Lauren Pech is a psychotherapist and yoga instructor dedicated to human rights and social action. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, she has trained in Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, and is a level II EMDR practitioner. Her background in counseling includes work with high-risk youth, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, substance abuse recovery, and early childhood development.

As a yoga teacher, Lauren has worked in conventional yoga centers and in homes for displaced children, substance abuse recovery centers, and clinics for eating disorders. She integrates the contemplative practices of mediation and mindfulness into her yoga instruction and believes the body is central to healing and recovery. Lauren currently resides in Cape Town, South Africa where she leads and implements Awaken Africa’s programs and projects. Having traveled to many international locations, she believes South Africa is an exceptional country where diversity creates a vibrant ground for leadership development, collective harmony and sustainability for all.