April 18 - 19, 2026
Assisting Training
Led by Morgan O’Hare & Leah Cullis
Deepen your presence, refine your touch, and expand your teaching through the art of hands-on assists.
This two-day immersive training is designed for yoga teachers who want to build confidence, clarity, and sensitivity in offering physical assists. Through a thoughtful blend of technique, communication, and intuitive awareness, you’ll learn how to support students in a way that feels safe, empowering, and deeply attuned.
Morgan and Leah have a combined 30+ years of teaching and practicing hands-on assists. Their wealth of insight will guide you in feeling more confident and in helping you develop a skillset that enhances both your teaching and your students’ experience. Training includes ample practice time with feedback, so that by the end you'll feel confident assisting a wide variety of postures.
training schedule
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Midday Break)
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SUNDAY, APRIL 19
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Midday Break)
what you’ll learn
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Build a strong foundation with the five principles of skillful assisting: gradual contact, working with the breath, using body weight instead of muscular force, embracing a “less is more” approach, and exiting cleanly.
Explore different types of assists: directional, stabilizing, energetic, and deepening.
Learn how to empower your students by creating a culture of choice through thoughtful pre-class language and the ability to read and respond to body language in real time.
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Assisting key foundational shapes, including Downward Dog, Child’s Pose, Chaturanga, Warrior I, Warrior II, and Triangle.
Focus on how to support stability, breath, and ease within each posture while adapting to different bodies.
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Assisting postures such as Warrior III, Low Lunge, Pigeon, Cobra, Bridge, and Seated Forward Fold.
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Explore Savasana assists as the most energetically subtle and sensitive form of touch, where presence matters more than technique.
This program is as much about becoming a masterful teacher as it is about stepping into your purpose.
Close each day with integration and reflection, giving you space to absorb, ask questions, and refine your personal approach to assisting.
Whether you’re new to hands-on assists or looking to deepen your existing skills, this training offers a supportive space to practice, receive feedback, and evolve your teaching.
Meet your lead trainerS
morgan O’Hare
Founder of Present Practice • E-RYT 500
Morgan is the founder of Present Practice and creator of the Present Practice School of Yoga, which has trained over 100 teachers in Austin and worldwide. She began teaching in 2015 and has guided thousands of students through classes, retreats, and trainings.
Her intentional sequencing, warm presence, and skill for cultivating community define the Present Practice experience. With a background in nutritional science and strategy consulting, she brings intellect, intuition, and leadership into every training.
Morgan now leads global retreats and transformative programs rooted in embodiment, presence, and personal evolution.
leah cullis
Author • Holistic Wellbeing Coach • E-RYT 500
Leah is an internationally recognized yoga teacher, author, and wellbeing expert. She led Yoga at the White House from 2009–2016, has been featured on the cover of Yoga Journal, and brings decades of experience to her teaching and mentorship.
Her approach blends strength and surrender, alignment and intuition — empowering students to grow with curiosity and joy. As founder of the Empowered Yoga School, her depth of wisdom elevates every cohort.
Together, Morgan and Leah offer a powerful blend of lineage, leadership, depth, and heart.
