Join us in welcoming Alison Smith Starr back to Padma Studio for a powerful weekend of learning, growth, and exploration this December.

Residency Schedule

Friday, December 6, TIME TBD: Hips & Hamstrings Workshop

Dive into hips and hamstrings in new and exciting ways. Expect strength and stability work for a happy lower back and stretching and releasing for deep relaxation.

Saturday, December 7, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Daylong Retreat

Spend a day deepening your practice. This stay-cation retreat will include morning breathing practice, teachings on anatomy woven with yoga philosophy, and luxurious practices. Plan for a lunch break 12-1pm.  

Registration coming soon!

Alison Smith Starr

Alison is known for her playful fire, inquisitive nature, and technical expertise. For over 20 years, she’s been exploring body, breath, and being through yoga asana, spiritual philosophy, neuroscience, anatomy, somatic healing, and more. 

In 2018, after a decade of teaching, Alison founded Kanda School because she saw a great need for education and in-depth study to support her students’ love of asana practice. Kanda sits at the intersection of different disciplines, blending traditional yoga asana with movement science, functional breathing, somatic healing, and polyvagal theory. 

During Covid, when the school went virtual, online courses, an expansive Virtual Library, and the put-practices-in-your-back-pocket 20 Minute Miracles App took root. These offerings continue to grow and thrive along with mentoring, retreats, workshops, and trainings.

Alison has been a presenter at the Bend Yoga Festival. Taught for Central Pacific Medical Center, Charity: Water, Everlane, Tola, and Raphael House. She’s worked with clients at Google, Facebook, Twitter, and UCSF. 

Ultimately, Alison uses movement to help you to listen to your body, develop inner knowing, and live with a Connective Perspective. 

To stay connected: 

Follow on Instagram:  @alisonsmithstarr 

Download the 20-Minute Miracles App to put practices and resources in your back pocket. https://onelink.to/20minutemiracles