, I have increased strength and flexibility, as well as discovered a new method for handling stress and anxiety. I feel strongly that anyone interested in yoga would benefit from Megan’s dedication to the practice.” ~ Megan Donovan
"From the early days of pregnancy to the birth of my son, I attended Megan's prenatal yoga class each week to strengthen my muscles and mind for childbirth. When I began my journey with Megan, I had no idea how important her lessons would be when applied off the yoga mat! Her focus on relaxation, breathing techniques, and self-empowerment was the single most powerful guide during my unmedicated labor and delivery. The memory of Megan's calming voice kept me mindful; her reminders to breath slowly and deeply gave me the strength to make it to the next lull between contractions. Not only did the practice of prenatal yoga with Megan help me to achieve the birth experience I had hoped for, but her ability to form connections with and between her yoga students also created a community of women that has continued to be a support network for me as I navigate my first years of motherhood. Thank you, Megan, for the pleasant memories and for all of the relaxation tools I will continue to practice in the future." ~ Karen Alexander
"Megan was my first yoga teacher! At the time, I felt very intimidated by yoga. I didn't think it was a guy's thing, especially a very inflexible guy, who was more into soccer than stretching before or after a game. But Megan made yoga totally accessible with her super down to Earth, simple and "you can do this" matter of fact way of teaching. Taking her class now, almost eight years later, still makes me feel, "Yeah, I can do this... I can dig it!" ~ Franco Abott
"My son was born about 33 hours after my water broke. I am so thankful that my partner and I worked with Megan as our doula. I can't imagine having to go through those two days without her. She was an invaluable source of comfort, guidance and reassurance. If you are ever pregnant and looking for a doula, I can't recommend Megan enough." ~ Laini Abraham
"I would like to share my positive experience with Megan's infant yoga classes. We started her classes when my little one was nearing three months old. He so much enjoyed the classes that we began doing 'baby yoga' at home. Soon, my husband began learning as well and now I catch them doing yoga together all the time. It's a great bonding experience for all of us and always puts baby in a great, smiling mood." ~ Natasha Cartwright
"I have been attending Megan's yoga classes for over eight years now. During class, Megan's gentle voice leads us through various poses that are designed to help with flexibility, relaxation and general well-being. Having arthritis can be very debilitating but I have found that I have been able to stave off many of the effects of this disease. Her attention to the students needs is always there. She will always modify a pose if needed. I've often wondered how I can feel so rejuvenated and relaxed at the same time after one of her classes but that's what happens to me. I also purchased one of her CDs so I can practice at home or traveling. Thanks to Megan I have found that yoga has not only made me more flexible but has taught me to be more patient and tolerant of what my body can or cannot do." ~ Pat Sickler
"Megan has been my doula for two pregnancies. In my first pregnancy, I was worried about managing anxiety, preventing interventions, and having a natural hospital birth. Halfway through my pregnancy, my OB was concerned about my high blood pressure. The 2x-a-week NSTs and frequent doctor visits were stressful. I wanted to trust my body but was getting pressure from my OB office to induce early. Throughout the whole time, Megan helped me manage my anxiety with positive affirmations, prenatal yoga, and breathing techniques. When I needed advice on something she'd remind me of the BRAIN acronym = Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing. My water broke at home at 37 weeks. As soon as I got to the hospital the staff wanted to put me on Pitocin. I remembered the natural methods of induction from Megan and asked for those first. When she arrived at the hospital she provided a break for my husband and helped me manage the pain of contractions with a birth ball and deep moaning. I consented to low-dose Pitocin to help contractions and magnesium because of my severe high blood pressure. So while my birth was not unmedicated, I managed to deliver naturally without a c-section. The nurses couldn't believe that I had Pitocin AND magnesium and still delivered naturally with no pain medicine. Afterward, she provided lactation support and took photos for us. The empowerment that she instilled in me on that day and the weeks leading up to it has changed my life forever. ~ Jess S.
"Megan's prenatal yoga class has been incredibly helpful for my body pain issues as well as mental health during pregnancy. even my PT thinks it's doing wonders for my pelvic floor. I'd recommend these classes to any pregnant or postpartum woman!" ~ Krista L.
"Megan's knowledge, support, and guidance throughout my pregnancy and labor is solely responsible for my amazingly positive and meaningful birth experience. Throughout the experience, I did not feel as though I were a client working with a professional delivering a service. Rather, as I welcomed Megan into my home for prenatal meetings and into the delivery room for the birth of my first child, I welcomed in a trusted friend who I knew would support my family and me unconditionally. Megan's knowledge of alternative methods of pain management and quiet strength and control put me at ease during anxious days of pregnancy as well as during the stress of labor. While Megan delivers a set number of contracted meetings, she made herself present as a source of support and encouragement on a daily and weekly basis when necessary. Her total investment in my pregnancy was evident from the moment we met to welcoming my daughter and beyond. Megan's support in developing a list of birth preferences empowered me to take control of my own care and the care of my child during birth. Megan's experience in hospital settings enabled her to provide me with the knowledge and support to advocate for the type of birth experience I wanted (as nuturing and natural as possible) within the sterile hospital setting. Megan is able to provide this support while respecting the policies and procedures implemented by the medical side of birth. Additionally, Megan's lead provided my husband (a first time father) with the ability to be fully involved in my birth experience in a meaningful and beneficial way. He would not have had the positive experience he did without her guidance. Childbirth was an amazing experience and I credit Megan's involvement with making it possible. I will have her by my side for any future pregnancies." ~ Kelly Paxton
"Megan is friendly, knowledgeable, dedicated & nurturing. Her classes are always unique & dynamic. Personally, I find challenging opportunities within each session, and it's always enjoyable. The different environments that she teaches in are comfortable, safe & inviting." ~ Mary Snyder
"Megan's calm and soothing demeanor always made everyone on the retreat feel at ease. I loved observing the retreat guests slowly float out of her restorative classes with an expression of pure bliss on their faces. She and her teaching style was the perfect balance to my classes. Megan was the yin to my yang making for an amazing and memorable experience. Can't wait for our next journey together!" ~ Laurel Attanasio, Tulum retreat co-leader
"I am SO very grateful for Megan and everything she did for us as our doula. I wanted to do a completely natural birth with no pain medication, so I knew I'd need some extra support! Megan was incredible. She worked with us before the birth to help us make all of the decisions (I had no idea there were so many!) and create our ideal birth plan. I felt very prepared and calm leading up to my birth because of this. I called Megan a few hours into my labor and she was very calm - which was super helpful at that point. She met us at the hospital right away and was such a calm, grounding presence the entire time I was laboring and birthing my baby girl. About halfway through my labor, I asked for pain meds - and Megan confidently reminded me of my birth plan. Her approach and attitude really helped me stick to the plan I had created - and I was so excited/proud of myself for doing so! She was great at the hospital in helping me communicate with the doctors and nurses, keeping me as relaxed as possible (she kept putting a cool cloth with lavendar oil on my forehead - one of the few things that I felt really helped calm me during breaks between contractions), and helping me stay strong and focused. My birth went amazingly well and I am so grateful to Megan for the role she played in that. I will most definitely use her as my doula for baby #2!" ~ Rachel Abott
“I had my baby as hoped, absolutely no interventions and no meds. I feel like the yoga I did with Megan really helped me relax in my body during labor. Because of the exercises we did, I knew to accept the pain and breath into it. I also understood my body a lot more because of the class too.” ~ Lisa Smith
“Megan’s gentle class yesterday was awesome! We never stood up. It was sooooo relaxing. Yet, even before I got out of bed this morning, my abs and arms were saying to me, ‘Who are you kidding that you didn’t use us yesterday in yoga class?’ Ha Ha ha... Thanks for the relaxation AND the workout!” ~ Sharon Gombotz
"I am so happy I decided to attend the yoga retreat in Tulum, MX organized and taught by Laurel and Megan. At first I was reluctant since I was going solo. But I met 20 like-minded yoginis who were so much fun to share the experience and I made several friends that will last a lifetime. In addition, the surrounds were beautiful! The Amansala Resort was the perfect venue for our week of yoga with great food, a magnificent ocean, moonlight and millions of stars! Thank you Laurel and Megan for providing me with this lifelong memory! I'm looking forward to the next trip!" ~ Laura Cambiotti
“I am grateful for all the work Megan does and for the community that she’s created. I am so grateful to have found her prenatal yoga class. Megan is such a skilled and encouraging teacher. Because of her class, I connected with a great group of local moms who have been so essential to my experience as a new parent! Megan has had a really positive influence on my pregnancy and early parenthood.” ~ Melissa Kerr
“I’ve taken several public classes with Megan. She has consistently been a patient, positive yoga instructor with a firm handle on the philosophy and teachings behind the yoga practice. The confidence she has instilled in me as a beginner has inspired me to continue to develop my own yoga skills and try to live more mindfully in the present. In this time, from Megan’s example, I have increased strength and flexibility, as well as discovered a new method for handling stress and anxiety. I feel strongly that anyone interested in yoga would benefit from Megan’s dedication to the practice.” ~ Megan Donovan
"From the early days of pregnancy to the birth of my son, I attended Megan's prenatal yoga class each week to strengthen my muscles and mind for childbirth. When I began my journey with Megan, I had no idea how important her lessons would be when applied off the yoga mat! Her focus on relaxation, breathing techniques, and self-empowerment was the single most powerful guide during my unmedicated labor and delivery. The memory of Megan's calming voice kept me mindful; her reminders to breath slowly and deeply gave me the strength to make it to the next lull between contractions. Not only did the practice of prenatal yoga with Megan help me to achieve the birth experience I had hoped for, but her ability to form connections with and between her yoga students also created a community of women that has continued to be a support network for me as I navigate my first years of motherhood. Thank you, Megan, for the pleasant memories and for all of the relaxation tools I will continue to practice in the future." ~ Karen Alexander
"Megan was my first yoga teacher! At the time, I felt very intimidated by yoga. I didn't think it was a guy's thing, especially a very inflexible guy, who was more into soccer than stretching before or after a game. But Megan made yoga totally accessible with her super down to Earth, simple and "you can do this" matter of fact way of teaching. Taking her class now, almost eight years later, still makes me feel, "Yeah, I can do this... I can dig it!" ~ Franco Abott
"My son was born about 33 hours after my water broke. I am so thankful that my partner and I worked with Megan as our doula. I can't imagine having to go through those two days without her. She was an invaluable source of comfort, guidance and reassurance. If you are ever pregnant and looking for a doula, I can't recommend Megan enough." ~ Laini Abraham
"I would like to share my positive experience with Megan's infant yoga classes. We started her classes when my little one was nearing three months old. He so much enjoyed the classes that we began doing 'baby yoga' at home. Soon, my husband began learning as well and now I catch them doing yoga together all the time. It's a great bonding experience for all of us and always puts baby in a great, smiling mood." ~ Natasha Cartwright
"I have been attending Megan's yoga classes for over eight years now. During class, Megan's gentle voice leads us through various poses that are designed to help with flexibility, relaxation and general well-being. Having arthritis can be very debilitating but I have found that I have been able to stave off many of the effects of this disease. Her attention to the students needs is always there. She will always modify a pose if needed. I've often wondered how I can feel so rejuvenated and relaxed at the same time after one of her classes but that's what happens to me. I also purchased one of her CDs so I can practice at home or traveling. Thanks to Megan I have found that yoga has not only made me more flexible but has taught me to be more patient and tolerant of what my body can or cannot do." ~ Pat Sickler
"Megan has been my doula for two pregnancies. In my first pregnancy, I was worried about managing anxiety, preventing interventions, and having a natural hospital birth. Halfway through my pregnancy, my OB was concerned about my high blood pressure. The 2x-a-week NSTs and frequent doctor visits were stressful. I wanted to trust my body but was getting pressure from my OB office to induce early. Throughout the whole time, Megan helped me manage my anxiety with positive affirmations, prenatal yoga, and breathing techniques. When I needed advice on something she'd remind me of the BRAIN acronym = Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing. My water broke at home at 37 weeks. As soon as I got to the hospital the staff wanted to put me on Pitocin. I remembered the natural methods of induction from Megan and asked for those first. When she arrived at the hospital she provided a break for my husband and helped me manage the pain of contractions with a birth ball and deep moaning. I consented to low-dose Pitocin to help contractions and magnesium because of my severe high blood pressure. So while my birth was not unmedicated, I managed to deliver naturally without a c-section. The nurses couldn't believe that I had Pitocin AND magnesium and still delivered naturally with no pain medicine. Afterward, she provided lactation support and took photos for us. The empowerment that she instilled in me on that day and the weeks leading up to it has changed my life forever. ~ Jess S.
"Megan's prenatal yoga class has been incredibly helpful for my body pain issues as well as mental health during pregnancy. even my PT thinks it's doing wonders for my pelvic floor. I'd recommend these classes to any pregnant or postpartum woman!" ~ Krista L.
"Megan's knowledge, support, and guidance throughout my pregnancy and labor is solely responsible for my amazingly positive and meaningful birth experience. Throughout the experience, I did not feel as though I were a client working with a professional delivering a service. Rather, as I welcomed Megan into my home for prenatal meetings and into the delivery room for the birth of my first child, I welcomed in a trusted friend who I knew would support my family and me unconditionally. Megan's knowledge of alternative methods of pain management and quiet strength and control put me at ease during anxious days of pregnancy as well as during the stress of labor. While Megan delivers a set number of contracted meetings, she made herself present as a source of support and encouragement on a daily and weekly basis when necessary. Her total investment in my pregnancy was evident from the moment we met to welcoming my daughter and beyond. Megan's support in developing a list of birth preferences empowered me to take control of my own care and the care of my child during birth. Megan's experience in hospital settings enabled her to provide me with the knowledge and support to advocate for the type of birth experience I wanted (as nuturing and natural as possible) within the sterile hospital setting. Megan is able to provide this support while respecting the policies and procedures implemented by the medical side of birth. Additionally, Megan's lead provided my husband (a first time father) with the ability to be fully involved in my birth experience in a meaningful and beneficial way. He would not have had the positive experience he did without her guidance. Childbirth was an amazing experience and I credit Megan's involvement with making it possible. I will have her by my side for any future pregnancies." ~ Kelly Paxton
"Megan is friendly, knowledgeable, dedicated & nurturing. Her classes are always unique & dynamic. Personally, I find challenging opportunities within each session, and it's always enjoyable. The different environments that she teaches in are comfortable, safe & inviting." ~ Mary Snyder
"Megan's calm and soothing demeanor always made everyone on the retreat feel at ease. I loved observing the retreat guests slowly float out of her restorative classes with an expression of pure bliss on their faces. She and her teaching style was the perfect balance to my classes. Megan was the yin to my yang making for an amazing and memorable experience. Can't wait for our next journey together!" ~ Laurel Attanasio, Tulum retreat co-leader
"I am SO very grateful for Megan and everything she did for us as our doula. I wanted to do a completely natural birth with no pain medication, so I knew I'd need some extra support! Megan was incredible. She worked with us before the birth to help us make all of the decisions (I had no idea there were so many!) and create our ideal birth plan. I felt very prepared and calm leading up to my birth because of this. I called Megan a few hours into my labor and she was very calm - which was super helpful at that point. She met us at the hospital right away and was such a calm, grounding presence the entire time I was laboring and birthing my baby girl. About halfway through my labor, I asked for pain meds - and Megan confidently reminded me of my birth plan. Her approach and attitude really helped me stick to the plan I had created - and I was so excited/proud of myself for doing so! She was great at the hospital in helping me communicate with the doctors and nurses, keeping me as relaxed as possible (she kept putting a cool cloth with lavendar oil on my forehead - one of the few things that I felt really helped calm me during breaks between contractions), and helping me stay strong and focused. My birth went amazingly well and I am so grateful to Megan for the role she played in that. I will most definitely use her as my doula for baby #2!" ~ Rachel Abott
“I had my baby as hoped, absolutely no interventions and no meds. I feel like the yoga I did with Megan really helped me relax in my body during labor. Because of the exercises we did, I knew to accept the pain and breath into it. I also understood my body a lot more because of the class too.” ~ Lisa Smith
“Megan’s gentle class yesterday was awesome! We never stood up. It was sooooo relaxing. Yet, even before I got out of bed this morning, my abs and arms were saying to me, ‘Who are you kidding that you didn’t use us yesterday in yoga class?’ Ha Ha ha... Thanks for the relaxation AND the workout!” ~ Sharon Gombotz
"I am so happy I decided to attend the yoga retreat in Tulum, MX organized and taught by Laurel and Megan. At first I was reluctant since I was going solo. But I met 20 like-minded yoginis who were so much fun to share the experience and I made several friends that will last a lifetime. In addition, the surrounds were beautiful! The Amansala Resort was the perfect venue for our week of yoga with great food, a magnificent ocean, moonlight and millions of stars! Thank you Laurel and Megan for providing me with this lifelong memory! I'm looking forward to the next trip!" ~ Laura Cambiotti
