About the Adaptive Yoga Resource

About us

The Adaptive Yoga Method, created by Sophie Schnitzlein, is a comprehensive yoga approach that integrates functional movement, social-emotional learning, and embodiment practices. Our vibrant community of yogis embraces and celebrates the diverse paths to wellbeing, rooted in a shared commitment to empowering each individual. We are passionate about making yoga accessible and meaningful, offering sessions for everyone because we believe in the transformative power of yoga to connect, inspire, and uplift our students at every step of their journey.

The Adaptive Yoga Method uses proven modalities. It is designed to support both neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals, including those with chronic illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and physical disabilities. Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities, caregivers, parents, yoga instructors, and educators with the knowledge and skills to experience and share the transformative benefits of Adaptive Yoga. We are committed to fostering social-emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing for all. We offer in-person sessions, online sessions, specialized trainings, and a Yoga Teacher Training program.

We can’t wait to have you join our community!

Princeton, NJ | Asheville, NC | Online

Sophie Schnitzlein, founder of the Adaptive Yoga Resource, is a leading pioneer in Adaptive Wellness. She holds a RYT-500 certification, along with RYT 200, and C-RYT credentials, demonstrating her commitment to both the art and science of yoga. 

Sophie's dedication to making a meaningful impact is reflected in her extensive teaching experience, where she has shared her expertise with diverse communities. She has dedicated over 5,000 hours to crafting customized wellness curricula, bringing the transformative power of yoga to hospitals, group homes, therapeutic boarding schools, therapy offices, and public schools. Her work has touched the lives of countless individuals, offering them a sense of autonomy, empowerment, and celebration through the vast practices of yoga.

One of Sophie's notable achievements is her research on Emotional Regulation through Adventure Activities in collaboration with therapeutic boarding schools. Her work in this field was recognized and showcased at the Carolinas Psychology Conference, marking her as a forward-thinker in the realm of holistic well-being.

Sophie is deeply inspired by the incredible people she has met so far through The Adaptive Yoga Resource, where we continue to make yoga a tool for empowerment. Whether it’s in classrooms, therapy rooms, or through our wider community outreach, she is committed to bringing the adaptive yoga practices that have changed her life to others. She is grateful for the opportunities to have shared her work, and is honored to be featured on ABC News Localish, the Carolinas Psychology Conference, Jade Yoga, The Field of Dreams, Wolven, Parkbench News, and Yoloah. Through it all, her focus has remained clear—helping others experience the life-changing benefits of yoga, one breath at a time.

Sophie Schnitzlein

Owner and Founder

  • Alison

    “When my son started taking Adaptive Yoga in Princeton, he was hesitant. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to, but Sophie was so warm and welcoming that he quickly warmed up. Now, he looks forward to going and has become quite the yogi! Sophie teaches yoga in the most inclusive and non-judgmental manner. She gives everyone enough freedom to do things their way while keeping everyone focused and attentive. We love Live Lively Yoga!”

  • Meghan

    “We all had little experience doing yoga and Sophie made us feel comfortable and did a great job modifying to our needs. Most of us had not done yoga before and she added a lot of tips on how to do the same pose many different ways which was very helpful for us.”

  • Raileigh

    “Sophie is a compassionate and resilient spirit; and resilient spirit; she inspires health, authenticity and empowerment. I am forever grateful to have worked with her, I pray many more souls are warmed and transformed by her guiding light.”

  • Leo

    “As a beginner to yoga, these sessions with Sophie have been easy to follow and have helped ease my soreness from weightlifting. She’s helped break down some of the movements to help incorporate them into everyday life as an added bonus. Ultimately it’s been a great addition to my routine.”

  • Taylor

    "Sophie is one of the most passionate and knowledgable teachers of wellness I know. I love her emphasis on breath and presence. Sophie meets you where you are."

  • Kaylah

    "Sophie's classes strike an ideal balance between relaxing poses and challenging flows that push your body in a good way. Through her holistic approach, I learned how important posture is when it comes to yoga and how subtle tweaks when holding a pose can be a game changer. I always look forward to diving into a solid yoga session with Sophie. I definitely recommend her empowering classes"

  • Lindsey

    “The yoga classes were absolutely amazing! I personally use a walker but Sophie made sure to show every move adapted to everyone’s needs! I would highly recommend her classes.”

  • Ronnie

    My 11-year-old daughter who has autism attends Live Lively Yoga classes and it is one of the activities she looks forward to the most and truly connects with. Sophie lays out the steps of the class in a way that E can easily remember and anticipate. In the past it has been difficult for E to make a mind body connection, but I see it happening in this class! She is connecting the breath and movements and now I stand back and watch her go. It is not only an activity she can do with friends (which is rare for our neurodiverse kids) but something that carries over into her day-to-day life. E uses deep breaths, her yoga chants and "kind self-talk" in moments of frustration and anxiety. ALL kids need healthy movement and that is what this class provides. We have met many people on this autism journey and Sophie is truly one of those people who just gets it. Live Lively Yoga has been life-changing for our daughter and our family!”