Biography

Chanda Williams, Ph.D., C-IAYT, RYT E-500, is a UCSF postdoctoral fellow with a doctoral degree in somatic depth psychology. She has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's in integrative health. The primary focus of Chanda's research interest lies in integrative health and health disparities research. Chanda is collaborating with UCSF faculty on several research projects, including studying the community midwifery model of care to improve postpartum health and examining the current uptake and acceptability of integrative oncology practices among Black individuals with cancer. She was also a research specialist for a clinical research study sponsored by UCSF and the VA, evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based movement for veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). A longtime yoga practitioner, yoga teacher, yoga teacher trainer, and yoga therapist, Chanda aims to support the complex healing journey for those who have experienced trauma with care, compassion, and understanding. For over ten years, she taught trauma-informed, mindfulness-based yoga practices to incarcerated populations at jails and prisons in California, including San Quentin State Prison. She is dedicated to spreading awareness about the profound impact of body-mind practices to overcome trauma, improve mental health, and cultivate a sense of greater well-being.