About
Renk
Grateful you’re here!
Classic Gemini ~ I’ve woven my passions and career into one big colorful expression of self.
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Somatic Healing • Dance • Herbalism • Craft
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My work explores Somatic Healing & Movement Therapy. Working with folks looking to deeply reconnect with their body, their spirit, and feel guided on their path to embodiment.
Born in Istanbul, and currently holding space in person and virtually in between LA, Kauai, and Istanbul. With years of training in dance, movement has always been my medicine; a powerful tool to release trauma and stagnant energy within the body. Movement connects me with my ancestors, my community, and folks all around the world.
Growing up in a culture that had endless stigma around “trauma” and “healing,” I noticed the moment a Darbuka or tambourine started echoing the heartbeat, everyone was able to tap into the vibration. Movement was my way in. Bringing this work to the Middle East opened my heart. No matter the background, history, or relationship to “healing” everyone was able to relate to the joyful sensations and freedom that came into the body after dancing.
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Researching different Culturally Sensitive practices, studying with pioneers in Dance Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and Trauma-Informed healing has brought me deeper into this work.
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...more info around my relationship to herbalism, my ancestors, and my crafting practice coming soon!
Education
Somatic Experiencing with Peter Levine
Fall 2021
Body-oriented approach to Trauma and Stress Disorders
Trauma Conference
The Body Keeps the Score with Bessel Van de Kolk
Spring 2021
Incorporating EMDR, Meditation, Yoga, Mindfulness, and Sensory Integration in Trauma Healing
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Crossing Point Arts
Winter 2019
Training for Teaching Artists working with Survivors of Human Trafficking
Bent on Learning
Fall 2018
Children’s Yoga, Breath, Mindfulness Teacher Training and Trauma-informed Yoga for Children Training
Gibney Institute for Community Action
Spring 2018
Training for Artists, Activists, and Professionals looking to mobilize the Arts (Dance) as a vehicle for Social Change.
Exhale to Inhale
Spring 2018
New York, New York
Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training
Gaia Yoga Shala
Summer 2016 - Fall 2016
Koh Phangan, Thailand
200 hr Yoga Alignment and 300 hr Yoga Therapy Training
Kidding Around Yoga
Spring 2014
New York, New York
Children’s Yoga, Breath, Mindful Movement Teacher Training
The New School for Liberal Arts, Eugene Lang College
Fall 2011 - Spring 2015
New York, New York
Undergraduate Dance & Psychology
Thesis in Culturally Sensitive Movement Therapy
Concentration in Dance Therapy & Education from The New School of Continuing Education (Fall 2011-Spring 2015)
Experience
Trauma - Informed Facilitation Trainer & Space Holder
Winter 2017 - present
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Organizing & Leading Trainings for over 800 participants worldwide in Trauma Informed Facilitation. Through the exploration of Trauma- Sensitive space holding techniques, Somatic Healing Practices, Mindfulness, Breathing, and Meditation techniques to create an experiential training.
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Creating custom trainings and workshops for different Non-profits, Collectives, Corporations, & Universities looking to create a safer environment.
Charlie Health - Integrative Therapist Spring 2023 - present
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Facilitating Group Integrative therapy sessions with IOP clients ages 11-30. Incorporating Mindfulness, Somatic Healing Practices, Contemplative practices, Meditation, Yoga, Breath-work, and CFT Curriculum.
Columbia University - Columbia Health - Sexual Violence Response Operations Summer 2020 - present // New York, New York
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Trauma-informed Movement, Yoga, and Art Facilitator for undergraduate & graduate students through Columbia Health
Crossing Point Arts - Communications Lead, Mentorship Supervisor, Trauma-Informed Teacher Trainer, and Teaching Artist
Winter 2019 - present
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Training Teaching Artists, and Supervising Mentorship program in bringing Trauma-informed arts to survivors of Human Trafficking.
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Communications Lead main duties also include creating engaging content, Mailchimp campaigns, management of mailing list, new partner outreach emails, and fundraiser support.
Exhale to Inhale Trauma-Informed Yoga teacher
Spring 2018-present // New York, New York
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Teaching trauma informed yoga classes at women’s shelters, nonprofits, and rehabilitation centers throughout NYC
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Facilitating Corporate Trauma Informed Classes (Chobani, HerJustice)
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LEAP (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program) Lead Teaching artist
Spring 2018 - present // New York, New York
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Creative Movement, Yoga, Breath part time teacher at different schools in Bronx, Queens, Harlem, and Brooklyn
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Providing workshops & trainings for teachers & parents in positive communication, trauma sensitivity, cultural sensitivity, and mindfulness for the classroom and home
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Professional Development Trainings for Public School Teachers & LEAP Teaching Artists in Trauma Informed Educating & Mindfulnes
Center For Discovery- Mindful Movement Teacher (Winter 2019- Fall 2019) Southport, Connecticut
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Facilitating Mindful Movement/Yoga classes at residential Young-Adult Eating Disorder Recovery Center
Concern Worldwide (Summer 2017- Winter 2018) Şanlıurfa, Turkey & Tel Abyad, Syria
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Movement is Free Project: Training Syrian & Turkish school teachers to change the classroom environment & communication with the students using mindfulness, children's yoga, breathing techniques, empowering movement games around the Turkish/ Syrian border.
BoMoVu Team Member (Fall 2016- Winter 2018) Istanbul, Turkey
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Trauma- Informed Movement/ Yoga/ Breath teacher to Syrian children and women in different centers & shelters around Ä°stanbul
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