Francie S. Richards

Francie Richards (she/her/hers)
Yoga, Wellness, Feminism and Social Change 

Francie is a yogi, social worker, Virgo, Enneagram 2 and ISFJ (importantly, like Beyonce).  After 20 years of advocating for social justice in nonprofits, politics, government and corporate settings, she found herself buried and burnt out.  Having never practiced yoga before, and frankly finding it all a little too “woo woo” for her at the time, she is forever grateful to have found Christina Thomas’ Yoga & Adventures Worldwide in 2018. Not only did she find extraordinary cultural experiences, but she also found the healing she’d been seeking in yoga.  She’s been on Y&AWW retreats to Tulum, Cuba, Oaxaca, Greece and El Cuyo, and she has taught her own retreats here in Michigan and in Mexico.

Francie’s practice leans into the emotional and spiritual components of yoga.  Her classes generally include meditation, pranayama and asana and are themed around an emotion, experience of skill we may be able to process, release or build on the mat.  Inspired by her favorite teacher Jess Apo, she is passionate about the music and selects lyrics and sounds that sink into the body and stay with the soul.  

As a woman of Mexican descent, she is passionate about BIPOC, queer and beautiful, large-bodied women who – like her at one time – don’t yet see themselves on the mat or don’t feel seen by mainstream yoga culture. She is especially passionate about supporting women who are at the front lines in our communities and need restoration, healing and to build wellness practices to fortify their impact and their own quality of life. 

Francie completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training and Certification at The Lab Chicago under the guidance of Chris Gilmore and Wade Gotwals.