Paula Huffman
she/her
I began my journey in Mind Body practices with yoga while in my twenties with my personal practices soon leading to a lifelong career. These practices continue to be a central part of my personal life, providing grounding through life's peaceful moments as well as its inevitable challenges.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had throughout my career to support others on their journeys toward greater health and well-being. I believe that the potential for benefiting from Mindfulness practices is open to all and that every student, regardless of their background, experience, or perceived limitations, has the capacity to flourish.
I aim to guide my teaching from the authenticity of my own practices and find joy and fulfillment in supporting individuals on whatever life path they find themselves. I believe that some of life's greatest lessons come from the people we serve, and that by paying full attention, we discover wisdom that no book alone can ever teach us.
Christina Kane
Professional Bio
Paula received her BS in Special Education from Appalachian State University. After teaching for several years, she completed her degree in Nursing and currently holds RN licensure in the state of North Carolina. She is a certified Yoga Instructor of 200 hours with multiple yoga specialty certifications and has been teaching yoga for 25 years.
Applying her education and health profession backgrounds, Paula founded a Perinatal Support Business providing Pre and Postnatal Yoga, Prepared Childbirth Classes and Birth Doula support for 25 years. During that time, along with her daughter, she also founded Hillsborough Yoga and Healing Arts Wellness Center and Hillsborough Yoga Downtown, owned and operated for 7 years in NC.
She also completed professional training in Mindfulness for Healthcare Providers and MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) Teacher Training through the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School's Oasis Program. Following this training, she joined the UNC Chapel Hill Program on Integrative Medicine's Mindfulness Program, where she has been teaching MBSR courses for the past sixteen years. She holds an Adjunct Faculty appointment in the UNC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Paula's additional formal training in Mindfulness includes certification as a Mindful Mentor and as a Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Practitioner.
Personal Bio
After living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, for 40 years, I relocated to the Carolina Beach/Wilmington area in 2018 to be closer to my daughter and son-in-law. One of the greatest gifts of that move has been being an active part of the life of my granddaughter, who was born at the height of COVID and is now six years old. I still miss Chapel Hill and all I left behind and make a point to visit often.
When time allows, you'll most likely find me with my dog, outdoors relaxing on my front porch, or enjoying my backyard. I love growing flowers and vegetables from seed and being completely in the moment with the creatures of nature. Winter and early Spring finds me glued to the TV since I am a born and bred Tarheel basketball fan. I also have a lifelong love of music and enjoy attending concerts and music festivals whenever I can. My personal "claim to fame" is attending the annual Merle Watson Music Festival an incredible 35 times!
