Isla O’Hara
Twyst Yoga - The Balance Well Project
Twyst Yoga for Kids in Currumbin Waters, Queensland, was founded by mother of three and certified kids’ yoga teacher, Isla O’Hara. She received a YFG grant for her project, The Balance Well Project—a six-week, one-to-one yoga therapy program designed specifically for children with ADHD and Autism. The program aims to create a supportive community while meeting the individual needs of children and their families.
The grant funding helped make these specialised yoga therapy sessions accessible to families who otherwise may not have been able to afford them by subsidising session fees to ensure a maximum payment of only $15 (full price $120), renting a suitable venue and providing sensory-friendly yoga props and gifts to enhance engagement.
The program was a great success, with 14 children taking part. Next up, 12 students from a local school for children with special needs are about to join two-hour yoga workshops.
Key outcomes and a success story
Some key project outcomes include:
- Parents reported noticeable improvements in the emotional regulation, focus and confidence of their children.
- Children became comfortable with movement and mindfulness, with some expressing excitement and continuing beyond the six-week program.
- Several families are now considering long-term yoga therapy as part of their child’s support plan, with some already securing NDIS funding through the social participation code.
A particularly moving success story was that of brothers Sonny and Remi, who both have ADHD. At first, even a few minutes of stillness felt impossible, but over time, they learned to calm their bodies and minds and were eventually able to relax for up to 15 minutes in Savasana. Tuning into their breath and embracing stillness became a deeply restorative part of their practice.
Their physical progress was just as powerful. One brother began with tight hips and hamstrings that made movement difficult, but over time his strength, mobility and coordination improved dramatically. Both boys grew more confident in their bodies.
Most touching of all, their mother shared how yoga brought a new sense of calm and camaraderie between them, including less frustration, more patience and moments of connection she hadn’t seen before and it felt truly special.
The success of The Balance Well Project has opened doors to new opportunities. Isla now runs before- and after-school one-to-one sessions for emotional regulation, focus improvement and confidence building and is about to begin a weekly enrichment program at a local high school for students with additional needs, focusing on mindfulness, movement and resilience. These additional initiatives would not have been possible without Yoga For Good’s grant support in laying the foundation.
“The support from Yoga For Good was invaluable. The funding process was straightforward and accessible, and the flexibility to adapt the program to families’ needs made a significant difference.
Overall, I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and the positive impact it has had on the children and their families.
Every child with ADHD and Autism deserves to learn to calm and focus their mind. Through tailored one-on-one yoga sessions, we provide the support necessary for these children to manage their emotions, reduce stress and enhance their overall well-being…” – Isla O’Hara
Due to pilot success, Isla is excited to continue expanding The Balance Well Project and reach more neurodivergent children. She would like to see yoga therapy recognised as a tool for self-regulation and wellbeing.
“Thank you again for your generosity and belief in this work. I would love to continue collaborating in the future to make yoga accessible to all children, particularly in schools in Australia.”
Testimonials
Our sole mission is to create opportunities to do good for others through yoga.
And we’re making an impact.
A huge thank you to the Yoga For Good Foundation...
…for their incredible contribution to our Life Now Yoga and meditation programs!
This generous donation will mean we can buy new yoga equipment, run a new yoga class in Broome, and enhance our meditation program for cancer patients and their primary carers.
Cancer Council Western AustraliaSending out gratitude to the Yoga for Good Foundation.
Their grant is enabling me to offer FREE trauma informed therapeutic movement and relaxation to frontline mental health and social services staff in Bega.
Participants are really valuing the time out for themselves and experiencing integrated poly vagal theory. And I get to be in a teaching space, yay!
PremKranti CounsellingThe generous grant we've been awarded from the Yoga For Good Foundation...
…allows us to reach more underserved and vulnerable community groups who can benefit from a trauma-informed yoga and embodied mindfulness practice at zero cost to the participants.
Some of the community groups we’ll be serving in the current months include 000 Foundation, Men’s Walk and Talk and WAGEC.
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