Krystal L. Pinckney is a Full Spectrum Doula, Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher (RPYT), Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), and yoga therapist-in-training currently pursuing her Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at Maryland University of Integrative Health (expected Summer 2025). She is the founder and owner of Embodied by Me, a wellness practice devoted to holding space for healing, transformation, and empowerment—especially for Black birthing people and communities navigating trauma, transition, and holistic wellness.

With over 20 years of experience in mental health, adaptive and rehabilitative care, and integrative healing, Krystal brings a trauma-informed, client-centered lens to every aspect of her work. Her background includes supporting individuals living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, spinal cord injuries, military sexual trauma, and maternal health challenges. She is also certified in Aqua Yoga and is completing training as a Qualified Mental Health Professional, further expanding her impact across the fields of mental health, maternal care, and somatic healing. Her areas of expertise include community reintegration, psychoeducational groups, stress management, coping strategies, adaptive programming, and trauma-informed yoga.

Krystal integrates mindfulness-based interventions throughout her work, using breath awareness, meditation, self-inquiry, and guided relaxation techniques to help clients regulate their nervous systems, process trauma, and reconnect with their inner strength. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in the kosha model of yoga therapy, supporting the whole person—body, breath, mind, wisdom, and spirit—through intentional, compassionate, and culturally responsive care.

Currently, Krystal is also expanding into the maternal and child health care system, where she is focused on contributing to equitable, community-centered solutions that address reproductive justice, perinatal mental health, and access to culturally affirming care.

A proud graduate of Hampton University with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation, Krystal is an active member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Black Yoga Teachers Alliance, American Therapeutic Recreation Association, National Ayurveda Medical Association, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Eta Omega Chapter.

Outside of her professional work, Krystal enjoys outdoor adventures, trying new local restaurants, and staying grounded through her daily yoga and meditation practices. She cherishes time with her two children, her 19-year-old daughter, a student at Hampton University, and her 16-year-old son—as well as her beloved 9-year-old fur baby.