My Resume

Elena Smith, PhD

Wellness Consultant & Certified Yoga Instructor (200-Hour RYT)

Bridging Science, Lifestyle, and Mindful Movement

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Integrative wellness educator and certified yoga teacher combining a rigorous scientific background with formal training in wellness lifestyle, holistic movement, and mindfulness. Experienced in leading large-scale corporate wellness seminars, evidence-based nutrition planning, and accessible yoga practices tailored for stress reduction and sustainable healthy habits.

CORE COMPETENCIES & TEACHING AREAS

• Mindful Movement: Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow, Alignment & Breathwork
• Lifestyle & Wellness: Behavioral Drivers, Sustainable Nutrition Planning,  Corporate Wellness Strategy

WELLNESS & MOVEMENT CREDENTIALS

Certified Yoga Teacher (200-Hour YTT – Hatha & Vinyasa)

Afterglow Studio, Hartford, CT | June 2025

• Comprehensive      certification emphasizing dynamic Vinyasa, traditional Hatha alignment, pranayama, meditation, and holistic wellness practices.

Executive Education: Health & Wellness — Designing a Sustainable Nutrition Plan

Harvard Medical School Executive Education | June 2024 – August 2024

• Studied the interplay between lifestyle factors and disease mechanisms.
• Applied behavior change principles to sustainable nutritional design and holistic preventative health.

Advanced Movement & Alignment Immersions

Mentorship & Continuing Education with Master Teachers Barbara Benagh & John Schumacher

• Specialized      Workshops: Slow Flow Methodology; Adaptive Yoga for 50+ (led by Barbara      Benagh).
• Intensive      Retreats: Completed 7 intensive yoga and alignment immersion retreats in      Jamaica led by Barbara Benagh and John Schumacher.

TEACHING & WELLNESS LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Founder & Content Contributor | Wellness In The Moment www.wellnessinthemoment.com

· Curate and publish evidence-based wellness insights, guided practices, and actionable strategies bridging somatic movement, mindfulness, and scientific wellness principles.

· Cultivate an engaged community through resources centered on mindful living, resilience, stress reduction, and healthy habit formation.

Corporate Wellness Seminar Leader & Facilitator

• Designed and      delivered high-impact virtual meditation and holistic wellness seminar for      corporate audiences exceeding 100 participants.
• Translated      complex physiological and neurochemical benefits of mindfulness and      somatic movement into practical daily micro-practices for professional      settings.

ACADEMIC & SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION

• Postdoctoral      Fellowship in Molecular Pharmacology — The National Cancer Institute      & The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of US National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Ph.D. &      M.S. in Molecular Biology
• Authored 18      peer-reviewed scientific publications and co-inventor on 5 patents in      pharmacology and antivirals