Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College is enabling students to become certified yoga instructors through a brand-new program led by local instructor Sylvia Morales-Billings.
STC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development department is introducing a 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program, which is set to launch Feb. 16 as a six-month hybrid course. The program will combine in-person and online sessions, designed for both aspiring instructors and students seeking to deepen their knowledge of the ancient practice.
Participants will graduate with two credentials including a 200-hour Yoga Alliance-approved certification and a 300-hour certification through STC. Morales-Billings said the certification gives graduates an advantage in the competitive yoga industry.
“The whole program is 300 hours, but to be able to book good work as a yoga instructor, it’s preferred to have a Yoga Alliance-approved certification,” she said. “The Yoga Alliance actually donated the 200-hour certification designation.”
Morales-Billings, an STC alumna, has studied yoga for more than 24 years and has acquired thousands of practice hours through courses and self-study.
Morales-Billings said the training emphasizes anatomy, physiology and sequencing, which are areas she said are often overlooked in other programs.
Students will complete 230 hours of instruction, 35 hours of self-practice and 35 hours of teaching practice.
The curriculum also includes study of chakras, Ayurveda, yogic philosophy, meditation and asana practice.
Beyond physical movement, students will explore how meditation affects brainwave states, reduces anxiety and sparks creativity, she said.
“The essence of yoga lies in focusing on breath and being present, not just performing poses,” said Morales-Billings, who credits her own yoga and meditation practice with helping her quit smoking and leading a healthier lifestyle. “The goal is for students to feel empowered, to teach confidently and to create opportunities for themselves.”
Another portion of the program will focus on marketing and business, encouraging students to create content, build an online following and even assist with establishing their own studios.
The new Yoga program will also incorporate breath work as a foundation, Morales-Billings said.
“Full diaphragmatic breathing provides cells with oxygen, which is converted into energy, creating a sense of well-being,” she said. “Breath nourishes cells and removes toxins, whether you are in a yoga pose or a Pilates sequence.”
Student who study in the yoga program will become immersed in a program designed to be accessible and scientifically grounded, according to Morales-Billings, who said the program has been reviewed and approved by endocrinologists, and are backed up by her own extensive training.
Morales-Billings graduated with an associate degree from STC in Spanish. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature, a minor in Kinesiology as well as multiple certifications including 500 hours of yoga teacher training through Sunstone Yoga, 200 hours of Vinyasa and Tai Chi yoga training through American Power Yoga and over 10,000 hours of classes and self-study.
Morales-Billing said the goal is to strengthen health and wellness across the community while opening pathways for small business growth. It is also valuable for physical and occupational therapists who can use yoga and Pilates tools to guide patients in post-rehabilitation exercises.
“This is about making South Texas strong and healthy,” she said. “Movement is fun, and it’s healing.”
For more information about the Yoga Teacher Training program through STC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development department visit southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/career/yoga/.
