As the founder of Sun Mountain Holistic Health, Renee blends 20 years of passion for holistic wellness with personalized health counseling, leveraging her extensive expertise in yoga therapy, Ayurveda, and trauma-informed care. Inspired by her life’s journey, Renee is dedicated to addressing root causes and empowering individuals through individualized health education and compassionate guidance. Her client-centric approach integrates practices for self-love, embodiment, yoga therapy, dietary adjustments, somatics, connection with nature, and life purpose discovery to support whole-person healing and nervous system regulation.
Renee is deeply committed to addressing the root causes of disease through a comprehensive approach in her health counseling practice. Specializing in one-on-one sessions, she guides individuals toward wellness through personalized dietary adjustments, techniques for nervous system regulation, and tailored guidance. Renee offers weekly therapeutic yoga classes both in-person and online, along with group courses, cooking classes, workshops, and retreats. She also teaches at music festivals and collaborates with other wellness professionals during their retreats.
In addition to her expertise in holistic health, Renee is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in business management, non-profit donor relations, fundraising, and program/project management. With a track record of excellence in various domains, she has made significant contributions in each role she undertakes. Renee’s expertise includes managing donor relations, stewardship, and fundraising initiatives, as demonstrated during her tenure at the University of Colorado (CU), where she oversaw donor-supported student programs and served as an elected CU System Staff Council representative. She devotes her full-time efforts to donor relations and outreach at The Headstrong Project, advocating for trauma treatment and mental health services for veterans and service members.
Renee’s dedication to community service is evident in her extensive volunteer involvement. Over six years, she served as Director and Development Co-Chair on the board of the Catamount Institute in Colorado Springs, fostering connections between youth and the outdoors. Renee was an active member of the University of Colorado Staff Council in Denver and held leadership positions within the University of Colorado Staff Association in Colorado Springs. She also volunteered as a Staff Representative on the UCCS Alumni Executive Board and served as the Volunteer Program Manager for Cambio Yoga, both in Colorado Springs. Through her volunteer work, Renee continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and the communities she serves.
Renee is leading the Women’s Wellness Yoga & Hut Retreat in Colorado’s scenic San Juan Mountains in August 2024, offering an immersive experience featuring approximately 17 miles of hiking over three days in the stunning mountain wilderness, complemented by daily yoga sessions and embodiment practices. With a focus on holistic wellness, nourishing meals sourced from natural, organic, and local ingredients will be provided. Participants can expect outcomes such as enhanced nervous system regulation through daily yoga sessions and meditation, improved physical health and vitality from guided hikes and movement workshops, increased mental clarity and emotional well-being from immersion in nature and unplugging from technology, as well as deepened connection with self and others through group discussions and supportive community building. Accommodation will be at an eco-friendly, off-grid, full-service European-style backcountry hut perched 11,600 feet above sea level, boasting breathtaking mountain views and full amenities. This retreat offers a unique opportunity for women to reconnect with themselves, their hearts, and nature while dropping into the breathtaking beauty of the San Juan Range.
Sun Mountain Holistic Health, formerly known as Sun Mountain Yoga, is undergoing a brand refresh to transition its focus towards a more comprehensive approach to wellness. She’s creating a new website and updating her materials to align with an integrated and accessible approach to nature-based healing.
A native of Colorado, Renee enjoys hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and snowshoeing. As a certified Wilderness First Responder, she is dedicated to safety and preparedness in outdoor adventures. Additionally, she manages a small homestead in rural Colorado.
MysticMag has the pleasure of chatting with Renee.
Renee, as the founder of Sun Mountain Holistic Health, you offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. Can you tell us more about how you integrate Ayurveda, Yoga, sound therapy, marma point therapy, Reiki, and wilderness therapy in your practice?
As the founder of Sun Mountain Holistic Health, I integrate various modalities to foster holistic well-being for each individual, prioritizing a client-centric approach tailored to their unique goals and needs.
Initially, I concentrated on yoga therapy, focusing on pain management and grief to address physical and mental issues. However, I soon realized that my clients were not experiencing the lasting results I had hoped for. Recognizing the significance of addressing root causes, I embraced a more holistic approach rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, advocating for comprehensive health and wellness through the interconnectedness of physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual layers, as highlighted by the Kosha model. This shift, along with my own health journey and observations of conventional medicine’s limitations, prompted me to expand my practice.
I now integrate techniques and principles from yoga and Ayurveda to promote balance and harmony across the body, mind, and spirit. Additionally, I weave in other therapeutic practices such as self-love exercises, somatics, sound and energy healing, and immersive experiences in nature to create a customized, holistic approach to meet clients’ unique goals.
I offer a weekly donation-based therapeutic group yoga class, accessible both in-person and online. This class emphasizes a gentle and mindful approach to yoga, helping participants feel more embodied and self-aware. Through slow, soothing movements, participants learn techniques to release muscle tension, develop functional strength, and improve flexibility. The focus on enhancing posture and movement patterns promotes reduced pain, better everyday comfort, and a sense of recalibration.
I am committed to the idea that the body and mind have an innate capacity for self-healing. However, many people encounter barriers to the healing process, whether due to financial constraints, time limitations, a lack of understanding, or the overwhelming amount of conflicting information available. My life’s work is dedicated to helping individuals create the most conducive environment for their unique healing journey. I strive to ensure that this journey occurs with minimal disruption to their daily lives and remains flexible, allowing for adaptation as their goals evolve. Healing should be accessible, approachable, easy, and effective so individuals can thrive and become the best versions of themselves. Healing shouldn’t be a chore, or one more to-do to check off. It should inspire joy and teach us to celebrate both the big and small wins.
Your journey into yoga began in 2001, but it took on a deeper significance after experiencing a significant loss. How did yoga help you navigate through grief and loss, and how has this experience influenced your approach to teaching and therapy?
My yoga journey began in 2001, where I explored various styles and teachings over the years. Eventually, I found vinyasa yoga, a dynamic practice synchronized with breath and movement, which felt like home. This style of yoga proved beneficial for my mental well-being as a young, working professional and graduate student. It also became a lifeline for me during a very tough period of my life, serving as a sanctuary from the challenges of a relationship marked by emotional and physical abuse. Through practice and community, I cultivated the courage and strength to leave the relationship.
After reclaiming a sense of self and recognizing how significant yoga was in my life, I dove two feet first and began formal studies, completing my first teacher training in 2016. Although I was drawn to yoga for personal growth with no intention to teach, it wasn’t long until I felt called to share the transformative gift with others. I taught vinyasa yoga for many years and explored some niche practices like goat yoga, standup paddleboard yoga, and yoga for various health concerns. Each step of my life path directly influenced my personal and professional practice.
Then, in 2018, the sudden loss of my father shattered my world and sent me into profound grief, and forced me to confront societal attitudes toward grief, loss, and death. The rapid return to my day job, coupled with a lack of empathy and understanding from others, compounded by the cultural expectation to get on with my life weighed heavily on me. I felt society’s reluctance to acknowledge the full spectrum of human experience, particularly death and loss, and it deeply affected me. This realization led to a transformation in my personal practice and teaching style. Gradually, I transitioned from vinyasa, which tends to focus primarily on the physical aspect, to the deeper sensations and embodiment inherent in hatha yoga. As I navigated my grief, I found comfort in the cycle of death and rebirth, embodied by Shiva.
This transformative process inspired me to study yoga therapy, which provides the structure I craved in the space of holistic health. I now recognize the significance of giving ourselves time and space to feel our entire emotional experience, especially with grief and loss. I am compelled to support others as they navigate their own losses, be it a loved one, a relationship, an idea, or an ability.
You’re currently nearing the culmination of an extensive 800-hour yoga therapy certification and actively engaged in an advanced Ayurvedic practitioner program. How do these certifications enhance your ability to provide personalized therapy and counseling to your clients?
I’m a lifelong student, endlessly fascinated by learning and understanding how things function. Over the years, I continued to uncover the profound impact yoga had on every aspect of my being—physical, mental, and emotional. Through practice and teaching, I experienced a transformative shift in my perception and even felt my literal frequency change for the better. This journey became a pivotal part of my healing process, aiding me in navigating the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship and coping with the loss of a parent. Motivated by my personal experiences, I delved deeper into understanding the mechanics of healing, both for my own growth and to better support others on their healing journeys.
Embarking on an 800-hour yoga therapy certification and delving into an advanced Ayurvedic practitioner program felt like the natural progression of my studies, to which I felt deeply called. Honestly, I believe this isn’t my first lifetime studying these ancient philosophies.
Through both programs, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best practitioners in either field. Experiencing how each of these practitioners has created their own practices rooted in these ancient philosophies has been one of the most inspiring aspects of my studies. Each manifestation through these individuals is a unique expression and offers the gift of healing to others.
During the disruptions of COVID-19, I experienced some difficulty completing some of the requirements of the yoga therapy program, which ultimately became a blessing. It allowed me to advance my skills and practice through less structured means, which in turn allowed me to refine my practice more authentically. I’m navigating creative solutions to complete the yoga therapy certification while also advancing my studies in Ayurveda, which now serves as the cornerstone of my practice.
Building the foundation of my practice through yoga therapy was the perfect entry point for me to transition from solely teaching group yoga to working with clients one-on-one. During my yoga therapy studies, I encountered therapeutic approaches to yoga designed to address various health concerns and as my studies continued, I found myself gravitating towards specific areas such as diet and lifestyle support of Ayurveda, chronic pain, trauma, grief and loss, cancer recovery, and mental health issues like ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
My journey into Ayurveda began during my work in yoga therapy, where I recognized the importance of addressing the underlying or root cause of my clients’ concerns. This understanding deepened during my father’s cancer journey, highlighted by the limitations of conventional medicine and the disconnect between body and mind, especially surrounding nutrition. His struggle with cancer and eventual passing, coupled with my own health struggles, served as the catalyst for pursuing an advanced four-year degree. I consider it a blessing to educate others about simple shifts they can make which can provide huge relief, disease prevention, and rejuvenate body and mind.
In my practice and through the support and mentorship of my teachers, I’ve come to learn that many people feel alone on their health journey. They often feel unseen, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. Their family may not understand or have the capacity to support them, while their primary care providers may lack the knowledge, resources, or awareness to address early, low-level symptoms. Additionally, there exists a lot of conflicting information, which can overwhelm individuals and lead to a loss of hope, self-trust, and agency. I help others tap back into their inner knowing, rebuild their self-trust, and reclaim a sense of empowerment. It brings me immense joy to assist others in navigating both conventional and alternative pathways to health and happiness, tailored to their unique needs, and to support them through what can often feel daunting and overwhelming.
I prioritize a client-centric approach, recognizing that success lies in addressing individual needs. Each client’s journey is unique, and their path back to health should reflect that. Healing often begins by addressing limiting beliefs and fostering confidence in core values. We then tailor dietary adjustments to align with each person’s constitution and health goals. Together, we collaborate on making small adjustments to refine daily, weekly, and seasonal routines. Additionally, we integrate movement practices and time spent in nature, among other methodologies. This holistic approach emphasizes embodiment, encouraging presence and connection to one’s physical body, sensations, emotions, and environment. By integrating all aspects of oneself into the present moment, we create an environment conducive to healing. As Alexander Den Heijer aptly stated, “when a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
In addition to your work at Sun Mountain Health, you also dedicate your efforts to supporting mental health services for veterans and active-duty members. Could you share more about your role in donor relations and business development initiatives for yoga therapy training?
Working for nonprofits is my passion because it allows me to advocate for causes I deeply believe in, such as social justice and mental health awareness. It’s more than just a job; it’s a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. That’s why I’m particularly excited to be part of The Headstrong Project, where I can channel my passion into providing mental health services for veterans and active-duty service members.
This work resonates with me on a personal level. My grandfather, a World War II veteran, struggled with PTSD, which strained his relationship with my father and our family. Witnessing this, my father made a commitment to address his own mental health and break the cycle of generational trauma. Working for The Headstrong Project allows me to honor my family’s legacy and positively impact the lives of others by sharing the compelling success stories of our clients, families, and communities.
In my role as a Donor Relations & Outreach Manager at The Headstrong Project, I focus on fostering meaningful connections with our supporters to uphold our mission of delivering mental health services. Collaborating closely with our Revenue Team and Special Events, I develop and execute fundraising strategies to keep our donor community engaged and inspired. Central to my responsibilities is cultivating strong relationships with donors through attentive stewardship and effective communication. I ensure transparency, integrity, and respect for donor privacy in all interactions while managing the donor database to facilitate strategic decision-making.
I play a key role in planning and executing donor-focused events, providing opportunities for donors to deepen their engagement with our mission. Collaborating with our development team, internal stakeholders, and volunteers, I coordinate fundraising efforts to maximize donor impact and advance our mission effectively. Overall, my role is centered on cultivating strong relationships with donors to support The Headstrong Project’s mission and make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Living on a small homestead near Guffey, Colorado, you have a deep connection to nature. How does this connection influence your approach to healing and well-being, both personally and professionally?
Living on a small homestead has been a journey filled with challenges and invaluable lessons, shaping both my personal and professional growth. Despite the trials that come with living in a remote area, such as the distance from community and the logistical hurdles of grocery runs that require significant planning, the reward of this lifestyle is immeasurable.
Personally, this homestead serves as a refuge from the chaos of city life, offering a tranquil retreat where I can reconnect with myself and find inner peace. The natural surroundings instill a sense of well-being, nurturing my mental and emotional health in ways I never imagined. I’ve also learned so much through designing and building a home, utilizing resources mindfully, and discovering new depths of my own resilience by facing numerous challenges head-on.
Professionally, living in nature aligns with my holistic approach to wellness and healing. It provides me with firsthand experience of integrating nature into my practice, as well as allowing me to apply the wisdom of Ayurveda for a direct response to balancing body and mind in an environment that rapidly changes. I cannot stress the importance of living within the natural rhythms and seasonal living for promoting vitality. This connection to the land enhances my understanding of how environmental factors influence well-being, empowering me to offer more comprehensive support to my clients.
The beauty of the natural surroundings and the simplicity of rural living inspire my work, especially in jewelry making and yoga teaching. Beyond that, a mentor of mine often asks, “How is this like that?” and I couldn’t imagine a better place than nature to draw on insights and create metaphors that resonate with my clients and inspire transformation along their healing journey.
Despite the challenges, there are countless joys to cherish in this lifestyle. The dark skies at night offer a breathtaking view of the stars. Living here has harmonized my menstrual cycle with the phases of the moon, deepening my connection to nature’s rhythms in profound ways. This is an area I have found beneficial not only for myself but for those who I work with who also experience a menstrual cycle.
At an elevation of 9000 feet, seasonal living takes on a whole new meaning. The elements and shifts in environmental changes are felt strongly at this elevation and guide daily activities. Fortunately, Ayurveda and dietary shifts help to bring balance. I’ve had the gift of witnessing firsthand how to apply the principles of Ayurveda for a desired result in myself and also support others living in similar environments.
While there are many chores, I look forward to each day, witnessing the sunrise and sunset. They ground me in the present moment and remind me of the little blessings and my connection with the gods and ancestors. I’m a firm believer that spending time in nature is essential for regulating the nervous system and finding balance in today’s fast-paced world, and I’m grateful for the experience of living in such a remote area.
If you would like to find out more about Renee Rudolph, please visit https://www.reneerudolph.com/
