Embody 2021 Annual Report 2

2021
ANNUAL
REPORT
Using the healing tools of yoga and mindfulness, and providing
meaningful volunteer and service opportunities, we help
people regain agency over their own well-being.
FeelBetterDoGood.org 1
Mission
Embody is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization dedicated to positively
impacting global health and well-being
for all people. We provide access to
physical and mental wellness education
regardless of race, identity, orientation,
creed, ableness, or ability to pay.
Using the healing tools of yoga and

mindfulness, and providing meaningful
volunteer and service opportunities, we
help people regain agency over their
own well-being.
Our FREE weekly programs and events

empower individuals to become
healthier, and happier, and make the
world better in their own way. We are
dedicated to improving the quality of
people’s daily lives so they can
“Feel Better, Do Good.”
Vision
Embody’s vision is to positively impact global health
and well-being for all people regardless of race,
identity, orientation, creed, ableness, or ability to pay.
We will realize this vision by providing consistent, free

access to yoga and mindfulness classes. By creating a
global network of Embody teachers, we will offer
virtual practices and events, expanding the number of
events and frequency of practices through the
pandemic and beyond.
By 2025, we will have trained teachers in 15 states in

the US; by 2030, teachers will be in five new countries
around the globe beginning with areas that have the
greatest political or social unrest, are the most
marginalized or oppressed, and those impacted by
natural disasters and climate change.
By building and mobilizing a network of teachers and

leaders, our goal is to build bridges between people
and nations, creating a healthier, happier planet for all.
Who We Are
Embody, an award-winning, cutting-edge 501c3 organization, is dedicated
to providing access to wellness education for ALL people.
Embody serves ALL people 18+ regardless of economic ability, race, religion,
gender, age, or physical ability. We offer a welcoming experience of
healing, hope & well-being where participants can take what they need,
leave behind what is not serving them, and step off their mats and back
into their lives feeling better, and inspired to do good. This is the Embody
movement!
Embody is a pioneer in the yoga service world. We fill a needed community

and public health resource: free health & wellness education with a
powerful service component. When people feel better, they naturally want
to do good. We call this the “flywheel of perpetual good.”
We create ACCESS for all. We are one of few organizations worldwide

offering ongoing, completely free (not donation-based) wellness education,
tools, and practices.
When COVID forced people to stay home, Embody evolved, by creating a

virtual platform and the genesis of online communities. Embody highlights
the importance of physical & mental health, strengthening people’s
immune systems, critical during this time of physical and mental health
crisis. Although the world continues to change, our mission has not.
2021
Accomplishments
228 10k+ 20k+
Classes and People served People served
globally through
virtual events online & yoga, mindfulness,
held in 2021 in-person and community
support
40k+ 40+ 5.5k+

Hours of yoga, Local and national
mindfulness and organizational Hours of
partners providing volunteer service
empowerment awareness,
training since education and in the community
March 1, 2014 volunteer
opportunities
Weekly Published Awarded
Virtual & in-person Dana Christian Lee

outreach work with Founder, Dana was awarded the
Petaluma Fire Christian Lee, was YWCA Tribute Award
Department, Petaluma published:
in the category of
Bounty Farm, Hushabye Elephant Journal,
2020 & 2021 Health & Fitness in
Nursery, Gilda’s Club, & October 2018
Kids’ Food Basket
Impact
2021 was another challenging year of an
on-going pandemic. This also provided
new opportunities to reach more people
and expand our impact.
We continued to offer our online services

and also began to lead some classes in
person once again. There were still no
larger scale events as the presence of
COVID-19 loomed.
Embody served Hushabye Nursery, Gilda’s

Club, Cherry Health, and Kids’ Food
Basket online along with Isagenix Team
Heat Plug In’s and weekly recorded
classes by founder and executive director,
Dana Christian Lee. We were able to add
in-person classes again with Petaluma
Fire Department and
Petaluma Bounty Farm.
Impact
On November 3, 2021, we were able to
safely relaunch Embody’s weekly
gatherings in West Michigan. We held a
big ‘Welcome Home to Embody’ event at
our regular venue, Fountain Street Church.
For the first time in 18 months, we were

able to gather in person again, albeit with
masks. To say this was an emotional and
much necessary point in time is an
understatement.
People were starved for a real, 3D

community and tears of joy flowed. We
had 70+ people who came together to
begin the long and challenging work of
undoing the grip of isolation & mental
health issues that COVID inflicted upon so
many. The video we made shows the
critical importance of our Embody’s work
in our world, now more than ever. Go to
our Facebook page to watch.
Impact
The 2021 covid restrictions in California did not allow us
to gather in person for classes or events in any larger
scale. Our in-person work remained largely outdoors at
Petaluma Bounty Farm and with the first responders of
Sonoma County.
Embody is creating partnerships with more

organizations; Santa Rosa and Napa Fire. The
conversation and initial meetings were held via zoom
with a plan to move forward in 2022.
Impact
Embody’s reach is continuing to spread as the need
becomes even more apparent. In the first year of COVID-
19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and
depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a
scientific brief released by the World Health
Organization (WHO) March 2, 2022.
The average person has gained 18 pounds, mental

health issues continue to grow by the day, substance
abuse is prevalent, and isolation & disconnection plague
many daily lives.
The "new normal" has yet to reveal itself to many and

most struggle with fear of an ever-changing world and
live under the cloud of the perpetually unknown.
Embody is the antidote to the havoc of the lingering
pandemic. Embody offers a positive, healthy presence in
people’s lives without the added stress of cost or access.
We continue to work diligently to positively impact
global health and well-being for all. Despite the
challenges, our reach & impact in 2021
made us proud of our work.
Community
Partners
Through unique partnerships we were able to broaden our
impact and serve those in the most need. Our partnerships
continue to grow each year.
Community
Partners
Hushabye Nursery
Embody continued year two of our partnership with Hushabye Nursery in

Gilbert, Arizona, which began in June 2020.
Twice weekly, Dana leads mindfulness-based stress relief to moms who

are or were opioid-dependent (Heroin, Codeine, Oxycodone/Oxycontin,
Methadone, or Buprenorphine) during prenatal or postnatal pregnancy,
with babies who consequently suffer from drug exposure and exhibit
resulting symptoms of withdrawal. Moms, dads, and/or caregivers are
taught how to breathe, center, ground, and shift their mindset while
navigating strong physical and emotional sensations. This program
continues to elicit powerful results for these mothers who now possess
tools to utilize when the tendency to relapse is high.
Kids Food Basket
Embody offered virtual practices as well as monthly newsletter articles to

support employees of Kids Food Basket, a community partner in West
Michigan. This organization combats the growing need of childhood
hunger, which often causes various forms of employee stress. Embody
supports these employees in navigating their stressors, as they continue
to fulfill their mission of feeding children in need who otherwise would not
have access to healthy food.
Community
Partners
Gilda's Club Grand Rapids
Embody also has continued our partnership, year two, with Gilda's Club in
Grand Rapids, Michigan, offering a weekly virtual yoga & mindfulness
session. Gilda’s Club’s mission is to provide free emotional healthcare to
children, adults, families, and friends on any kind of cancer journey or
those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. We
offer classes for those who grieve to equip them with tools to navigate
their physical and emotional struggles.
Petaluma Fire Department
Embody has continued our partnership with the Petaluma Fire Department
(PFD) for the second year. We offer physical and mental wellness
practices and tools for first responders, who frequently suffer from
exhaustion and trauma from fighting massive wildfires as well as day-to-
day emergencies. This is critical work because California now suffers from
a yearly ‘fire season,’ a daunting new reality for those in charge of keeping
communities and our land safe. Embody offers, oftentimes, multiple
sessions a week to meet the schedules of A,B & C shifts. This enables the
entire team to have access to practices that cultivate quiet, calm, and
resetting the nervous systems through movement, breath, intention, and
relaxation; critical in the profession of being a first responder.
Community
Partners
Petaluma Bounty Farm
Embody continued our partnership with Petaluma Bounty Farm whose

mission is to provide healthy & sustainable food for those in need. Embody
brought weekly yoga and mindfulness to the farm as well as aligned with
the farm to teach at events for the greater community to raise awareness of
the farm’s importance.
Embody partnered with Petaluma Bounty on Global Giveback Day to

volunteer weeding, picking, and washing vegetables and fruits, and
preparing them for families in need.
Embody’s reach is increasing due to colossal need. So many people feel

isolated and disconnected due to covid; they need a hopeful, positive, and
healthy force in their days, weeks, and months without the added concern
of cost. Many people are unhealthy and scared; a concerning number are
unemployed. These conditions create an environment that often leads to
poor physical and mental health. Because of the continued impact of
pandemic, there is greater awareness of the priority of health. People are
also more willing and able to connect on-line, in new and unique ways,
giving us an entirely new arena in which to meet people’s needs. In addition,
with greater online visibility, organizations are reaching out to discuss
collaboration and partnership with Embody. Our work has been both
efficient and effective as we navigated this new world while continuing to
positively impact health and well-being.
Food
Distribution
Embody partnered with Isagenix 16-year Executive
Leader Callie Miller and her team to bring disaster
relief to the firefighters and first responders who
were actively fighting the Caldor and Dixie fires.
We met in Jackson, California, to distribute $135,000

of food donated by Isagenix to support evacuees,
firefighters and first responders. The day garnered
many volunteers who put in long, hot hours, working
side by side with our executive director, Dana and
Callie, to offer help in partnership with Isagenix to
those in need during such a devastating fire.
Food
Distribution
Embody & the IsaFoundation came together in 2021 to
bring food as fuel to Petaluma Fire Department to
support quick, easy ways of nourishing their bodies to
sustain them in their challenging day to day work in a fire
region. Isagenix donated six blenders for Firehouse
Station 2 as well as cases of shakes. It was not only
notorious and delicious, it was fun teaching them the
many ways to use Isagenix in their daily lives. Here is the
link to an article written by Isagenix:
https://isafyi.com/four-reasons-firefighters-need-
yoga/
Testimonials
Spotlight on Katie Reilly Mitchell - Community Participant
Embody relaunched in person at our founding location back in early

November 2021 (just 8 short weeks ago). EmbodyGR was finally back
home at Fountain Street Church. And what a night to remember. After 19
long months, we were sharing space, practice & collective intention; joy &
soul balm.
One person that was present for the big night was Katie Reilly Mitchell.
She has shown up regularly over the years prior to Covid to ground,
practice, connect & do her work. She would even come, as the image
shows, as her warrior self w/ a baby on her hip.
After our first regathering, Katie sent this

beautiful, poignant message & gave
permission to share.
Katie said, "The other day I had one of

those "important thoughts in the shower"
moments, and realized that I needed to
thank Dana and Embody for something.
I did a lot of yoga with EmbodyGR back

in 2014 and 2015, and goodness sakes
am I ever glad I did. Because in 2015 I
became pregnant for my second child,
and we all know how things looked on
the national and global stage from that
year on.
Testimonials
Spotlight on Katie Reilly Mitchell - Community Participant
Our family also updated a home, sold it, moved, bought another house,
and moved again between 2017 and 2019. Once things started to feel a bit
calmer, BAM -- pandemic and (important but exhausting) social upheaval.
And that's just the big stuff.
It's been a heck of a few years, and I honestly think all that yoga leading
up to it helped save my sanity. I found reassurance, just knowing that y'all
were out there, doing the work even when I couldn't. I often heard Dana's
voice in the back of my mind, reminding me to care for myself in the most
loving of tones.
It was so good to feel that warmth and calm IN PERSON with Dana and
Embody. To do the breathing and the stretching. To hear Geoff's stirring
music. To meet a lovely dog named Edwina who joined at the end of
practice. There's really nowhere else like this, and I'm forever grateful.
Thank you!'
Testimonials
Petaluma Fire Department/ Yoga in the Firehouse
First, I must admit that I was a little skeptical at the thought of doing
yoga, and second, how would yoga be received by the crew in the
firehouse? Well, I am glad to report that I and the crew have
embraced it fully and that we have all experienced firsthand some
of the benefits that yoga has to offer. Personally, I have a better
range of motion in both my shoulders and I am more aware of my
body. I am constantly drawing my shoulders back and standing up
with a more correct posture. I credit this to the yoga session that I
have participated in over the past year with Dana. (1 year 2 months)
I think it is important to point out that the instructor is the key part in
the success of yoga in the firehouse. Dana has the ability to create
an inviting atmosphere for the crew to let down their guard and be
vulnerable in learning a new dicipline that can quickly humble its
participants both physically and mentally with just a simple posture.
Yoga has also helped reveal some of our physical and mental
limitations, this has been good for the crew to experience and work
through.
I think one of the most important aspects of yoga is seeing the crew
embrace the opportunity to better themselves and participate in a
group exercise. After every session, I always hear someone on the
crew commenting on how much they needed that session. Having
yoga in the firehouse complements the Wellness Program which
helps every crew member attain a healthier lifestyle while living
and serving in the firehouse.
Trevor Hayes, Engineer

Testimonials
"Yoga has been a big help in the firehouse for me in managing

stress. Our jobs can be stressful and yoga helps give me time for
self-care and stress release. Yoga has also helped with my strength
and flexibility. In the fire service, we wear heavy equipment and
then have to go to work pulling hoses and throwing ladders. The
strength and flexibility from yoga are keys to being able to perform
at a high level."
- Jason Engh
"Dana has been able to introduce many of us to yoga. Her work has
increased both our strength and flexibility. I think the biggest
benefit to us has been stress reduction. As a peer support team
member here at the fire department, I have seen the positive
effects yoga can have on our mental health. I can’t thank her
enough."
-Brian Weber
"Yoga in the firehouse has benefited me in the firehouse to remind

me about my postures in my work life. The reminder to keep my
heart forward and to bring my shoulders back when the work day
or my gear starts to weigh me down. The motivation and reminder
that comes from yoga and Dana just makes the day feel just feel a
little easier to get through."
-Daniel Untalan
"These past few months that I have been able to participate in the
yoga sessions have been very beneficial to me. I’ve tried yoga on
my own before but I’ve really enjoyed and learned a lot about
myself and my ability to address my stressors and deal with them
in a physical way through Dana’s instruction. Dana is a great
instructor and very mindful and tailors all of our sessions to us
newbies and helps us open up our minds to the mindset of yoga."
- Juan Macías
Testimonials
"Dana has helped me heal my back and mind with a very thoughtful
yoga experience. I am very grateful for her wisdom and patience.
The fire department is very lucky to have her!"
- Nick Fitzpatrick
"Our Yoga sessions give me the opportunity to decompress my

mind and challenge my body. The knowledge and professionalism
from our instructor Dana is excellent for me to reduce stress and
tension."
-Brett Irons
"I really appreciate the energy our Instructor Dana brings to our day.
I have had two joint replacement surgeries and the yoga coupled
with the positive energy has a noticeable positive impact both on
my body and mindset."
-Duncan Smith
"Since Participating in yoga, I have been able to stretch my back,

legs, and shoulders which has been a big issue for me. I also find
myself using breathing techniques to help calm myself on stressful
calls or when I have a lot on my mind."
- Logan Davenport
Fundraising
and Financials
Embody was awarded a $50,000 grant from the ISA

Foundation in January, marking our third year of
partnership.
The ISA Foundation supports our work of physical

and mental wellness education for all people across
the nation and now, with our virtual offerings, the
world. With their support we were able to make a
powerful impact on global health and wellbeing for
all people! Together, each and every day, we are
committed to creating ACCESS and educating those
in need with the healing tools of yoga and
mindfulness.
Financials
Fundraising
and Financials
Embody operates on the cash basis of accounting. The
organization’s revenue sources in 2021 come from our ISA
Foundation grant award, and contributions from individual
donors. Due to Covid-19, we were unable to hold any in-person
fundraising events, including, most importantly our annual
Embody The Stars ™ marquis event.
Expenses incurred during 2021 were for programming,

executive director and teacher compensation, fundraising,
marketing/advertising, insurance, legal fees, online presence,
communication, and supplies.
Contact
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Dana Christian Lee

Embody - California

Attn: Dana Christian Lee,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Director

485 Horn Ave
Margaux Drake Santa Rosa, CA 95407
President
Embody - Michigan

Attn: Dana Christian Lee,
Lindsey Ellinger Executive Director
Marketing and Media Specialist 40600 Ann Arbor Road East

Suite 201
Kirsetin Morello Plymouth, MI 48170
Secretary and Fundraising
Dana, Executive Director

(616) 634-1121
Alexandra Chitwood dana@feelbetterdogood.org
Attorney feelbetterdogood.org

Kate Fleming
Content editor & consultant

Morgan Dalm
Medical data, research, survey,
Michigan State University
Medical Student
Get Involved!
Embody’s bedrock is our participants, community partners,
individual and corporate donors, and individual supporters.
Embody is grateful for our growth due to ongoing participation,
generosity, and hard work of those who have helped to make
Embody what it is today. Their continued support will allow us
to grow into who we are to become tomorrow. For more
information or to get involved: www.feelbetterdogood.org. We
look forward to connecting with you and impacting global
health and well-being together!

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2021

Using the healing tools of yoga and

Our FREE weekly programs and events

We will realize this vision by providing consistent, free

By 2025, we will have trained teachers in 15 states in

By building and mobilizing a network of teachers and

Embody is a pioneer in the yoga service world. We fill a needed community

We create ACCESS for all. We are one of few organizations worldwide

When COVID forced people to stay home, Embody evolved, by creating a

40k+ 40+ 5.5k+

Weekly Published Awarded

Virtual & in-person Dana Christian Lee

We continued to offer our online services

Embody served Hushabye Nursery, Gilda’s

For the first time in 18 months, we were

People were starved for a real, 3D

Embody is creating partnerships with more

The average person has gained 18 pounds, mental

The "new normal" has yet to reveal itself to many and

Embody continued year two of our partnership with Hushabye Nursery in

Twice weekly, Dana leads mindfulness-based stress relief to moms who

Kids Food Basket

Embody offered virtual practices as well as monthly newsletter articles to

Petaluma Fire Department

Embody continued our partnership with Petaluma Bounty Farm whose

Embody partnered with Petaluma Bounty on Global Giveback Day to

Embody’s reach is increasing due to colossal need. So many people feel

We met in Jackson, California, to distribute $135,000

Embody relaunched in person at our founding location back in early

After our first regathering, Katie sent this

Katie said, "The other day I had one of

I did a lot of yoga with EmbodyGR back

Trevor Hayes, Engineer

"Yoga has been a big help in the firehouse for me in managing

"Yoga in the firehouse has benefited me in the firehouse to remind

"Our Yoga sessions give me the opportunity to decompress my

"Since Participating in yoga, I have been able to stretch my back,

Embody was awarded a $50,000 grant from the ISA

The ISA Foundation supports our work of physical

Expenses incurred during 2021 were for programming,

Dana Christian Lee

Dana, Executive Director

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