Student & Employee of the Month: Stories That Inspire
Student of the Month: Keith Summers
There’s often a turning point in yoga when the practice shifts from something physical to something transformative. For Keith Summers, that shift came gradually—over eight years of showing up, stepping back, and returning with renewed commitment.
What began as a simple way to loosen up and get in some movement has become a powerful tool for strength, healing, and mindfulness. After multiple surgeries and life transitions, Keith discovered that yoga wasn’t just helping him feel better—it was helping him live better.
Since joining Soul Society, Keith has brought his focus, humor, and steady presence to the mat. Whether it’s Vinyasa or Bikram, he shows up with intention, embracing each class as a chance to reset, reconnect, and keep growing.
Here’s more from Keith, in his own words:
How long have you been practicing yoga?
Altogether about eight years, with a break in between when I changed jobs and moved between states. I honestly wish I had started much earlier.
Why did you start practicing yoga?
I didn’t know much about yoga when I began. I thought it might help me loosen up and get a light workout in—but it’s so much more than that.
There’s a common misconception that yoga is only good for stretching or that it’s not a real workout, especially among those who say they aren’t flexible enough to try it. Ironically, that’s exactly why you should start. Vinyasa and Bikram can be incredibly intense. I don’t breathe hard going up stairs anymore, and I always feel a glow for the rest of the day after a hot, vigorous practice. The sweating is great for my skin too.
How has yoga transformed your life—physically, mentally, or emotionally?
In multiple ways. First, it’s strengthened my sense of mindfulness. Yoga requires deep focus—body awareness, listening to the instructor, tuning in even when the music is loud. My older ears really have to work to hear over the playlist sometimes! That alone is a good mental exercise.
Physically, I’ve had several surgeries on my knees and shoulders, and my joints tend to be tight. I’m not naturally flexible, but every practice loosens things up just a little more. When I miss class, I really feel the difference.
Vinyasa has been great for building muscle and breath control—especially in my legs, shoulders, and core. I also really enjoy Bikram for breath work and balance. My very first yoga class ever was a Bikram class in Virginia.
Yoga also helps with physical recovery. I’ve healed faster from shoulder bursitis and other muscle strains when I’ve kept up with my practice. It might seem counterintuitive, but movement really is medicine.
What is your favorite Soul Society Yoga memory?
Walking by a yoga class at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club and seeing an instructor (not naming names) sipping coffee while teaching. I called out, “There’s no coffee in yoga!” We both got a good laugh out of that moment.
What’s one practice—on or off the mat—that brings you back to calm?
Vinyasa. I often show up to class with a lot on my mind. But by the end of class, I’ve let it all go. I feel like a totally different person—more grounded, more centered.
How has your yoga practice helped you manage or better understand stress?
When I’m practicing regularly, I notice a huge difference in how I handle stress. The breath, the movement, the focus—it all works together to bring me back to balance.
Employee of the Month: Debra Kelly
Sometimes all it takes is one class to know you’ve found something meaningful. For Debra, that moment happened while on vacation. From the very first practice, yoga felt like home—and when she returned, she didn’t hesitate to dive in.
Over the past year and a half at Soul Society, Debra has fully embraced the depth of yoga—not just as movement, but as a way of living with presence, intention, and heart.
As both a student and a teacher, she continues to learn and evolve through the practice. She’s witnessed transformation on the mat—her own and her students’—and believes in the quiet magic that unfolds when we simply show up. Grounded, thoughtful, and deeply committed, Debra’s journey is a beautiful reflection of the power of consistency and connection.
Here’s more from Debra, in her own words:
How long have you been a part of Soul Society Yoga?
About a year and a half.
Why did you start practicing yoga?
I took a class while on vacation, and it immediately felt like home. That one class was all it took—I came back and dove in completely.
How has yoga transformed your life—physically, mentally, or emotionally?
There’s truly no aspect of my life that hasn’t been touched by this practice. Yoga has brought more presence, awareness, and balance into my everyday life. It’s shaped how I move through the world, how I care for myself, and how I respond to stress.
What is one lesson you’ve learned from your students?
I continue to learn from my students every time I teach. I’ve seen magic happen on yoga mats—real transformation. Watching them grow both mentally and physically is one of the greatest gifts of teaching.
What’s one practice—on or off the mat—that brings you back to calm?
Meditation. It helps me reign in my mind, reset, and return to stillness.
How has your yoga practice helped you manage or better understand stress?
Yoga has become my toolbox. It offers so many ways to navigate stress—breathwork, movement, stillness, intention. I’ve learned that the more consistently I use these tools, the more grounded and calm I feel.