Melissa Gutierrez Nelson [she/her]
Board Member

Melissa is a yoga and mindfulness teacher, perinatal health advocate, and nonprofit professional with deep roots in community. Her work spans nonprofits, startups, and grassroots initiatives, alongside more than twenty years of experience as a yoga and mindfulness educator and birth doula. Melissa is deeply passionate about building strong, connected communities and creating opportunities for those who need them most.

A longtime supporter of Karuna’s mission, Melissa is honored to serve an organization that uses movement and mindfulness to foster healing and empowerment for people impacted by the criminal justice system. Her previous volunteer and board service includes Nourish 282, the MN Breastfeeding Coalition, Minnesota Healing Justice Network, and Led by Truth..