Q&A with Level Yoga

For the last two years, yoga has become an integral part of my life; not only for the physical benefits, of which there are many, but the mental benefits most importantly. I try to practice every day and for me, it’s a solid 60 minutes of a moving meditation.  

Fortunately, I’ve found an incredible studio with a like-minded community to further and deepen my practice. This May, in celebration of its 8th year anniversary, the team at Level Yoga decided to hold a donation class to benefit Boot Campaign.

I sat down with studio owner, Amanda Steadman, and studio director, Amanda Peruzzi, to see why our mission at Boot Campaign means so much to them.

Shelly: Thanks so much for taking the time to connect and share a little more about what the veteran and military committee means to you personally and about the donation class later this month. What inspired your team to do something to honor those who serve(d) by supporting the Boot Campaign?

Amanda S.: Our unwavering support for the Boot Campaign is driven by our personal connection to veterans who have bravely served our nation and sacrificed so much for our freedom. Recognizing their dedication and commitment to our country is not only right but necessary, and we proudly support an organization that embodies this same mission.

Shelly: Why is supporting the military/veteran population important to you?

Amanda P.: My brother did four years of active duty stationed out of Camp Lejuene from 2010 to 2014 and was deployed twice to Helmand province in Afghanistan. His first deployment was in July 2011, where he was in direct support of Operation Eastern Storm. He was deployed again in 2013 to the same province, but unfortunately, his second deployment was cut short due to an injury. He got out of the Marine Corps as the rank of Corporal. 

Amanda S.: Mental health awareness is an issue that impacts the well-being of both active-duty service members and veterans. The traumatic experiences that our military heroes often endure can lead to significant mental health struggles that can persist long after their service. We understand the obstacles veterans face on their road to recovery and aim to offer our assistance in any way possible.

Shelly: What is it about Boot Campaign’s mission that is important to you?

Amanda P: I know we both have come to appreciate the incredible courage and sacrifice of those in service. Their stories and experiences serve as a reminder of the tremendous respect and gratitude that we should all have for the brave individuals who defend our nation and uphold the values that we hold so dear.

Amanda S: We firmly believe that all veterans should have access to a life of fulfillment and happiness after serving their country, and the Boot Campaign makes this a reality.

As a team, we take great pride in our support of the Boot Campaign and their crucial mission to aid veterans and their families. It is our honor to be a part of this dedicated community, and we look forward to contributing in a positive way to the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for us all. 

Shelly: I’m so grateful for both of you, how you’ve impacted my life and my practice and how you’ve built and brought together a curious, focused and dedicated team to strengthen various practices at all levels. It’s truly an honor that you chose Boot Campaign as the beneficiary of your 8 year celebration, so thank you!