More Than Just a Studio
By Xilali Roque-Delao and Cody Downing
Grassroots Yoga isn’t just a place to take yoga classes. It’s a space where people feel welcome and supported. Founded by Emilee Riggin, the center is built on the idea that mental health resources should be within reach for everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Emilee first turned to yoga as a way to manage stress, but it quickly became something more. It helped her clear her mind and feel more balanced. Over time, she realized yoga wasn’t just improving her life — it had the potential to bring people together and create lasting change in the community.”
Mental health is usually treated like a luxury,” Emilee says. “I wanted to change that. Grassroots Yoga exists to make self-care and healing more accessible.”
Since the beginning, the center has been focused on community. The classes range from slow, gentle movements to more intense workouts, but the focus remains on making yoga approachable for all. Emilee also keeps prices affordable, ensuring that financial limitations don’t prevent people from getting the support they need.
“Mental health is usually treated like a luxury. I wanted to change that. Grassroots Yoga is here to make wellness available to everyone.”
Beyond yoga, the center offers workshops and support groups on topics like stress, trauma, and mindfulness, led by experienced instructors and mental health professionals.
”It’s not about doing a perfect pose,” Emilee says. “It’s about having a safe place to relax, heal, breathe, and reset. When you walk in, you’re part of something bigger.”
Emilee is also committed to reaching people beyond the studio walls. She collaborates with local schools and organizations to bring free and low-cost classes to a wider audience, including outdoor sessions and specialized programs for teens, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers. Her mission is simple: to extend mental wellness opportunities to as many people as possible.
And it’s making a real difference. People who come to Grassroots Yoga say it’s helped them manage anxiety, recover from trauma, and feel a sense of belonging. “It’s not just a yoga studio,” says one regular. “It’s a place that truly cares.”
As the center enters its next phase of growth, Emilee is excited to welcome Brigette Pugh to the team. With her passion for holistic wellness and personal development, Brigette will help expand the center’s programs and strengthen its commitment to serving the community.
Looking ahead, Emilee envisions Grassroots Yoga evolving into a full-scale community wellness center, offering even more resources. She hopes to create a space where parents can bring their kids while they practice. “There’s so much need out there,” she says.“
Every class, every workshop, and every new connection is a step toward something greater.”
“She partners with local schools and organizations to offer free and low-cost classes, including sessions in the park and special programs for teens, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers.”
At a time when so many people struggle with mental health, Grassroots Yoga is proving that small, local efforts can lead to real change. Sometimes, all it takes is a deep breath and a supportive community to remind people that they are not alone.
