Sonya L. Dumas Board Certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor in Dr. Paul Lam's Tai Chi for Health Institute Evidenced Based Tai Chi programs SilverSneakers® | FLEX Instructor®
About Sonya: Sonya is a 6th Generation Florida Native, born and raised in Winter Garden, Florida, and a graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Since 2007, she has called Clermont home. She is a full-time Realtor and leads Tai Chi and QiGong Classes in her local community as well. Tai Chi and QiGong help keep her balanced, centered and calm in her everyday work and home life. In her spare time, you'll find Sonya swimming, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Minnehaha in Clermont where she has lived since 2016 with her husband and FOUR (4) fur babies (cats): Neko, Koko, Sparky, AND our newest addition, B.K. Daisy.
Sonya's journey into Traditional Chinese Martial Arts began in 2005, when her husband (fiancé at the time) introduced her to Kung Fu classes to get fit, reduce stress and protect herself. In the beginning, she didn't have the stamina, muscle strength, or coordination and wanted to quit after every class, but she persevered.
Around the same time, she also began her Tai Chi and QiGong training to augment her Kung Fu. The Gong Yuen Chuan Fa - Pai Lum Tao Family of Martial Arts, where she attends, encourages external and internal training, which tremendously has improved her life. Over time, Sonya was physically stronger, had agility, discipline, coordination, and inner peace. It did not happen overnight, but it did happen, and she owes it all to her experienced and compassionate instructors for always encouraging and believing in her.
White Dragon / Pai Lum Tao International Conference | Orlando, Florida Tai Chi Chuan Forms 2007: Gold 2009: Silver 2010 Silver 2021: Silver 2022: Gold Chi Kung Forms 2021 Gold 2022 Silver Tai Chi Chuan Weapons 2022 Silver Gim Form
2024 - Awarded Continuous Support at the White Dragon International Conference Banquet for dedication and accomplishments throughout the year.
As a lifelong student and always aspiring to improve, in 2014 she trained to become a Board-Certified Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructor in Dr. Paul Lam's evidence-based Tai Chi forms, teaching thousands of hours and countless participants. She has certified in nine (9) of the Tai Chi for Health evidenced-based Forms. The participants who attend her classes come from all walks of life with various health challenges. As an instructor, her goal is to improve her participants' health and wellness and teach with safety in mind at all times. She adapts / and modifies the movements as needed.
All of Sonya's training and certifications require ongoing coursework and Continued Education Credit's (CEC's) to remain active in the systems she teaches.
Committed to lifelong learning, she commenced training in 2019 with Tai Chi Master David Dorian Ross. By 2021, she had completed her 200-hour Level One TaijiFit Instructor Training certification. She also received specialized training for the Tai Chi for Veterans program, designed specifically for veterans' and their needs. While Sonya has obtained her certification from the Veterans Health Administration to act as a community provider, she is currently not active in this role. Her extensive training and experience significantly shape her approach to teaching.
Sonya is passionate about helping others and spreading the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong to as many people as possible. Firsthand, she knows how much this Ancient Art can benefit a person's mind, body, and spirit.
Her students describe Sonya as, "caring, kind, patient, authentic, dedicated, and encouraging. She listens to their concerns and always greets them with a smile and a positive attitude."
"Anyone who would like to reduce their stress, improve their health, well-being, and balance, learn something new, and have some fun too would enjoy this class."
The Tai Chi for Health Institute and Dr. Paul Lam's motto is "Empowering people to improve their health and well-being,” which I believe in as well. I know from my experience. Tai Chi & QiGong has helped me tremendously with my Psoriatic arthritis pain & fibromyalgia. ~ Sonya
Education: B.A. in International Affairs, minor in Business Administration RollinsCollege
Board Certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor in nine (9) of Dr. Paul Lam's Tai Chi for Health Programs Must recertify every 2 years.
Tai Chi for Arthritis 1 Tai Chi for Arthritis 2 Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention Tai Chi for Energy 1 & 2 Tai Chi for Heart Conditions Tai Chi for Rehabilitation Tai Chi for Kids Tai Chi for Diabetes
SilverSneakers® | FLEX Instructor Tai Chi, QiGong, SilverSneakers® Enerchi and SilverSneakers® BOOM™ Mind, SilverSneakers® Fall Prevention Education Series and SilverSneakers® Stress Management Education Series.
2014 - Tai Chi for Arthritis training certification
