About Rooted Oak Chair Yoga

Welcome to Rooted Oak Chair Yoga, a space for healing, strength, and self-discovery through gentle, adaptive practices.

My name is Dena M. Peterson, and I am an Adaptive Yoga, Breath, and Meditation Instructor as well as a Recreational Therapy major at California State University, Long Beach. My teaching is grounded in both professional training and lived experience—I know firsthand what it means to navigate pain, healing, and resilience.

My Journey

My health challenges began early in life. At age 13, I underwent spinal surgery for scoliosis. In 2018, I fractured my left tibial plateau, and the corrective surgery left me with an undiagnosed leg length discrepancy. Over two years, this imbalance led to osteoporosis in my left leg and hip, and arthritis in my hips, back, and shoulders.

In December 2024, after years of symptoms, I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1, a neurological condition that affects balance, coordination, and motor control. Not long after, in July 2025, I suffered a femur fracture—further proof of the toll osteoporosis had taken on my body.

Through each setback, I’ve leaned into yoga, meditation, sound healing, and Reiki not only for my recovery but also as tools to help others. Today, with the support of my family and friends, I remain committed to my health, raising my son William, and completing my Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy.

My Training & Credentials

• Yoga Alliance 200-Hour Hatha Yoga & Meditation Certification 

• Freedom Wellness Reiki I & II Certified Practitioner

• Allihopa Yoga Master Class in Teaching Yoga to Individuals with Disabilities/Wheelchair Users

• CPR Certified (current)

• Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy (in progress, CSULB – Graduating 2026, Presidential Honor Roll)

I also bring years of professional experience teaching yoga, meditation, and sound healing in diverse settings—from senior living communities and wellness programs to physical therapy clinics and colleges. My approach emphasizes gentle effectiveness, adaptability, and inclusivity, ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, can access the benefits of yoga.

Rooted Oak Philosophy

The oak tree symbolizes resilience, grounding, and growth. Just like the oak, we can remain rooted through life’s storms while continuing to reach upward and outward. At Rooted Oak Chair Yoga, I offer:

• Adaptive Chair Yoga & Gentle Movement

• Breathwork & Guided Meditation

• Sound Healing & Reiki Practices

These tools are designed to reduce stress and anxiety, promote healing, and foster balance in both body and mind.

My Mission

I believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone—especially those living with disabilities, chronic pain, or health challenges. My mission is to create safe, supportive, and empowering spaces where people can explore their own strength, resilience, and inner calm.

Join Me at Rooted Oak Chair Yoga 🌿

Whether you’re brand new to yoga, living with a disability, or simply looking for a gentle practice that restores balance, Rooted Oak Chair Yoga offers a place for you.

Let’s grow together—rooted, resilient, and strong.