GET TO KNOW US
Tabitha Tatum, OTR/L, RYT-200 is the founder of Mālama Yoga & Nature-Based Therapy. She is a board-certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist and registered yoga teacher. She has experienced firsthand the benefits of yoga and nature as part of her journey and is passionate about serving the Maui community. Tabitha places an emphasis on neuroscience, sensory integration, and movement-based learning, and strives to keep each offering fun and meaningful.
Tabitha earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with concentrations in Leadership, Service, and Family Studies from James Madison University. Her yoga training began with becoming a Yoga for the Special Child practitioner with Sonia Sumar. She then completed a 200-hour teacher training in Rishikesh, India before obtaining her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. She has taken advanced courses in Yoga as a Therapeutic Modality for Pediatrics, retained primitive reflexes, Polyvagal Theory, Learn Play Thrive's Approach to Autism, and Authentic Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She has worked in a variety of settings, including the Department of Education, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient clinics. She is certified in Psychological First Aid and is also a certified Crystal Healing Practitioner. She has experience offering animal-assisted therapy, aquatic therapy, and has presented to various groups on the topics of youth and adult mental health. Using her psychology and OT background along with her love for connecting with the 'āina allows her to integrate the mind-body-spirit connection in order to help her clients become aware of their own self-regulation techniques. Tabitha is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Occupational Therapy Association of Hawaii, and Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association.
Tabitha was raised on a small farm in Virginia and enjoys getting the opportunity to expose her nieces & nephews to new experiences. She lives with her fiancé, Jacob, and their two dogs on the beautiful island of Maui, where she loves to garden, surf, hike, and continue being a lifelong learner.
Jacob Carmichael is an integral part of the team here at Mālama YNBT. Affectionately known by keiki as "Uncle Jacob," he's a certified Children's Yoga Teacher with a slow, thoughtful, and intentional approach. Jacob grew up in Seymour, Indiana, graduated from Indiana University, and has loved moving west, finally making Maui his home.
He enjoys caring for our therapy animals, adventure sports, giving back to the 'āina, and supporting the community with handyman work & sustainable land development. He looks forward to seeing you in Mindful Movement class, private yoga sessions, & nature camps!
*Also pictured, Mālama YNBT therapy chicks, Banana & Lamb Chop,
and therapy dogs, Gabby & Yogi