A native of Houma, Ellen Daigle Doskey is a dedicated wife and mother, a graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School, Loyola University, and LSU Law School, a district attorney and she is also a Root2Rise yogi!  She has always been committed to maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.  Growing up, her father was an avid runner and her mother was either gardening, riding bikes with Ellen and her sister or teaching the girls to play basketball and softball.  Ellen’s parents inspired her at a young age to run, and it became her “exercise of choice” throughout life.  Although she took a few breaks here and there, running has always been her “go to” for exercise and as a stress reliever in life as a busy mom, wife and attorney.

     Ellen has tried many forms of physical fitness to supplement her running such as aerobics, group fitness classes and weight-lifting; however, her practice of yoga has become the only sustainable and effective program for her: “Yoga has taught me to be present in the moment.  So if I am handling a stressful case, I try incorporate what I learn in my yoga practice.  Such as, take deep breaths, focus on what is before me, and to truly listen to my clients' needs.  When I use these practices, I am better able to represent my clients and resolve the case."

Presently, Ellen is extremely busy in her life and explains, “I am going through a very busy time in my life right now.  I am a candidate for Court of Appeal Judge for the election on November 6th.  But, I am trying to maintain my activity level - walking, running and practicing yoga, when I can.  Yoga helps me stay grounded and clears my head of all the clutter and noise of everyday life.”  Ellen shows up, does the work and she always leaves with a smile.  Ellen’s daughter, Anna Doskey is also an active member of our yoga community.  She works in our café’s juice bar after school, practices yoga and she definitely represents her mother’s strong work ethic. Ellen and Anna have a special connection and a mutual respect for one another that is evident when they practice together, "I love practicing yoga with my daughter, Anna.  I believe every teenager can benefit from the practice of yoga to learn balance in their life.  In today's world of constant communication and social media, it is beneficial to put everything aside for 90 minutes to focus on yourself and to learn to accept yourself as you are at that moment."

We are grateful for the strong, smart, focused and inspiring women of our community. Thank you, Ellen Daigle Doskey for allowing us to share our practice with you!