Who I AM
How it all started
Kendra's Journey
From childhood and long before she was diagnosed with EDS, Kendra has been passionate about the importance of movement, nutrition, health education, wellness, and mind-body connections in healing and overall well-being. It was through Kendra’s life, and professional experiences, that she founded EDS Wellness, including Wellapalooza Integrative Wellness Conferences (& retreats!), Moving Naturally w/ Hypermobility Seminars, “Just 5 Minutes,” “Invisible Strength,” & the EDS Ride for a Cause.”
Kendra holds a BS in Public Health & Health Education from the University of Maryland. She has extensive knowledge of the complexities of living with chronic medical conditions and lifestyle management strategies from working in pharmaceutical and medical sales, through the development and implementation of various health education programs, and through medical writing and publishing. Kendra has been active in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and hypermobility related conditions communities for over 14+ years, helping patients and providers through developing educational programs, implementing resources, creating materials, publishing print and digital media publications, and guest speaking.
Certifications
Other Work
Projects & Initiatives
Just 5 Minutes
Motivation for life, and mission to heal, restore and empower the human spirit - one yoga mat at a time. #Just5Minutes at a time.
Lead EDS
Leadership program to train and support existing and potentially future support group & community leaders to help their members with managing EDS and related conditions.
Lead EDSGlobal Alliance for Hypermobility Related Disorders (GAHRD)
A private network for medical providers and other healthcare professionals to learn, communicate and collaborate on diagnosis, care and research on hypermobility, EDS and related conditions.
Strength/Flexibility/Health/EDS
Strength, Flexibility, and Health while Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) – personal blog, product reviews and health education articles related to living well with hypermobility and related conditions.
Moving Naturally with Hypermobility
Education for patients, healthcare providers and movement instructors on updated manual & physical therapy techniques and other self-directed approaches to restoring function and moving pain free with hypermobility disorders, EDS and related conditions. Focus incorporates principles in biomechanics, natural movement, corrective exercise, fascial restoration and neurobiology. Move More. Move Better.
Hypermobile Yogi
Awareness, Education & Prevention for practicing yoga safely with hypermobility, as well as discussions and activities related to other at-risk athletic communities – i.e., hypermobile dancers, gymnasts and more.
Our Stories of Strength (& Invisible Strength!)
Strength, Determination & Hope while living with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) – the first (& Only!) EDS anthology with over 50 stories from those living with EDS. Invisible Strength – Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes – 2nd EDS anthology collecting submissions! Publication TBD
Wellapalooza
The Coolest Integrative Wellness Conferences (& Retreats!) Ever!
Mind-Body Strategies for Hypermobility & Chronic Pain
A mindfulness and movement-focused program for Individuals with hypermobility, EDS, HSD and related conditions. Combined with evidence-based resources on integrative medicine strategies, patient & health education materials, weekly gentle yoga & movement classes, and monthly private, interactive small group meetings, participants are provided the opportunity to learn about and engage in diverse self-care and mind-body-focused activities in order help foster patient empowerment and facilitate long-term self-care, while gaining physical strength, stability and restoring function in order to manage chronic pain and live well with hypermobility and associated disorders.
My mission
Why I Do What I Do
Kendra Neilsen Myles is a very special person. She has dedicated her life--her time, money and extensive knowledge--to helping the EDS community and beyond! I had lived my entire life with a debilitating condition with no support whatsoever. When I first attended a free EDS yoga and support group she led, I burst into tears due to love and support Kendra and her group bestowed upon me. Kendra personally attended to me that day, followed up with me in the coming days and weeks, and kept reaching out with support, information, and resources to help me. I am amazed at what Kendra accomplishes, driven solely by her passion to helping others. I highly recommend Kendra in whatever health, organizational, and support related endeavors she pursues.
Stephanie Frumkin
Education Consultant, Exceptional Educational Solutions