A Survivor’s Perspective: How Breast Cancer Shaped Veronika Patton’s Wellness Mission

A Survivor’s Perspective: How Breast Cancer Shaped Veronika Patton’s Wellness Mission

For Veronika Patton, wellness has always been more than a career; it is a deeply personal mission shaped by experience and perseverance. Her journey into therapeutic yoga and adaptive fitness began with medical training in Israel and later evolved through her own experiences as a breast cancer survivor in the United States. These experiences gave her insight into the physical and emotional challenges of recovery and inspired her to create programs that combine movement, breath, and mindful practices to support healing and overall well-being. Through her company, V Yoga Health LLC, she offers specialized programs that emphasize adaptability, compassion, and evidence-based methods to guide individuals toward strength, resilience, and balance.

At the age of five, her family moved to Israel, where she spent her formative years. Her upbringing instilled discipline, adaptability, and a strong desire to serve others. At seventeen, she immigrated to the United States with her mother and brother, a transition that opened new opportunities for education and professional development. Her early interest in medicine led her to begin formal medical training in Israel in 2000. She completed a paramedic degree and prepared for service in medical units, gaining experience in emergency care that would shape her approach to patient support and wellness.

After settling in the United States, Veronika continued her education in nursing and psychology at Harper College and gained hands-on experience in several medical settings. Over the years, she worked in hospitals and private practices where she supported patients dealing with a wide range of health concerns. These early roles shaped her understanding of patient care and taught her the value of attentive listening and thoughtful guidance during recovery.

Her interest in yoga and wellness grew gradually. In 2014, she completed her first RYT 200 training and later expanded her qualifications to the 500 level. She pursued additional studies in therapeutic movement, nutrition, adaptive fitness, and several specialized yoga disciplines. This blend of clinical knowledge and movement education helped her develop an adaptable teaching approach that supports both physical and emotional well-being.

Beginning in 2014, Veronika taught in various studios and community wellness spaces throughout Northern Illinois. Her classes focused on meeting each student where they were and creating a supportive environment that encouraged steady progress. By 2019, she shifted to independent instruction and began designing programs for people working through injury, chronic conditions, or trauma. Her approach centers on safety, gentle progression, and building confidence through mindful movement.

In 2016, she launched V Yoga Health LLC, offering private and group sessions that combine yoga therapy, rehabilitative techniques, and breath-centered practices. She also introduced a cognitive development program aimed at strengthening skills like memory, learning, and everyday decision-making. This program incorporates interactive exercises and supportive activities to help clients improve focus, self-regulation, and coping strategies. Her own experience with breast cancer continues to influence her work and deepens her understanding of the emotional and physical challenges that accompany the healing process.

Her professional reach extends into early childhood education as well. Since 2020, she has directed early childhood programming at Yachad Kids Academy in Buffalo Grove, where she creates movement-based and developmental activities for young learners. Her background in both healthcare and therapeutic movement helps her design programs that encourage healthy growth and emotional resilience.

Veronika’s multicultural upbringing has played an important role in shaping her outlook. Having lived in Ukraine, Israel, and the United States, she carries an appreciation for cultural nuance and adapts her teaching to suit diverse communities. She comes from a family of creative and entrepreneurial thinkers, whose influence has encouraged her to pursue her work with dedication and curiosity.

In 2024, she published V Yoga Health Teacher Training RYT200 Enhance Your Knowledge of Yoga, a resource for instructors refining their teaching methods and developing a more thoughtful approach to student care. Through her writing and her teaching, Veronika highlights the importance of compassionate support, mindful practice, and steady growth.

She continues to live and work in the Chicago area, expanding her programs and refining her methods. Her career reflects her commitment to holistic wellness and her belief that healing is strengthened through patience, knowledge, and a supportive connection with others.