Today we’d like to introduce you to Kishori (kelly) Skinner

Hi Kishori (kelly), it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I, Kelly Skinner, now known as Kishori Gopi, have walked a diverse path—from the fast-paced world of competitive ski racing to the spiritual and healing realms of bhakti yoga, spiritual teaching, energy healing, and end-of-life care as a doula.

Early Life and Ski Racing:

I grew up with a deep passion for skiing and dedicated much of my early life to becoming a competitive ski racer. The sport required immense physical endurance, mental toughness, and relentless drive. During this time, my life revolved around discipline and the pursuit of physical achievement, and ski racing became a core part of my identity.

Transition to Spirituality:

However, after breaking my femur while racing for a Division I NCAA team in college, I began to feel a deeper calling, one that the competitive sports world couldn’t satisfy. This inner longing led me to explore spiritual practices, eventually discovering the ancient tradition of bhakti yoga. Bhakti yoga, focused on devotion and love for the divine, touched me deeply. After a few years of dedicated practice, my spiritual teacher, Radhanath Swami, gave me the name Kishori Gopi, symbolizing my spiritual rebirth and commitment to this new path. The name Kishori Gopi is representative of a young Radharani (the Goddess) who is eternally loving and dancing with Krishna (God). Those that know me closely, see how apropos this is to my dancing, fluid, playful, devoted nature!

Becoming a Bhakti Yogi and Spiritual Teacher:

I immersed myself in the teachings of bhakti yoga, studying under various spiritual masters and dedicating my life to devotion, service, and teaching. I find joy in sharing the principles of bhakti with others, guiding them on their spiritual journeys through kirtan (devotional singing), mantra meditation, and other practices that cultivate love and devotion.

Energy Healing and Holistic Wellness:

In addition to my role as a spiritual teacher, I developed skills in energy healing, which involves balancing the body’s subtle energies to enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I integrate these healing practices into my teachings, supporting individuals in their overall health and spiritual growth.

End-of-Life Doula Work:

My spiritual journey also led me to become an end-of-life doula. In this role, I offer comfort, guidance, and spiritual support to individuals and their families during the final stages of life. I also provide grief counseling and tools for those navigating loss in various forms. This work reflects my deep compassion and understanding of life’s cyclical nature, and I hold sacred space for those transitioning from this world.

Legacy and Impact:

My journey from competitive ski racing to becoming a bhakti yogi and spiritual healer shows the transformative power of following one’s inner calling. I’ve been fortunate to touch the lives of many through my teachings, healing work, and compassionate care, embodying love, devotion, and service in all I do.

I hope that my story can inspire others who seek a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them, showing that true fulfillment often lies beyond conventional paths and in the pursuit of spiritual truth.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Throughout my journey, I faced struggles that deeply shaped my path. Growing up, I always felt different from those around me but in a way that I couldn’t find words to explain. I often felt misunderstood and, despite knowing I was meant to walk a different path, I still deeply desired acceptance. This internal conflict left me struggling to reconcile my desire for belonging with the undeniable truth that I was meant for something more.

As I embarked on my spiritual journey, I realized I had a pattern of codependency, rooted in my need to please others and gain their approval. Recognizing this was both freeing and painful. I had to confront the fact that my people-pleasing tendencies had held me back in significant ways, including in two long-term, serious relationships. These were incredible men, each offering love and companionship, but deep down, I knew that staying with them would ultimately hinder me from becoming the healer and teacher I was meant to be. Walking away from those relationships was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I knew it was necessary for my growth.

One of the most painful experiences was supporting my best friend and her family as she transitioned from this life due to stage 4 cancer. Being by her side as she left her body unearthed a well of unprocessed grief within my heart. That experience, though heart-wrenching, opened me up to deeper healing and forced me to confront the layers of sorrow I hadn’t even realized I was carrying.
In hindsight, I recognize how incredibly blessed I am, yet it’s important to honor the hardships and loneliness that accompanied my journey. Those moments of discomfort were necessary for my growth and led me to surrender to a Higher Power, which I now know to be Krishna, the God of my understanding. It was through the struggles that I found the courage to fully embrace my path and live my truth.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Now, my service revolves around guiding others—specifically women—toward awakening to Divine love through various spiritual and healing modalities. As a spiritual teacher, yoga asana instructor, master Reiki practitioner, and end-of-life doula, I aim to support women in rediscovering their connection to the divine. Through Bhakti Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, and End-of-Life Doula work, I help them live radiantly and transition gracefully, empowering them to embrace both life and death with grace.

My specialty is working with soul-centered women who desire to heal, elevate their lives, unleash their inner goddess, and deepen their spiritual practice. These women are drawn to a connection with the divine and yearn for the abundant, unconditional love that can be accessed through devotional practice. I’ve developed a unique methodology that integrates yoga philosophy, uncovering limiting beliefs, Reiki energy healing, and grief work, offering a holistic approach to healing and growth.

I firmly believe that our ability to hold and face deep suffering directly correlates to our capacity to love and serve others from our highest potential. Through my guidance, I help others cultivate a spiritual practice that balances the responsibilities of material life with the sacredness of spiritual life.

With a connection to the divine—whether that is Krishna or the God of your understanding—you will realize that you are always being guided by a higher force, one that provides the perfect medicine for your personal growth and awakening. When you align with this divine love and trust in your own divine nature, miracles will naturally unfold in your life.

I offer both group and 1-on-1 programs focused on energetic healing and spiritual development through meditation, yogic philosophy, and Reiki healing. My goal is to help you live your yoga off the mat, share your gifts with the world, and remain deeply committed to your spiritual growth. One of my proudest accomplishments is choosing to live authentically and integrally, never settling, and striving to be a living example of the teachings I share with my students, clients, and everyone I encounter.

What matters most to you? Why?

What matters most to me is living a life that is deeply aligned with my spiritual values, embodying authenticity and integrity in all I do. At the core of my journey is my devotion to Divine love, especially my connection to Krishna, and my dedication to helping others awaken to that same divine love within themselves. My purpose is to serve others through spiritual teaching, healing, and supporting women as they walk their own path of self-discovery and growth.

I value the balance between material life and spiritual practice, and I guide others to find this balance while staying connected to their true nature—unconditional love. I deeply believe that by facing our suffering and embracing vulnerability, we expand our capacity to love and serve others more fully.

Living as an example of my teachings, staying committed to my own growth, and surrendering to the divine are what I hold most sacred. Ultimately, my life is driven by the desire to serve others, helping them heal, grow, and reconnect with the divine, while cultivating a life of purpose, grace, and love.

Pricing:

• N/A

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kishorigopiyoga.com/
• Instagram: @kishorigopiyooga
• Facebook: @kishorigopiyoga
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kellyskinneryoga6209

Image Credits

Lo Storer