Monica serves as Chief Operating Officer of Veterans Yoga Project, bringing extensive experience in business management, program development, and operations to support the organization’s continued growth and impact. She previously served as Director of Regions, helping to expand programs and strengthen regional leadership across the organization. Today, her work focuses on increasing access to trauma-informed yoga programs nationwide, in alignment with Veterans Yoga Project’s mission to support recovery and resilience among veterans, military families, and their communities.

Monica became involved with Veterans Yoga Project in 2017 after completing the Mindful Resilience Training. She went on to establish the Pacific Northwest Region and currently serves as an Ambassador for Washington State. As a former military spouse, Monica brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths within the military community, which continues to guide her work with compassion and purpose.

Originally from Costa Rica, Monica began practicing yoga after moving to the United States in 2003. She completed her 200-hour teacher training in 2014 and her 300-hour training in 2017. Monica is a MRT Lead Facilitator and Baptiste Yoga Tier 1 Teacher. She has served as a lead facilitator for 200-hour teacher trainings and has continued to expand her knowledge through studies in Forrest Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Ayurveda, Adaptive Yoga, Next Generation Yoga, Vedic Thai Yoga, and Power Yoga.

Outside of her work with Veterans Yoga Project, Monica enjoys spending time in nature and can often be found rock climbing, mountaineering, or exploring off-grid areas throughout Washington.