August 2026 Student of the Month: LaToya

Meet LaToya

My name is LaToya Elliott. I’m a mother 2 boys 13 & 1, yoga enthusiast , birth and postpartum doula, and educator with a background in counseling and wellness. I moved to Las Vegas in 2016 as an educator, and it was during that transition that yoga became an important source of grounding, connection, and community for me. Over the years, my personal practice has evolved in both fluidity and style, eventually leading me toward gentle, restorative, and yin practices. Becoming a mother in 2025 deepened my relationship with my body, movement, and the transformative journey of birth and postpartum.

When did you start taking classes with PYLV?

I began taking classes with Prenatal Yoga Las Vegas during my pregnancy in 2025. I was already practicing yoga, but prenatal yoga gave me a different way to connect with my changing body and prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for birth. The practice became an important part of my preparation for a successful natural childbirth.

What have you learned since taking classes with PYLV?

PYLV reminded me that yoga during pregnancy isn’t about doing more or pushing harder. It’s about listening, adapting, breathing, and trusting your body. I learned to honor where I was in each moment and to see movement as a conversation with my body rather than something I needed to perfect. Those lessons have stayed with me well beyond pregnancy.

What is your favorite yoga pose?

My favorite is Child’s Pose. There is something so grounding about being able to soften, breathe, and simply surrender into the moment. It reminds me that rest is also part of the practice.

How has your practice impacted your parenting?

Yoga has taught me to pause before I react, breathe through challenging moments, and be more present with my children. Motherhood can move quickly, and my practice gives me a way to return to myself when everything around me feels busy. I’m learning that the same breath that grounds me on the mat can ground me in motherhood.

What would you tell a new parent considering taking prenatal or baby & me yoga classes?

Come exactly as you are. You don’t need to be flexible, experienced, or “good at yoga” to belong in the room. Prenatal and Baby & Me yoga offer more than movement. They create space to connect with your body, your baby, and other parents who are experiencing their own transitions. Give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and be supported. You may be surprised by how much you discover about yourself along the way.