Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Anthony “Tony” Connell, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, CYS, is a yoga therapist specializing in pain management, stress resilience, and healthy aging. With a background in psychology from Florida International University and advanced training in yoga therapy through AUM hOMe Shala, Tony brings a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to helping people feel better in their bodies.

Tony’s path into yoga began at a young age after being diagnosed with glomerulonephritis. Due to a compromised immune system and osteoporosis related to treatment, his physical activity was heavily restricted—and yoga became the one form of movement he was able to practice safely. Over time, that practice didn’t just help him stay active—it played a meaningful role in improving his bone health and shaping his understanding of how the body can adapt and recover with the right support.

In his early twenties, Tony was diagnosed with essential tremor, a neurological condition that has had a profound impact on his life. He has since undergone two high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedures, in April 2025 and February 2026, to help manage his symptoms. Living with a chronic, progressive condition has given him a firsthand understanding of how exhausting and disempowering it can feel—and it's shaped one of his core goals as a therapist: helping people with chronic or degenerative conditions feel that they're still in control of their lives, and how they live them.

He began studying at AUM hOMe Shala in Miami, FL, in 2002 and has since spent over two decades deepening his understanding of how movement, breath, and the nervous system work together. He completed his 500-hour yoga teacher training and clinical practicum in the therapeutic applications of yoga in 2017, and now also serves as a faculty mentor and assistant director within AUM hOMe Shala’s training and clinical programs.

His work spans both education and community outreach, including leading yoga programs in schools and mentoring future yoga teachers and therapists. These experiences have shaped his ability to meet people where they are—whether they’re managing chronic pain, navigating stress, or adapting to the physical changes that come with aging.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Tony is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive space where all clients feel safe, seen, and respected. His approach is grounded in a simple belief: the body isn't broken—it's adapting. Through personalized yoga therapy, he helps clients understand those patterns, reduce pain, improve mobility, and build a more resilient relationship with their body—and, even when a condition is degenerative, hold onto a sense of control over their own life.