Agitated to Elevated
Agitated to Elevated is an innovative, trauma-sensitive course that transforms justice-involved men, women and youth with a holistic approach towards gaining self awareness. Workshops synthesize yoga, mediation, writing and discussion. Participants are supported through a guided journey as they connect with themselves and each other as thinkers, writers, artists and empathetic human beings.
Results of Agitated to Elevated Program
Decrease in impulsive behaviors, less fights and disciplinary actions
Teaching Tools to self regulate students’ nervous systems which reduces depression/anxiety and increases resilience to stressor
Improvement in writing and communication skills
facilitates supportive insight, fostering a safer and more positive environment within the facility and outside upon reentry
testimonies from incarcerated students
“Some people come to jail wanting to change their lives but don’t know where to start. This class gives you a place to begin
”
“This class helps me get my emotions out on paper and relaxes me. When I’m in the cottage and someone gets me mad I walk away from the source of problem, which I didn’t do until I started taking this class.
”
“An agent of change, a scholar with range
The person I know with so much to show
On topics from Peru to Angelou
Balancing teaching and learning
Not preaching a sermon
A woman with a spirit so free
Enters this fortress of stone willingly
Form the shoulders of giants
You read us quotes of love or defiance
In search of untapped potential
Clearing rain clouds of down pours torrential
An artist with a pension to write
Helped lead me to my furthest insight
You’ve been the north star in the sky we call UCJ
Softening hard spirits with ideas of wet towel on stiff clay
Now that I’m leaving you got me on some, “Na, Imma stay
”
“I stopped taking my pain meds because of this class.”
“This class had a small piece of our day doing something constructive in a positive way, learning new things and meeting goals. The homework make us focus on the challenges we face. I pray that this program becomes an official class within the system. It’s very positive. ”
what prison faculty said
“I immediately noticed a change in the behavior of the individuals who took Ms. Gooch’s class. Many of them came to my computer class with a new sense of purpose and a much more positive outlook on life.”
“The guys that do yoga with you or talk to you on a regular basis I’ve seen are generally more calm and don’t blow a top off their lid right away.”
Workshops
Leah facilitates workshops for academic teachers (elementary, middle school, high school), faculty working in prisons and juvenile detention facilities, therapists, and yoga teachers.
““I said it before and I will say it again and again. That was a work of art, your workshop presentation on Saturday. Your passion and compassion and commitment and sense of humor are so embodied, it is a joy to watch you and learn from you.”
”