Who I Am

Happy day! I’m Vessela Pojarlieva—Vessela means “happy” or “filled with joy” in Bulgarian. In the US, I go by Vanessa.

I’m a psychologist, parent coach, and certified yoga teacher dedicated to guiding parents and individuals through life’s transformations with mindfulness, compassion, and practical wisdom.

My Journey

(read My Full Story)

Adventurous at heart, I’ve spent the past 20 years moving around the world—living, studying, and working in Sofia (my hometown), Vienna, St. Gallen, Barcelona, Geneva, and London before making New York City my home in 2010.

I began my career with Master’s degrees in Economics and International Management, working as a consultant in the corporate world. But my heart was calling me toward something deeper—toward self-exploration, human connection, and helping others navigate life’s most challenging transitions.

Over 15 years ago, while living in Austria, I discovered ancient mindfulness practices through Tai Chi. This sparked a journey that led me through breath work, meditation, and eventually to yoga. In 2015, I became a certified Warrior Flow® Yoga Teacher under the mentorship of Adrian Molina in New York. I’ve since completed additional training in Kids’ and Teen’s yoga and have been teaching privately and in group settings ever since.

But yoga was just the beginning. As a parent myself, navigating life in New York City with children, I realized how isolating and overwhelming parenting can feel—especially in a city as demanding as this one. From nursery school applications to the emotional transitions of adolescence, I’ve lived through the challenges that keep parents up at night.

This firsthand experience, combined with my training in psychology and mindfulness, led me to create the Academy for Parents—a comprehensive program designed to help parents understand themselves, connect with their children, and navigate the complexities of modern parenting with confidence and grace.

What Drives Me

I believe that before we can guide our children, we must first understand ourselves. Parenting isn’t just about managing behavior—it’s about building emotional safety, fostering connection, and creating a home where both parents and children can thrive.

Whether through one-on-one coaching, my Academy for Parents, or yoga and mindfulness practices, my mission is to help you:

• Reconnect with yourself and understand your patterns, strengths, and growth edges
• Build deeper connections with your children through conscious, compassionate parenting
• Navigate transitions with confidence—whether it’s school applications, developmental stages, or personal challenges
• Find balance between the demands of modern life and your own well-being

My Approach

My work blends:

• Psychology & Coaching: Evidence-based strategies for personal growth and family dynamics
• Mindfulness & Yoga: Ancient practices that ground us in the present moment
• Real-Life Experience: I’m a parent myself, living and raising children in New York City
• Cultural Perspective: My international background brings a unique, holistic view to parenting and wellness

I reside in Carnegie Hill, Manhattan, and serve families throughout the Upper East Side and beyond—both in person and virtually.

Let’s Begin

Whether you’re navigating the school application maze, struggling with the challenges of raising teens, or simply seeking deeper connection with yourself and your family, I’m here to support you.

I look forward to starting a conversation with you and embarking on this transformative journey together.

Contact Vanessa →