What is the Black Dove Movement?

Welcome to the nest, a space for people struggle to feel at home in their bodies.

A space for the ones who’ve tried to follow the rules of wellness and success (push harder, stay consistent, ignore the discomfort) only to find themselves more disconnected, more overwhelmed, or quietly opting out.

The problem? We see the world inside out. We experience life in non-traditional ways.

The Black Dove Movement is a regulation-first practice rooted in awareness, grounding, and curiosity.

• Instead of forcing the body to perform, we learn how to listen and allow.
• Instead of chasing intensity, we build capacity.
• Instead of rigid routines, we explore what can actually work for you in real life.

Through movement, breath, and play we guide you back into relationship with your body. Our work moves through four layers:

• Awareness - noticing sensations, emotions (energy), and patterns
• Regulation - building stability through intention, breath, grounding, and sensory tools
• Expression - exploring how your body wants to move and express
• Integration - creating sustainable and adaptable ways to keep going

Our approach is shaped by a blend of structured fitness education, nervous system understanding, and a background in unconventional movement and play. But more importantly, it’s shaped by the lived experience of navigating neurodivergence and complex trauma in a fast-paced world and learning firsthand that “just push through” was never the answer. Our core mission is non-judgmental, adaptive, and deeply human.

You don’t need to be more disciplined.

You don’t need to be fixed.

You don’t need to fit into a system that wasn’t built for you.

You just need a place to start listening and to reconnect with your body through movement, awareness, and play!

About the Founder

Hi, I’m Nicole, a movement instructor specializing in unconventional, play-based exercise.

I believe movement is at the heart of the human experience. From our very first steps, we’re learning, exploring, and making sense of the world through our bodies.

This work is deeply personal to me. I’ve lived with neurodivergence and complex trauma, and I understand what it’s like to feel disconnected or overwhelmed in your own body.

I bring a diverse, science-backed understanding of the human movement system, alongside lived experience in both physical and emotional regulation practices. Human connection and understanding drives my experience. I want to share that passion and what I have learned, to help others along their journey.